Your Support Needed for the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing

The following message is from State Senator Fran Pavley:

Underpass at Liberty Canyon

 "Our urban parklands are bordered by major freeways that make it nearly impossible for mountain lions and other wildlife to cross safely into new territories. Without free movement, our wildlife is threatened with the loss of genetic diversity, territorial disputes, and unfortunately, the dangers of crossing multilane freeways.

In order to address the dangers of urban encroachment, a growing group of advocates, including the National Park Service, Caltrans, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, City of Agoura Hills, National Wildlife Foundation, Santa Monica Mountains Fund and many more, have envisioned a two-phased approach for a wildlife corridor at the 101 in Agoura Hills.

Looking North from Liberty Canyon Underpass

For Phase 1, the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains has submitted an application for a $650,000 grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board to fund wildlife crossing enhancements at the existing 101 and Liberty Canyon under crossing. These enhancements will include vegetation cover, fence removal, and riparian restoration. Click here to view the full project description.

Portion of Underpass to be Enhanced for Wildlife Passage

The grant application for Phase 1 of the wildlife corridor will be considered at the November 20th meeting of the Wildlife Conservation Board. You can support this first phase of wildlife crossing enhancements by submitting a letter of support for the project to Mr. John Donnelly, Executive Director, California Wildlife Conservation Board, 1807 13th Street, Suite 103, Sacramento, CA 95811. Click here to view a draft letter of support for your use. Please submit your letter by November 16, 2014, via mail or email to brian.cary@wildlife.ca.gov and cc kara.seward@sen.ca.gov. If submitting via email only, please note in body of email to ensure the letter is printed and included in the project record.

Your continued support of wildlife crossings in the Santa Monica Mountains is appreciated. Phase 2 of the wildlife crossing will look at options available to create a wildlife crossing to span the 101. Should you have any questions about Phase 1 or 2 of the project, please contact Kara Seward in my District office at (818) 876-3352."

Fran Pavley