From an elevation 6,100’ west of Dotsero to the 14,011’ summit of Mt. of the Holy Cross, Eagle County’s geography is diverse, expansive and seasonally dynamic. Cutting east to west through the middle is Interstate 70, a bustling, noisy corridor of local, regional and long-distance traffic.

Of the 60 miles that the highway bisects the county, over two-thirds are lined on both sides by 8-foot tall wildlife fencing. While the fencing has dramatically reduced vehicle-wildlife collisions, it also severely restricts the free movement of wildlife required to access seasonal habitats, alternate food sources and for sustained propagation.

Along with commercial and residential areas, frontage roads, as well as Gore Creek and the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, the I-70 corridor is a largely impassible barrier for wildlife, with only a handful of mostly inadequate crossing locations.

The EVW project continues to shed light on this challenge to support the creation of new wildlife overpasses and underpasses in key areas.