An essential operational goal for the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) project is the use of zero emission trains operating on 100% renewable energy, between San Francisco to Los Angeles within 3-hours. The HSR Authority recognizes that the unintended impacts associated with project must be addressed in parallel with construction and operational goals. Consequently, wildlife crossings have been incorporated into the HSR project design. This presentation highlights results of a pilot project to inform full implementation of the HSR Wildlife Crossing Monitoring Plan (Plan) designed to better understand how San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) and other terrestrial wildlife species interact with 338 dedicated wildlife crossing structures installed within 15 different habitat types between Fresno and Bakersfield to avoid habitat fragmentation. We installed a total of 24 cameras: six cameras (three on each side of the crossing structure) at four locations. In order to assess the effectiveness of different camera models, and the number of cameras needed to meet the goals of the Plan, we tested four brands of candidate cameras and software programs. We include an assessment of AI-assisted wildlife photo processing with Megadetector and YOLOv8 GUI using the AddaxAI open-source application.

Frank Meraz is an Environmental Program Manager with the California High-Speed Rail Authority with over 20 years’ experience in environmental analysis related to transportation infrastructure. Frank oversees and implements environmental planning, construction compliance, permit acquisition and implementation as well as mitigation associated with construction of the High-Speed Train Project. Dr. Brian Boroski is a vice president, principal, and leads operations for H. T. Harvey & Associates San Joaquin Valley office. He has more than 30 years of experience as a wildlife ecologist with an extensive history of working on projects involving endangered species, permitting, and permit compliance in many arenas.