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Construction on what will be the world's largest wildlife crossing has hit a new milestone in California
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It comes as the project faces criticism from some who say the years-long effort may not be necessary and could even pose potential risks
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This week, crews placed the first layers of soil on the Wallace-Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 freeway in Agora Hills
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The project's development began on Earth Day 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2026
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at which point it will be a nearly one-acre habitat stretching across 10 lanes of traffic
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Funded through a mix of state and private donations, this $92 million initiative promises to support a number of native species
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including mountain lions, deer, bobcats, birds, and monarch butterflies. Conservationists say the crossing will help combat human-caused habitat fragmentation
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revitalize declining animal populations, and prevent wildlife from being killed on highways
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However, some residents of the area argue this project is too expensive
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and have raised concerns about a possible increase in potentially dangerous interactions between humans and some animals
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Locals have called the crossing a huge waste of money, saying funds would have been better spent on public safety improvements
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such as reducing traffic accidents or addressing homelessness. Others are alarmed it could cause a spike in mountain lion attacks
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especially with the bridge's proximity to three schools in the area. Looking ahead with soil placement now underway at the Wallace-Anenberg Wildlife Crossing
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the next phase of the project will begin in May, when approximately 5,000 native plants will be introduced
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Later stages will involve connecting the bridge to adjacent hillsides and building a tunnel under Agora Road to further integrate this natural corridor into the surrounding landscape
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Jack Elmer
