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U.S. Highway 93 which crosses the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana is poised to become a model in the United States, illustrating how the combined efforts of citizens, local, state, federal and tribal governments can result in an innovative plan to consider wildlife and land ethics while reconstructing highways. Fifty-six miles of the highway from Evaro to Polson is scheduled to be widened over the next decade to improve motorist safety. Thanks to the agreement between the Montana Department of Transportation, the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, and the Federal Highway Administration, the highway will be reconstructed with “a spirit of place,” and context-sensitive solutions.

As part of this goal, the project will include 42 crossing structures for wildlife. Biologists and highway architects have evaluated roadkill data and tracking information in order to determine the best locations for passageways. The structures will range from small fish culverts to an open-span overpass, and most will be built to accommodate multiple species. Fencing will also be added to keep wildlife off the road and to funnel animals to the new structures.