 The Citizen Science Wildlife Monitoring Program was developed to address the need for data on wildlife movement and activity before and after wildlife crossings are put in place. In order to construct the most effective wildlife crossings possible, data on their effectiveness is needed; future crossing structures then can be modified and enhanced.
In 2006, this project was initiated in Eagle County in conjunction with efforts to construct a wildlife bridge over I-70 west of Vail Pass. The long-term goal is to expand this program statewide in high-priority linkages throughout Colorado.
Wildlife monitoring before and after construction of the wildlife bridge will gather baseline data on wildlife movement on Vail Pass to determine the best location of the structure and study its long-term impact and effectiveness. Pre- and post-construction data on wildlife overpasses does not currently exist in the U.S., so collecting this information will be of national significance.
Volunteers for the Citizen Science Wildlife Monitoring program collect data on wildlife presence by monitoring motion-triggered digital cameras and hair snares in order to record wildlife movement in specific areas of interest. They maintain monitoring equipment, collect scat and hair samples from designated plots, download images from these cameras, and record any incidental wildlife sign.
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