Why It Matters: Viewed as the deadliest stretch of Highway 26, the area from Stoney Point to the Wind River Reservation is currently a high priority for both the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). During their May 21, 2024, retreat, the WGFD Commission approved an additional $500,000 in funding for wildlife crossings on Highway 26. Once completed this project is expected to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by 80-90%, highlighting the role that such crossings can play in Wyoming and in other states susceptible to wildlife/vehicle collisions during migration seasons.
Highlights:
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been an outspoken supporter of funding for wildlife crossing projects across the nation.
- The wildlife crossing effort recently approved in Wyoming will fund three new underpasses, one overpass, along with improvements to existing underpass structures.
- Mule deer, elk, moose, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn frequently cross Highway 26 in the project zone as part of their daily movement and during their annual migrations.
On May 21, 2024, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) Commission approved an additional $500,000 investment for the “Wind River to Grand Tetons – Connecting Wildlife on the Togwotee Trail Dubois Project.” Dubbed by some as the deadliest stretch of Highway 26, the area from Stoney Point to the Wind River Reservation is a vital wildlife corridor for migrating herds including mule deer, pronghorn, elk, bighorn sheep, and white-tailed deer. In fact, a study shared during the April 17, 2024 WGFD commission meeting found that wildlife/vehicle collisions accounted for 74% of all roadway incidents between mile posts 48 & 73 on Highway 26.
Within the project area is the Upper Wind River Valley which provides beneficial winter habitat for mule deer herds that often cross the highway daily in search of food and water. In addition, Bighorn sheep can be seen foraging near Red Creek for food and road salt along the edge of Highway 26 during the winter months. The daily presence of wildlife on this stretch of highway costs an estimated $791,400 in property damage, accident response, and value of wildlife lost on an annual basis. While the overall project will have a steep price tag of nearly $29,000,000, it will reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by 80-90%. The project is estimated to pay for itself within 30 years with the new structures expected to last for at least 75 years. Funding through federal grants, state funds, WGFD’s sportsmen’s dollars, and private donations will be utilized to build three new underpasses, one overpass, improve three existing underpasses, and fencing repairs. Granting safe passage for the state’s migrating herds and vehicles.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation recognizes the critical need for wildlife crossings to improve habitat connectivity and reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions. CSF has actively supported funding for projects in 11 Western states and has engaged with partners and WGFD in Wyoming to encourage funding for wildlife crossings. We will continue working with legislators and partners to expand funding that will maintain wildlife habitat connectivity, protect wildlife populations and keep motorists safe.
