Type: report
Article abstract: A 7-mile stretch along the I-15 in the Temecula, CA region is being looked at in regards to its impact on mountain lion preservation. This area of urbanization serves as a main cutoff between two populations of mountain lions: one on the east side of the freeway, and one approximately 10 miles northwest of that population. Figure 1.1 shows the GPS collar tracking data of the two aforementioned mountain lions that are separated by the I-15. The yellow dots represent the movement of the mountain lions within their respective regions. Winston Vickers from University of California, Davis, has been leading a team in the gathering of data regarding the Santa Ana Mountain Lion population. For the past 15 years, the population of mountain lions in the Santa Ana mountain regions and the Eastern Peninsula Mountains has been dwindling due to a variety of reasons. The Nature Conservancy, and other supporting Ecologists, believe that depredation permits, vehicle strikes, fires, and urbanization are some of the key factors that contribute to the unsuccessful reproduction rates found within these populations. After looking at the studies, along with evidence from the professionals, it was determined that the urbanization of the surrounding area was the most impactful towards the separation of the lions, as well as the greatest potential for improvement.
Year: 2018
Purpose: The main purpose of the Wildlife Crossing Design for I-15 was to find engineering solutions to promote mountain lion crossing utilizing the information provided by the biologists. The project was led by three civil engineering advisors at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona and a group of 16 civil engineering students. For the purpose of analyzing a wider range of options for solutions, the students were divided into three teams. The first team consisted of eight students that were tasked with analyzing the site to find the best location for the construction of an overpass and to design the most feasible wildlife bridge design. The second team, a group of four students, were similarly tasked with analyzing the site to find the best fit location and to design a feasible wildlife crossings culvert. And lastly, a group of four students were assigned with producing plans for improving the existing Temecula Creek Underpass. This paper will include the processes for which the locations of each passageway had been chosen, the processes for designing each passageway, and the final designs.
Notes: Senior Project 2018-19. Appendix G for: Final report re NCCP-Local Assistance Grant # P1750301 from California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and SANDAG – UCD agreement #A37682/MOU #5005298 Awarded to t
Prepared by: California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, Department of Engineering;
Keywords: connectivity; mountain lion; wildlife corridors;
Species: Mountain lion
Threats: Loss of connectivity
Projects: