Did you realize that Pennsylvania is home to more than 25,000 species of plants and animals, 11 ecoregions, and 86,000 miles of waterways? Pennsylvania is an amazing state for outdoor recreation in all seasons and those outdoor recreation activities are also a key part of our economy. According to the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s Current Status of Conservation Connectivity in Pennsylvania, outdoor recreation’s value-added 1.8 percent to Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, or $16.9 billion.
Even without the economic value that outdoor recreation and natural spaces provide to Pennsylvania’s citizens, I believe we can all agree that these areas are essential to preserve and protect.
Land development in Pennsylvania for business and housing also creates economic benefits for the commonwealth, but it can also have the negative consequence of creating habitat fragmentation for our diverse flora and fauna. This habitat fragmentation, or loss of connectivity between natural areas, cuts species off from movements required to access food, water, mates, and other biologically necessary processes.
Currently, Pennsylvania does not have an official public policy for the development of conservation corridors, which serve to “bridge” or maintain connection between habitats that may be impacted by land development or infrastructure improvement projects. However, many state agencies have their own programs in place and have been implementing conservation connectivity practices. These agencies include the Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Transportation. The Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, and Turnpike Commission also have policies in place to preserve or provide habitat connectivity.
PennDOT has already constructed 35 wildlife crossing underpasses which allow wildlife to move between habitats and keep roadways safer for drivers and animals. The Turnpike Commission has similarly constructed one wildlife crossing underpass and is evaluating the construction of an overpass.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Game Commission collectively own 3.9 million acres of public land in Pennsylvania. This land also presents opportunities for the connection of adjoining habitats, and these agencies work together with other federal and local stakeholders to enhance conservation connectivity. Some of the programs you may be familiar with include the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program, and The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
As concluded in the Current Status of Conservation Connectivity in Pennsylvania study report, there is much more opportunity for Pennsylvania to enhance and collaborate our approach to conservation connectivity. With current programs in place across several agencies and commissions, we are moving in the right direction.
Wildlife crossings are changing the way habitat fragmentation affects our environment. Safe passage alleviates the negative effects of vehicle collisions, land development, and migration limitations. And that is something we can all support.
At Cherry Ridge LLC, we understand how important it is to adapt infrastructure when protecting the surrounding wildlife. Trust us to guide you through a project that promotes habitat connectivity. Contact us now to get started!