Pennsylvania is home to many amazing native species. Pennsylvania is home to amazing wildlife, including bobcats, black bears, elk, and songbirds that migrate north and south each year. We also are home to one the largest national parks. State park systemsA thriving outdoor recreation industry. However, the loss of critical habitat for native species is increasing every year due to our roads, energy infrastructure, and other development. This makes it more difficult for wildlife to forage, mate, and migrate.
Wildlife corridors are a commonsense solution that can help both wildlife populations and drivers in Pennsylvania. There are many ways to connect critical habitats. These include overpasses and underpasses that allow deer and elk to cross highways safely, some woodland to allow black bears or badgers to move between farm fields, a wetland strip connecting parking lots to connect box turtles ponds, and milkweed along a highway that feeds the monarch butterfly during its famous migration. These corridors can support critical migration patterns and increase ecological diversity in wild places. Wildlife corridors can improve the quality and life of all inhabitants of the commonwealth, including ours.
Pennsylvania is also a leader in vehicle collisions involving deer and other wildlife. Pennsylvania is consistently ranked among the top five states for animal-vehicle collisions. Bucks County ranks thirdThere are many counties in Pennsylvania that have deer-related accidents. These crashes can be dangerous and deadly. PennDOT data has shown a sharp rise in the number of fatalities in recent decades. To keep deer from our roads and cars, we can strategically use corridors and fencing.
Wildlife corridors are a way to prevent unfortunate accidents, and keep the natural heritage that we all love intact. We are fortunate in Bucks County to have plenty of green space. From the Delaware Canal Trail with streams like the Delaware Canal Trail to the Core Creek state parks, to Nockamixon State Park, we still have plenty of it. PoquessingThe Neshaminy creeks provide habitat for many animals as well as recreation and respite for people. In a suburban setting, it is vital to provide safe passage for wildlife.
Protecting and connecting key habitats can help to strengthen hunting populations, such as turkey and grouse, and also protect endangered species like the. Black-crowned Night HeronIt is a sought-after birder and hiker. This isn’t just a matter for fun and games. Pennsylvania’s second largest economic sector is responsible for creating $13 billion in revenue for 2019 alone.
Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity right now to invest in wildlife routes. Federal grant money is available for wildlife corridors. Only states will be eligible for this money If they can prove that they have done a study about how to best use it. We will not be able to take advantage of this chance and leave money on the table.
It is now that our state leaders are responsible for protecting the wildlife corridors of the commonwealth and the people who depend on them.
The Poquessing Watershed Association President is Donna Smith-Remick. The Poquessing Watershed covers parts of Northeast Philadelphia and Bensalem as well as Lower Moreland, Lower Southampton, and a small part of Upper Southampton. Cailey Underhill works as a Field Organizer for PennEnvironment. This grassroots environmental advocacy group is based in Philadelphia.