Eagle Mountain, Utah, is implementing measures to protect mule deer migration corridors threatened by rapid urban expansion and increased traffic.
Ben Goldfarb reports for High Country News.
In short:
- Eagle Mountain, a rapidly growing city in Utah, faces challenges as urban development encroaches on traditional mule deer migration routes, increasing traffic accidents involving wildlife.
- In response, the city is establishing zoning codes to protect migration corridors and installing wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including fencing and wildlife crossings, to maintain open spaces for the deer.
- The city's efforts aim to balance growth with conservation, serving as a potential model for other Western cities facing similar challenges.
Key quote:
"We’re trying to create something unique, and not just another urbanized development. If we can have an equal amount of land dedicated to outdoor recreation and wildlife, that just seems like a pretty ideal place to live."
— Mayor Tom Westmoreland, Eagle Mountain
Why this matters:
As urban areas expand, preserving wildlife habitats becomes critical to maintaining biodiversity and ecological health. Eagle Mountain's initiatives could offer a roadmap for sustainable urban planning that integrates wildlife conservation.
