Wildlife

Wildlife research contributes to the protection of fish, wildlife, and habitat resources during the operation of the state transportation system.

During planning and project scoping, WSDOT considers wildlife and habitat resources as part of a transportation project’s context. This includes identifying opportunities to increase habitat connectivity and/or reduce collisions between wildlife and vehicles along state highways.

See Environmental Manual Chapter 200 and Chapter 436 for agency policies on wildlife habitat protection and connectivity.

During planning, use the guidance on our Environmental guidance for planning studies webpage to document, analyze, and propose practical solutions for improving habitat connectivity in WSDOT planning studies. 

During project scoping for fish passage projects, use WSDOT’s 2020 I4 Scoping Instructions to identify opportunities to address wildlife habitat connectivity needs.

Contact Glen Kalisz, Glen.Kalisz@wsdot.wa.gov, if you are considering a project that may provide improved wildlife habitat connectivity.

166,800 electric vehicle

registrations in Washington in 2023, up from 114,600 in 2022.

87 wetland compensation sites

actively monitored on 918 acres in 2023.

25,000 safe animal crossings

in the Snoqualmie Pass East Project area since 2014.