The area of I-70 through the Salina Creek Canyon has experienced frequent wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) with elk. Over the last 6 years, at least 116 elk carcasses have been reported. Deer also often get hit here with at least 82 in the past 6 years. Other large animals hit in this area have been bears and mountain lions. Carcass reports are likely an underestimate, depending on the detection probability. A study assessing deer-vehicle collisions in Utah reported the detection rate for carcasses was less than 50% for automobile surveys recording roadkill deer along roadways. (Olson 2013) Therefore, the number of animals hit is likely higher than the carcass reports. A Private landowner at Johnson Mountain Ranch has indicated interest in participating in a crossing project. The area on both sides of the highway contains year-round habitat for Elk. DWR biologist GPSed tracks documenting where elk have crossed the highway. DWR deployed 70 Global Positioning Satellite collars on elk on the Fishlake Lake unit and there are GPS collars on the Manti that will provide valuable information about elk movements in this area. Citation: Olson, Daniel D. Assessing vechicle-related mortality of mule deer in Utah. Utah State University, 2013.

Identify the best methods for I-70 between MP 71 and 91 that will: 1) Increase public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions 2) Reduce wildlife mortality and enable safe wildlife passage 3) Maintain wildlife habitat connectivity

The carcass data shows this area as being a hotspot for wildlife vehicle collisions with over 200 in the last 6 years. The amount of elk hit here is very high (carcass n=116 last six years), where crashes with elk are very dangerous. There are also alot of deer hit, at least 82 carcasses reported in the last 6 years along this stretch. Carcass reports are likely an underestimate, depending on the detection probability. A study assessing deer-vehicle collisions in Utah reported the detection rate for carcasses was less than 50% for automobile surveys recording roadkill deer along roadways. (Olson 2013) DWR has data from Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) collars on at least 55 elk that have used the area within 1 mile of I-70 along this stretch. The data shows very few elk crossing the highway but the majority make movements alongside the highway, where it appears to be acting as a barrier for movement. The collars take location points every few hours, and animations of movement between points show elk moving alongside the highway back and forth on both the Manti and Fishlake side. While collar data does not show much crossing of the highway, it is evident elk try to cross I-70 by tracks observed by the local district biologist and the high amount of roadkill elk. This is not only an issue for wildlife but a public safety concern. Typically elk avoid roads, however they appear to spend a lot of time near I-70 on both sides of the roadway. A study would help prepare DWR and UDOT for grant opportunities to secure funding for highway mitigation options. Wildlife Crossing projects often take a lot of planning and implementation, and costs for materials are pretty expensive. Having a study ready that analyzes the roadkill data, collar movement data, existing structures, crash information and proposes mitigation solutions, mitigation effectiveness and cost estimates would greatly benefit future grant applications. Recently, the Federal Highway Administration ran the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program (WCPP) and contributed funding to multiple projects across the U.S. over the past two years. Utah received funding from the WCPP in 2023 for wildlife crossings, exclusion fencing, and other necessary infrastructure for SR-89 east of Kanab. The Wildlife Crossing Pilot program has announced application deadlines for 2025. DWR and UDOT want to have plans ready and in hand for future upcoming grant opportunities. Other grant funding may become available as partner organizations have been working towards advocating for Wildlife Crossing funding. Completing a study soon, will allow implementation of mitigation solutions as soon as possible, rather than later. A Private landowner at Johnson Mountain Ranch has indicated interest in participating in a crossing project. DWR Law enforcement and Highway Patrol have witnessed horrible car crashes in this area. Observations from DWR personnel are that the carcass numbers are underestimated.

Utilizing collar location information from elk could help in identifying crossing solutions to reduce WVC. The Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan states "Increased knowledge of elk movements can also aid in reducing elk-vehicle collisions. DWR and our partners have worked to identify migration routes and locations where elk are commonly hit on roadways. This information has allowed us to know where to place underpasses and fences to increase elk survival. These studies have also provided data on the types of underpass structures these animals will use (Cramer 2014). Although costly, these efforts are helping to prevent future collisions, increase public safety, and minimize elk mortalities." The State of Utah Resource Management plan specifically identifies an objective of increase mule deer populations in the state and to provide high-quality hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. It asks that government organizations work together to identify and conserve migration corridors in the state. The mission of the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative is "to document, preserve and enhance wildlife movement for species throughout Utah using state-of-the-art tracking and data management technologies, strong collaborative partnerships and compelling outreach." An example of the type of partnerships envisioned by the Initiative includes working with UDOT on wildlife crossing infrastructure UDOT's mission is "Enhance quality of life through transportation." UDWR's mission is "to serve the people of Utah as trustee and guardian of the state's protected wildlife." Under the authority of Utah Code Ann. 72-1-201, and in furtherance of the objectives and goals identified in House Concurrent Resolution 13, Concurrent Resolution Supporting the Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Corridors, adopted in the 2020 General Session, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) enter into this Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") in order to fulfill their respective mission statements and provide long-term guidance in agency interactions and project planning. Fulfilling the objectives identified in this MOU will assist the parties in accomplishing mutually beneficial goals and in serving the citizens of Utah.

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Use existing WVC reports, crash data, big-game collar location data and information, migration corridor mapping and all other relevant information to perform a study to analyze the best methods and future actions that can improve public safety and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

One of the desired outcomes of the study will be to identify the best methods for monitoring for the best management practices identified for project implementation. In the meantime UDOT has hired contractors to remove wildlife carcasses from this section of road. Data is collected by carcass pick up reports and maintained in a database to understand wildlife-vehicle collisions hotspots. These data will be used to assess the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, and the locations of collision prior to and following a study and future project construction. Monitoring will help identify if improvements need to be made to increase success of the proposed project actions as new information becomes available.

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and DWR have been collaborating with the intent of providing for a safe, efficient, and ecologically sustainable transportation system while also stewarding Utah's wildlife resources. Even prior to an MOU being established in 2020, Region 4 of UDOT and the DWR's southern region previously worked together on many projects to increase public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, enable safe wildlife passage, and maintain wildlife habitat connectivity. This study will give UDOT and DWR the plans to collaborate and implement a project together to reduce WVCs.

Once the study has identified the best management actions to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions then project planning, funding and construction will begin. The study will greatly help for grant applications. Monitoring will be completed to determine the study's proposed actions' effectiveness and improvements will be made to increase success as new information becomes available.

This project will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area reducing wildlife mortality, and therefore increasing survival for elk and mule deer. The unit is managed for a population of healthy animals capable of providing a broad range of recreational opportunities, including hunting and viewing.