Road Aware

Wild Aware’s roots developed over the increasing lack of habitat connectivity in the Evergreen community and the surging number of wildlife-vehicle collisions on Highway 74. The problem extends beyond the obvious concerns and dangers with Highway 74. From I-70 south to 285 and every single road in between, animals are facing conflicts accessing various parts of their habitats. Meanwhile, humans are challenged with difficult decisions and stressful drives on these very roads as the growth in human population continues to apply increasing pressure to wildlife - of all sizes.

Finding ways to improve habitat connectivity and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions are a clear focal point of Wild Aware. Below you’ll find some details - and history - about our approach so far.

In December 2019, a small group of concerned Evergreen residents met to discuss ways to address the numbers of elk and deer that cross Highway 74, also known as Evergreen Parkway.

During the ensuing months, Wild Aware volunteers met with Colorado Department of Transportation’s Region 1 project manager/ecologist, traffic and safety engineering staff, and wildlife program management as well as Colorado Parks and Wildlife district and regional management.

During these subsequent meetings, officials made clear that the terrain and property ownership along Highway 74 present challenges to most mitigation proposals. It is currently understood that wildlife crossing structures (underpasses or overpasses) are not current possibilities for this area.

Here are notes that have been compiled and approved by CDOT regarding meetings and site visits between Wild Aware and CDOT, CPW and others.

This does not mean that these conversations are over. However, our current focus is on exploring other creative solutions. For example, Wild Aware has been able to successfully advocate for variable messaging signs that were placed along the highway for several months of 2020, 2021, and 2022. One permanent sign was installed in February, 2024, near Highway 74 milepost 6, a hot spot for wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Wild Aware continues to work with government entities, consultants and experts to promote further study and problem-solving ideas for this highway. Our work includes staying in consistent communication with officials and independently researching varying options and new technologies. Our Road Aware team has reached out to renowned research road ecology scientists, university programs and wildlife crossing technology companies. Volunteers have attended international and state conferences dealing with wildlife and transportation. Efforts continue to find solutions.

What you can do

Be a part of Wild Aware’s team working with CDOT, CPW, Jefferson County Road and Bridge, and others, by participating in meetings and giving input about your own experiences along Highway 74. Share your ideas about making Highway 74 safer for drivers and wildlife!

Community Education and Outreach

Wild Aware volunteers are working to strategically identify and execute solutions to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions throughout the community - not just on Highway 74.

Initiatives currently include:

Creating and distributing community yard signs to help remind drivers to drive slowly and watch for wildlife were designed and purchased by WIld Aware. These signs are currently being purchased and displayed by individuals throughout the community

Providing data and resources as a stakeholder in the 2023/2024 Together Jeffco process of evaluating the county’s Transportation Mobility Plan

Working with CDOT on placement and programming of Variable Message Signs along Highway 74

Organizing outreach materials and messaging for social media and publications

Planning events with industry experts

New Driver’s Initiative

Wild Aware seeks to work with driving schools to suggest a “wild aware” curriculum. If you’re involved with a driving school and would like to help us, please get in touch.