PENNSYLVANIA, April 13 - incidence of wildlife-vehicle collisions, which cost the

Commonwealth millions in insurance damages and countless human

lives; and

WHEREAS, Ensuring the safety of Pennsylvania highways is

critical and identifying areas for safe wildlife crossings of

transit highways can significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle

collisions; and

WHEREAS, It is recognized as a public good that habitat

connectivity for wildlife be maintained and expanded, as

connectivity between wildlife habitats is important to the long-

term viability of this Commonwealth's biodiversity; and

WHEREAS, The ecological benefits of habitat connectivity have

been measured and greater species richness, including increased

species populations and wider dispersal of animals and plants,

and the creation of high-quality habitat strongholds for

wildlife which can lead to more genetically diverse and robust

populations; and

WHEREAS, Habitat connectivity can be fostered by conservation

corridors; and

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Commonwealth to encourage,

wherever feasible and practical, voluntary steps to protect the

functioning of conservation corridors through various means; and

WHEREAS, Increasingly, fragmented habitats threaten this

Commonwealth's plant and wildlife species; and

WHEREAS, Understanding of this Commonwealth's habitat

connectivity status and potential would benefit from

consideration of all relevant data, including from Federal and

State agencies and surrounding states, nonprofit organizations,

universities and private landowners; and

WHEREAS, Conservation corridors in Pennsylvania are managed

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