Because of the ongoing support thus far from the #SaveLACougars community, Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Leader, #SaveLACougars Campaign, reports they have secured funding for the important work of Caltrans’ for the next 10-12 months.
“Caltrans and the entire Liberty Wildlife Corridor Partners team continue to make progress toward completing this current phase of final design and engineering, which will produce the blueprints for the crossing,” Pratt said.
“In these unprecedented and difficult times, the well-being of our people and communities are priority, and as such, the NWF staff are working remotely, and complying with official guidance for the collective safety of all,” Pratt said. “To stay on track for breaking ground in 2021, we still need to reach our future fundraising targets, but at this time there are no delays in the project,”
To help P-22’s fans stay connected with the cougar community and the wildlife crossing, the campaign is launching a series of online engagement opportunities, called “P-22 Presents.” To participate, visit P-22’s Facebook page for a complete schedule, which includes interviews with scientists and other experts, live concerts, story hours, art lessons, and much more.
NWF also recently partnered with the talented Los Angeles artist, Jonathan Martinez, who created a portrait honoring P-56 to raise awareness about the need to protect mountain lions and build the wildlife crossing. Preorder a limited-edition enamel pin of P-56 (1.25” by .75”) online that will ship on approximately April 15. (savelacougars.myshopify.com/).
While fundraising continues for the wildlife crossing, activists from across the state are campaigning to ensure that there will still be mountain lions to use the overpass when it is completed. On April 16, the California Fish and Game Commission is scheduled to vote on whether to adopt California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recommendation to grant Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions “candidate status” under the state Endangered Species Act. A favorable vote would then trigger a year-long review of whether Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions should be formally protected under the Act. The Act’s full protections would apply during the year-long candidacy period. Comments in support of the resolution can be submitted to fgc@fgc.ca.gov.
“I am so grateful to this community of wildlife advocates for your continued support of the crossing. Together, we can persevere through this difficult time—the mountain lions and all wildlife are counting on us!”
For more information: nwf.org
