Large Landscape Conservation Initiative: Restoring Cross Boundary Wildlife Corridors Through Habitat Improvement and Community Engagement

At 2.2 million acres Yellowstone National Park is the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and supports numerous species including pronghorn antelope. Despite its vast landscape, many species must travel beyond park boundaries to access seasonal habitat. Each fall, pronghorn migrate to winter habitat north and west of the park in Montana. However, increased human development and associated fencing have limited the herd's access to crucial habitat and threatens the long-term health of the population. Unlike deer or elk, pronghorn do not jump, preferring instead to crawl underneath fences.

To address this threat, this project works with private landowners and public land managers in the Paradise Valley north of Yellowstone National Park and outside of West Yellowstone, Montana to remove or modify fences and monitor pronghorn movement to improve access to historic range that has been inaccessible in recent decades. This on-the-ground effort involves working with community volunteers, private landowners, public land managers, and experts and builds relationships in the communities bordering Yellowstone National Park.

Regional: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem