Morgan, Summit counties and DWR want to study dangerous transportation corridor

Much of the nation’s wildlife and its habitats have been affected by the incursions of many of the nation’s freeways and highways, particularly in rural areas such as much of northern Utah. Now, Morgan County, Summit County, and the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources have jointly applied for a federal grant to study the issue along I-80/84.

“UDWR is concerned about the effects that roads, development, and vegetation change are having on mule deer in this area,” according to the Feb. 2018 Utah Action Plan for Secretarial Order#3362 which directs federal agencies to work closely with state and local governmental entities to improve migration corridors and winter ranges for deer and elk in the western U. S. In this portion of the state, I-80/84 has over 15,000 vehicles per day and is likely a considerable barrier to the movements of big games species. Consequently, the area has hundreds of wildlife-vehicle collisions each year and is one of most the problematic areas in the state.” 

“To address the problem, UDOT has installed wildlife fencing along sections of the I-80/84 corridor to prevent deer and other species from crossing the roadway, but few wildlife crossing structures have been installed to provide connectivity,” it says. “The area also experiences high numbers of vehicle collisions with big game on roadways, particularly in the area around Echo Junction. This area averages over 80 deer picked up annually.”

The three joint applicants hope to qualify for a $186,000 grant to study the transportation corridor between Peterson and Echo Junction.

“DWR wanted to collaborate with jurisdictions and since the route between Peterson and Echo Junction falls within Summit County as well as Morgan County, they reached out to us,” Morgan County Planning Director Josh Cook told the county commission Dec. 5.

The grant requires a 6.75 percent match (about $ 13,860). Morgan and Summit counties have each agreed to put up $3,500; DWR representatives have agreed to cover the rest of the required matching funds.

“The grant itself can't pay for the construction of the infrastructure, but it'll pay for the studies and the plans to prepare for future construction for wildlife crossings and other safety ways to prevent the accidents,” Cook said.

Morgan County will be the main lead on the project, he said.

That evening the county commission approved the $3,500 match and agreed to send a letter of support along with the grant application.λ