A new state law requires new development and infrastructure to minimize disruption to local wildlife habitats and migration patterns.
California’s Room to Roam Act (AB 1889), signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week, requires local governments to “minimize the disruption of wildlife movement” and calls for wildlife-friendly fencing and lighting in new development.
According to a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity, the new bill recognizes the impacts of human development on wildlife habitat and migration. “Light pollution can confuse migrating birds and make them crash into buildings, while poorly designed fences can unintentionally trap deer and other wildlife. Many animals like mountain lions and desert tortoises are struggling because ill-conceived development has sliced up their habitat, leaving them unable to find food and shelter. Some suffer from harmful inbreeding due to habitat fragmentation.”
The new law complements the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act (AB 2344), which prioritizes wildlife crossings on state highways. The world’s largest wildlife crossing, which will span the 101 freeway near the Santa Monica Mountains, broke ground in Los Angeles in April of this year.
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