US 101 Gaviota Pass Wildlife Connectivity Study

 

Study Description

The study will analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife movements and roadkill occurrences along U.S. 101 through the study area using systematic camera monitoring and roadkill surveys, along with assessments of existing infrastructure and surrounding land use.

The study's approach will be consistent with other wildlife habitat connectivity studies and will help to determine how animals are using the landscape.

The stakeholder outreach group will be community based and will focus on implementing the technical study recommendations. This stakeholder group will include a diverse representation from nearby property owners, the Gaviota Coast Conservancy, Coastal Ranches Conservancy, California State Parks, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Coastal Commission, Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, and both the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation.

 

 

 

Study Benefits

Purpose

The purpose of the project is to provide a robust wildlife habitat connectivity assessment within the Gaviota Pass corridor. The project would also generate recommendations for approaches and/or opportunities to enhance safe wildlife passage in the corridor and reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Need

The project is needed to identify potential problem areas and locations where wildlife are successfully crossing under the highway.

 

Estimated Funding Breakdown

 

Partnerships

• Gaviota Coast Conservancy
• Coastal Ranches Conservancy
• California State Parks
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Coastal Commission
• Santa Barbara County
• Santa Barbara County Association of Governments
• Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
• Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation
• Vista Del Mar Union School District
• Los Padres Forest Watch
• California Highway Patrol

 

Proposed Study Schedule

 

Study Contact

Mitch Dallas, Senior Environmental Planner
Phone:  (805) 748-7004
Email:  mitch.dallas@dot.ca.gov

District 5 Public Information Office
Phone: (805) 549-3237
Email:  info-d5@dot.ca.gov

 

Documents

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• Fact Sheet
• December 2, 2021 Presentation Material

 

Title VI Information

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) assures that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).

Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether they are federally funded or not, and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin. In addition, Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner.

• Title VI Brochure (English, PDF)
• Title VI Brochure (Spanish, PDF)
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Caltrans Information)