Highways in the East San Francisco Bay area fragment habitat, isolate wildlife populations, and create significant risks for animals and drivers from wildlife-vehicle collisions. From pumas, deer and bobcats to listed species like the Alameda whipsnake and California red-legged frog, roadways are deadly to individuals and barriers to their movement. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are estimated to cost nearly $6 million per year in Alameda County alone. To address these challenges, the Alameda County Resource Conservation District with partners at Mark Thomas, Dudek, Caltrans and CDFW are leading “The East Bay Wildlife Connectivity Project” which combines GIS analysis and field surveys with input and support from Tribes, agencies, non-profits and community partners. With funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board, the first major endeavor of The East Bay Wildlife Connectivity Project is to audit available structures and design three new wildlife crossings along major freeways in Alameda County. Together, we are identifying priority locations for new crossings and fencing and preparing for optimal highway permeability in Alameda County. Full implementation will save millions of dollars, reconnect habitats, reduce mortality of threatened and endangered species, help maintain genetic diversity for many species, support climate adaptation and restore more resilient ecosystems in the East Bay.

Courtney Coon is a scientist and conservation practitioner with expertise in wildlife ecology and public health. She grew up in Stockton and on her family’s vineyard and orchard in the Sierra foothills. She earned her PhD studying disease ecology in songbirds, completed postdoctoral research on bovids in South Africa, and received her MPH from UC Berkeley. Since joining the Alameda County Resource Conservation District in 2021, she has advanced projects in wildlife connectivity, wildfire resilience and farmland conservation. Courtney is also the proud mom of two young children which inspires her to create healthier, more connected landscapes for future generations.