The US Highway 93 North (US 93 North) reconstruction project on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana represents one of the most extensive wildlife-sensitive highway design efforts to date in North America. The reconstruction of the 56 mile (90 km) long road section included the installation of wildlife crossing structures at 39 locations and approximately 8.71 miles (14.01 km) of road with wildlife exclusion fences on both sides.  WTI and partner agencies conducted cross-disciplinary research that focused on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures on human safety and habitat connectivity for wildlife and spans a pre-construction as well as a post-construction period. The research included new findings with regard to the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in reducing collisions with wild large mammals and providing safe crossing opportunities for wildlife.

The primary goal of this project is to conduct advanced BACI (Before-After-Control-Impact) analyses for the crash and carcass data collected from wildlife fencing and wildlife crossing structure research on U.S. 93. In addition, the project will expand dissemination of research on these topics through updated website and outreach materials, and submission of an article to an international peer-reviewed journal on the effectiveness of wildlife fencing in reducing collisions with large wild mammals. The primary benefit will be to expand awareness of the benefits of these mitigation measures among researchers, practitioners, policymakers and the public.