Exploration of Opportunities to Address the Impacts of Roads and Traffic on Wildlife and Non-Motorized Trail Access in and around Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Washington

Abstract

This report explores potential measures aimed at reducing collisions with large wild ungulate species (most notably mule deer (black-tailed deer) and elk), along WA Highway 14, Evergreen Way, and I-5, and improve connectivity for large wild mammals (e.g., Columbia white-tailed deer, mule deer (black-tailed deer), elk, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, and black bear), and small species (e.g., amphibian and reptile species) between four National Wildlife Refuges and the higher areas further away from the Columbia River. The four Refuges include Ridgefield NWR, Steigerwald Lake NWR, Franz Lake NWR, and Pierce NWR. In addition, we explore non-motorized access to Steigerwald NWR from the built-up area of Washougal and a nearby school.