Let’s make our roads safer for wildlife and motorists!
SUPPORT: Wildlife – Protections and Highway Crossings – SB 635/ HB 731
SB 635/HB 731 Establishes the Wildlife Connectivity Fund: Lays the groundwork for efforts to design and build wildlife crossings, map habitats, and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Fund can receive money from gifts, donations, grants, and, when available, state budget appropriations.
Leverages Federal Funding: Aligns state efforts with federal programs to secure funding and maximize state investment impact.
Promotes Sustainable Growth: Requires counties and municipalities to consider wildlife movement and habitat connectivity when developing comprehensive land use plans and provides them with up-to-date information on state connectivity plans.
Ensures Effective Outcomes: Requires performance metrics and measurable outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of wildlife crossing infrastructure.
Enhances Public Awareness: Prioritizes education and outreach about wildlife collisions and the importance of habitat connectivity.
In Maryland, nearly 33,000 deer- vehicle collisions occur annually. Animals are moving and shifting their migration patterns as they adapt to climate change. Research and technology have made it possible to target the best places for wildlife crossings so that they can most effectively benefit wildlife and motorists. This bill creates a mechanism to coordinate efforts between the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Department of Natural Resources, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to protect Maryland’s wildlife and drivers.
Maryland’s wildlife and motorists are counting on us!
Please contact your legislators and ask them to SUPPORT SB 635/HB 731!
Thank you again for being an advocate for Maryland’s animals. Remember, Maryland Votes for Animals, Inc. can only succeed with the help of animal advocates like you. Please consider making a donation to Maryland Votes for Animals at voteanimals.org/donate now, so we can continue fighting for Maryland animals.
With compassion,
Maryland Votes for Animals, Inc.