From Concrete to Creation: The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Project in California’s Santa Monica Mountains

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project in Los Angeles County, California is a 64-meter-long bridge that aims to address the issue of animal-human conflict. Over one million collisions between wild animals and vehicles occur in the United States each year, resulting in 200 deaths and 26,000 injuries for drivers and passengers. This ambitious project aims to provide a safe passage for various animals to move between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills in the Santa Susana range.

The $92 million project is a collaboration between multiple entities including Caltrans, the National Park Service, and the National Wildlife Federation. Construction began on Earth Day two years ago and recently reached a significant milestone with the placement of the first bridge section above the highway. The overpass will span over 8 lanes of traffic and will eventually be filled with vegetation, including over a million native plants, to attract wildlife. Additionally, trees will be planted on nearly 5 hectares on both sides of the overpass to create a natural habitat for animals.

The main focus of the project is to improve the lives of mountain lions, who face challenges due to freeways in Los Angeles limiting their movement and leading to inbreeding in some areas. Mountain lions need large territories to thrive but are confined in smaller areas due to urban expansion. The story of P-22, a famous mountain lion who roamed Griffith Park in Los Angeles, has highlighted the struggles faced by these animals. P-22’s tragic end has inspired efforts to create safe passages for wildlife like this project.

In addition to benefiting wildlife, this project aims to improve road safety for drivers and passengers by reducing the risk of collisions with animals. With its completion in 2025, it is hoped that a significant impact will be made in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of endangered species like mountain lions.

This ambitious project showcases how collaboration between multiple entities can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both wildlife and humans alike.