I-90 coyote trail to success
A lot of our success is measured by dry forest acres restored, better wildlife management policies passed, and, well, sometimes simply successful phone calls. Maybe not thrilling Friday blog material, but of course important. Today, however, our success is measured by a coyote. And not so much by the coyote, really, as where it went for a walk.
Something as simple as tracks in the snow speaks volumes to the potential connections on the landscape when transportation is planned thoughtfully. When this underpass is done, wildlife have a way to cross safely. (Photo: Brian Booth, CCWMP 2012)
A lot of our success is measured by dry forest acres restored, better wildlife management policies passed, and sometimes just successful meetings. Maybe not thrilling Friday blog material, but of course important to connecting wild habitat.
Today, however, our success is measured by a coyote.
And not so much by the coyote, really, as where it went for a walk.
Our volunteer Brian was near Gold Creek, tracking critters where the state is currently building an underpass that will give wildlife safe crossing under the newly expanded I-90. Our winter tracking program trains volunteers like Brian to collect wildlife data in this important link between the North and Central Cascades.
While investigating his study area, Brian noted signs and tracks from mule deer, coyote, and bobcat traveling in various directions. He found tracks from a beaver dragging a willow tree towards a pond, too. A good showing as far as a day in the field is concerned.
Then he followed a long coyote track cutting through new snow in open areas. In its travels, the canid meandered near the highway and then crossed a frozen pond. And here is where its trip got exciting: the coyote then ambled straight through the partially completed I-90 wildlife underpass. Brian noted this in his report as the "most significant find of the day." We'd say so, too.
What a success that the I-90 crossings aren't yet complete, and already wildlife are using them!
The underpass isn't complete on both sides of the highway, so the coyote had to then cross the west-bound lanes. Brian's expert tracking skills told the tale from there,
Although the photos show the danger and risk of crossing the highway, the discovery of the tracks was exciting, as it documented an animal intentionally diverting its route to use the new underpass... The coyote accelerated to a gallop just prior to entering the underpass, which indicated to me it was familiar with using the underpass, as a burst of speed is needed to ascend the earth berm, jump into the roadway and leap over the New Jersey barriers.
Tracks do tell great tales!
The next trail could be over, not under
We're optimistic that the next crossing structure--Washington's first ever wildlife bridge--will see such an early success as well. This past week Governor Gregoire included funding for the wildlife overpass in her transportation plan, in what could be seen as a resounding recommendation for legislators to connect wildlife habitat in the Cascades.
I wonder what critter will be the first to test that new bridge out?
Thrilling wildlife tales!