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.

Slow down – lives are on the line. 

In 2023, speeding continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.

Even one life lost is too many.

Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.

It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.

95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.