Friend of the forest, We need your voice to make a difference for the safety of Virginia wildlife and drivers! The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has proposed a project to widen Interstate 81 between exits 143 and 150 in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties. While the widening of I-81 will benefit the area by reducing traffic congestion, the additional lanes can decrease wildlife crossing ability and potentially increase the amount of time animals spend within the road, thereby increasing wildlife-vehicle conflict. The good news is that you can help shape the outcome of this project by sharing your thoughts and concerns through public comments. By participating in this process, you can advocate for the inclusion of wildlife crossings and vehicle-conflict mitigation measures to protect our region's diverse wildlife. How You Can Get Involved: - Attend the Public Meeting: Join the VDOT public meeting where you can learn more about the project and voice your concerns. Your presence at the meeting is vital to demonstrate community interest in wildlife crossings.
- Date: September 19, 2023
- Time: 5pm - 7pm EST
- Location: 1435 Roanoke Road, Daleville VA 24083
- Write Comments: Even if you can't attend the meeting, you can still make a difference by submitting written comments online or by mail until September 29th, 2023.
Key Points to Include in Your Comments: - Express your support for wildlife crossings and habitat preservation:
- Simply asking if wildlife-vehicle conflict mitigation has been considered is helpful!
- Highlight the benefits of wildlife crossings for both animals and motorists.
- Share any personal stories or experiences related to wildlife in the area - especially if you live in the area and use I-81 often!
- Encourage VDOT to prioritize the protection of our natural environment.
Your input matters, and your involvement can help safeguard our local environment and protect drivers for generations to come. Together, we can make a positive impact on the I-81 widening project. If you want more information on other I-81 Corridor Improvement Program projects, visit www.improve81.org Visit the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative site for other resources highlighting the benefits of wildlife crossings and tools illustrating I-81 wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots to bolster your comments. P.S. Share this email with friends and family who care about wildlife and the environment! P.S.S. Donate to keep announcements like these possible! |
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