Mission

View the proposed wildlife crossings along Interstate 5 with Conservation Northwest, the Cehalis Tribe, the Chronicle, and the Washington State DOT.

From the air, the contrast between intact wildlife habitat and the stream of traffic on this busy highway was unmistakable. The I-5 corridor cuts through one of the most ecologically rich regions of the Pacific Northwest, creating a dangerous barrier that fragments critical movement corridors between the Cascades and the Olympics. These bottlenecks put countless species - from elk and black bear to cougar and western gray squirrel - at risk, while also endangering motorists.

Supporting the long-overdue effort to construct wildlife crossings, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and conserve land for wildlife corridors is vital. Studies have shown that well-designed crossings can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80–90%, creating safer conditions for both wildlife and people. Animals need the freedom to move, adapt, and access climate refugia. Without immediate action, isolated wildlife populations on either side of I-5 will face reduced genetic diversity, weaker resilience, and greater threats of decline.

The good news is, momentum is building. A broad coalition - including Tribal scientists, state and federal agencies, conservation groups, and community leaders - is working to ensure that these projects are “shovel-ready” and eligible for critical government funding. Your voice and support can help restore safe passage across I-5 and keep Washington’s iconic species thriving for generations to come.

Photos from the flights.