Safe Passage

The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project

safe passage

Creating Safe Passage, featured in Blue Ridge Outdoors

By Holly Kays

Photo by Michele Sons.

Extensive efforts to add highway wildlife crossings near the Smokies aim to protect animals and people

Editor’s Note: This story was published in the October issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors before Hurricane Helene devastated portions of western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Due to extensive flood damage on Interstates 40 and 26, the Safe Passage Fund Coalition is adapting its ongoing work to include assessing the affects of the storm to recently installed crossing improvements and working to collaborate with environmental and government partners to prioritize animal and human safety as these highways are being repaired and rebuilt.

By 10 p.m., interstate 40 was dark and deserted as North Carolina State Representative Sarah Crawford and her husband Dan cruised east past Morganton, N.C. They were eager to reach their hotel for some rest between the wedding they’d just attended and the comedy show and baseball game planned for the next day. 

Then the car stopped “like we had hit a brick wall,” said Sarah Crawford, a Wake County representative in the North Carolina General Assembly. 

In fact, they’d hit a 200-pound bear. Every air bag deployed, the front fender crumpled, and the car was left motionless in the dark—on a road where most people drive 70 miles per hour or more. Though the couple managed to escape mostly unscathed, the car was totaled, and the bear was dead.

It was a “pretty scary incident” that sent Crawford “down a rabbit hole” searching for information about how to make roads safer for both human travelers and native wildlife. That journey led her directly to the Safe Passage coalition, a group of people and organizations that has been working since 2017 to make wildlife crossings safer not only in its focus area of the Pigeon River Gorge, but also in hotspots across North Carolina and Tennessee. 

“We at Safe Passage often use the tagline, ‘what’s good for wildlife is good for people,’” said Tim Gestwicki, the coalition’s steering committee chair and CEO of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “And clearly, if they run into a large animal, the danger is there for people too. So it’s a perfect nexus of people and wildlife safety.”

Photo courtesy of NPCA/Wildlands Network.

Over the years, Safe Passage has become an increasingly organized collaborative of dedicated partners involved in everything from transportation planning to educational outreach and lobbying efforts—work that is predicated on foundational research it conducted starting in 2018. Coalition partners Wildlands Network and National Parks Conservation Association hired researchers Liz Hillard and Steve Goodman to tackle the project, and the pair placed 120 cameras along the 28-mile Pigeon River Gorge corridor. This stretch of Interstate 40 straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee line, bisecting a rugged landscape that falls mostly within either the Pisgah National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

View the full Blue Ridge Outdoors feature here.

NC Residents: Urgent action is needed for wildlife!

The North Carolina General Assembly opens this week, and the Safe Passage Coalition is asking legislators to set aside funds for wildlife crossings across the state. 

We need your help!

North Carolina residents, please contact your representatives today and urge them to support $10 million for targeted funding for wildlife crossings in the state budget this year. A sample below can aid in messaging. 

If you don’t know who your N.C. representatives are or how to reach them, please visit ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators.

Read on for more details on this effort. 

Thank you for speaking up for wildlife! 

— Your friends at Safe Passage Coalition 

FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

Dear Representative/Senator ______,

I am a constituent of yours from [CITY], North Carolina, and I am urging you to support $10 million in targeted state funding for wildlife crossings. Wildlife and motorists across our state need added protections on roadways; according to State Farm, North Carolina is a high-risk state for animal-vehicle collisions, coming in at 16th in the nation. Estimates show that these collisions cost N.C. a total of $400-$500 million per year.

Wildlife crossings can take various forms based on location, from simple fencing around underpasses and culverts to overpasses spanning the roadway. Properly designed wildlife crossings pay for themselves in costs saved for emergency and medical assistance, property damage, and value of animals lost.

Please support targeted state funding to improve motorist safety, reduce collision costs, and protect valued natural resources.

Thank you, 

[YOUR NAME]

COPY SAMPLE TEXT TO AN EMAIL*

*When using the email template from this link, remember to add in your representative’s email address and name, as well as your own town or city. 
Click here to find your legislator’s contact information.

Why support funding for wildlife crossings in North Carolina?

NC Fact Sheet 2024Download

Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: UT researcher Kristin Botzet contributes valuable data to bear movements in Pigeon River Gorge

By Kimberly Smith
EBCI Citizen, Southern Appalachian Representative for The Wilderness Society and Safe Passage Outreach Committee member

In March, we celebrated Women’s Herstory Month and recognized the invaluable contributions of women in the field of science and conservation. As a member of the Safe Passage Outreach Committee and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK), I am excited to shine the spotlight on a remarkable woman, Kristin Botzet, a UTK MS candidate, whose groundbreaking research is shaping the future of wildlife conservation in the Safe Passage I-40 Pigeon River Gorge project area and throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

As we know, the Pigeon River Gorge is a critical corridor for wildlife and human movement. Here, Kristin and her team researched bear movement patterns. “While conducting my graduate research assessing the movements and outcomes of relocated black bears, I observed a remarkable occurrence,” she said. “One of the bears managed to navigate across I-40 an astounding seven times in a single month. Anyone familiar with the area, and that route knows what a feat that is; many bears don’t share that kind of luck.” Their findings are not only shedding light on the behavior of these iconic creatures but also informing conservation efforts to protect their habitat.

Beyond research, Kristin is passionate about engaging local communities and raising awareness about wildlife conservation. She gives presentations on bear biology and wildlife career opportunities to school groups at the Tremont Institute in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through outreach activities and educational programs, she aims to inspire a new generation of conservationists. Safe Passage’s collaboration with grassroots organizations and Indigenous communities further amplifies their impact, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. By being stewards of the land, we become the voices for those without words, the advocates for ancient trails, animals, plants and waters. Safe passage isn’t just about roads for two-legged; it’s about access for all, ensuring all creatures on this land and in these waters can journey unimpeded, that their habitats are intact, and their futures intertwine with ours.

Adult bears that become accustomed to foraging for human food or garbage may grow bold or persistent, prompting park rangers to capture and relocate them outside the park, hoping to help mitigate any potential human–bear conflicts. 

But what happens to bears after they are relocated? 

Recently, a research team from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (including graduate student lead researcher Kristin Botzet) set out to answer that very question — and they found that these bears often die within a few months of being moved. Many are struck by vehicles while attempting to cross roadways, including I-40, as they try to make their way back to the park.

University of Tennessee researcher and graduate student Kristin Botzet with an immobilized 393-pound male black bear, known as UT11 in the study.

Kristin’s journey into wildlife research is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Inspired by her childhood love for the outdoors, she embarked on a quest to explore her curiosity of animal movement patterns. “I have always been intrigued by the natural world, but in ways beyond thinking animals were cute and cuddly,” she said. “My childhood was devoured by endless hours playing ‘Zoo Tycoon’ and studying my grandpa’s animal encyclopedia. I even repeatedly rented the same ‘Really Wild Animals’ VHS tapes.” From her early days exploring nature to her current role as a M.S. candidate, Kristin has overcome challenges and blazed a trail for women in science. “Today, my 8-year-old self would be very proud. She answered the famous ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’ question in my third grade yearbook with ‘wildlife biologist,’ and here I am.”

As Kristin continues her research journey, her vision for the future is clear: to bridge the gap between science and advocacy. “I hope that my work inspires not only women but anyone who has a spark of interest in the field of natural resources and ecology,” she said. “The field of wildlife research is small, but critical, especially today. We need more people willing to contribute to meaningful change, and frankly, it’s a career path often overlooked because it really isn’t talked about in our primary education system.” With Safe Passage’s support, she hopes to translate her findings into actionable solutions, advocating for wildlife conservation at the local, state, and national levels. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for wildlife and humanity alike.

North Carolina General Assembly appropriates $2 million for wildlife crossings 

Safe Passage Fund Coalition is grateful for investment in Haywood County

RALEIGH, N.C. — In honor of Road Safety Week, the Safe Passage Fund Coalition applauds the North Carolina General Assembly for appropriating $2 million in funding for infrastructure to help reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions across the state. This infrastructure—which includes overpasses, underpasses and fencing along roads and highways—is critical in increasing safety along roadways for wildlife and humans alike.

“We are so grateful that the North Carolina General Assembly has prioritized funding to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions on Interstate 40 near the Smokies in Haywood County,” said Jeff Hunter, Southern Appalachian director of National Parks Conservation Association, a Safe Passage Fund Coalition member. “This is a win-win for wildlife and the motoring public. We are hopeful that this investment will help leverage federal dollars to address this issue statewide.” 

The N.C. Department of Transportation reports that the new funding in the budget will allow it to address three of the 13 Interstate 40 projects recommended by the Safe Passage Fund Coalition. Combined with the five projects that are already funded, this would bring the projects to a total of eight of the 13 recommended.

NCDOT plans to use the majority of the $2 million from this budget for additional wildlife fencing, planning, and the construction of a mitigation project at Hurricane Creek. The remaining funds will be used to develop estimates and feasibility plans for two potential wildlife overpasses, one bridge replacement, and two culvert replacements.

“NCDOT is excited to receive this funding and to continue the development and delivery of these important projects for Haywood County and western NC,” said Wanda Payne, NCDOT Division 14 engineer.

A sign at the exit ramp for Harmon Den on Interstate 40 in Haywood County alerts drivers to be aware of the new wildlife guard, which was installed as part of the 2022 bridge reconstruction. The wildlife guard discourages large animal species from approaching the interstate to cross. Photo by Elly Wells, courtesy of the Safe Passage Fund Coalition

“North Carolina’s funding to support wildlife safe passage across roads will help provide habitat connectivity essential for the persistence of healthy wildlife populations, especially in the face of environmental changes that are increasingly transforming and fragmenting the landscape,” said Ben Prater, Safe Passage steering committee member and Southeast program director at Defenders of Wildlife, a member of the coalition. 

NCDOT finished installing wildlife accommodations around the Harmon Den exit that include animal crossings on both sides of Cold Springs Creek, ungulate guards at all four ramps, and wildlife fencing around the interchange.

“Protecting wildlife from roadway collisions is critical for our infrastructure, the safety of motorists, natural ecosystems, and maintaining a positive image for North Carolina,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of North Carolina Wildlife Federation and chair of the Safe Passage Fund Coalition’s steering committee. “We are glad to see bipartisan support for this critically important work in our state.”

North Carolina House includes $5 million for wildlife crossings in 2023/2024 budget

Safe Passage Fund Coalition encourages state senate to appropriate full amount

The Safe Passage Fund Coalition applauds the North Carolina House of Representatives for appropriating $5 million in funding for infrastructure to help reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions across the state. This infrastructure — which includes overpasses, underpasses and fencing along roads and highways — is critical in increasing safety along roadways for wildlife and humans alike. 

“We are so grateful that the House has prioritized funding to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions on Interstate 40 near the Smokies and elsewhere around North Carolina,” said Jeff Hunter, Southern Appalachian director of National Parks Conservation Association, a Safe Passage Fund Coalition member. “This is a win-win for wildlife and the motoring public. We encourage the Senate to appropriate $5 million in their budget to help leverage federal dollars to address this issue statewide.” 

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, 20,331 wildlife–vehicle collisions were reported across the state in 2019, and 18,607 such collisions were reported in 2020 — a decrease the NCDOT largely attributes to reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 release from the department additionally estimated that 7% of all reported vehicle crashes in the state involve animal strikes, with almost half occurring in the twilight hours or at night, between October and December. 

Safe Passage urges our North Carolina supporters to contact their state senator today to encourage them to request $5 million in the budget for wildlife crossings.

CONTACT YOUR SENATOR

“North Carolina’s funding to support wildlife safe passage across roads will help provide habitat connectivity essential for the persistence of healthy North Carolina wildlife populations, especially in the face of environmental changes that are increasingly transforming and fragmenting landscapes,” said Liz Hillard, Safe Passage co-research lead and senior wildlife biologist at Wildlands Network, a member of the coalition.  

All appropriated funds will help leverage unprecedented federal resources and could help complete projects currently underway. In the Pigeon River Gorge, one such project, along I-40 at Exit 7 near Harmon Den, has seen progress recently with the installation of wildlife benches and cattle guards to deter wildlife from making dangerous crossings into traffic. But critically important fencing to funnel wildlife under the highway has not yet been installed due to lack of funding.

Earlier this year, members of the Safe Passage Fund Coalition issued an action alert to their supporters to urge N.C. Governor Roy Cooper to allocate funding to protect wildlife from roadway collisions, citing President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $350 million for wildlife crossing construction over and under roadways. 

“Protecting wildlife from roadway collisions is critical for infrastructure, the safety of motorists, natural ecosystems, and maintaining a positive image for North Carolina,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of North Carolina Wildlife Federation and chair of Safe Passage Fund Coalition’s Steering Committee. “As roadway construction creates new barriers to long-established wildlife corridors, inevitably animals are increasingly encountering humans and their vehicles. These encounters result in animal and human injuries and fatalities, as well as increased costs for motorists and insurers, and litter our highways with decaying carcasses. Safe Passage Fund Coalition members encourage, and in fact urge North Carolina to join other states across the country to take proactive steps to reduce these wildlife–vehicle collisions.”

Documentary produced by Wildlands Network, NPCA to be featured at Boone Docs film fest

“The Search for Safe Passage,” a short film produced by Wildlands Network and National Parks Conservation Association, is set to make its big screen debut at the Boone Docs Film Festival, held in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday, Feb. 25. The film, which features interviews with Safe Passage Fund Coalition members Dr. Liz Hillard of Wildlands Network and Jeff Hunter of NCPA, highlights the organizations’ work and research in the Pigeon River Gorge over the last several years.

Organized by the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, Boone Docs showcases short-form documentary films that celebrate life in and around Appalachia. Each of the selected documentaries range from four to 24 minutes in duration, with “The Search for Safe Passage” coming in at 8 minutes in length.

A synopsis for “The Search for Safe Passage” describes the highway through the Pigeon River Gorge as “treacherous” for those “on four wheels or four legs” alike. “Here, Interstate 40 winds through the steep, forested terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains, allowing cars to drive east to west but preventing wildlife from moving north to south,” the description continues.

The film’s screening at the festival will be followed by a short Q&A session with Hunter, the Southern Appalachian director of National Parks Conservation Association, and Hillard, senior wildlife biologist at Wildlands Network.

Boone Docs Film Festival will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 West King St., Boone, North Carolina.

To watch “The Search for Safe Passage,” click here.