Mojave Desert Land Trust launches planning for two SR-62 wildlife overpasses to protect drivers and wildlife
Coachella Valley, California (High Desert News Online) – The Mojave Desert Land Trust has begun a three-year planning and design phase, funded by a $5.5 million Wildlife Conservation Board grant, for two wildlife overpasses on State Route 62 to restore habitat connectivity and reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions.
Key takeaways
- Who: Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), partnering with Caltrans, the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and the Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District.
- What: Planning and design for two wildlife overpasses on State Route 62 at the Morongo Grade and Yucca Grade to restore connectivity and reduce collisions.
- Funding: A $5.5 million grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board covers roughly 65% of the three-year design phase; additional funds will be required for environmental review and construction (Z107.7 coverage).
- Why it matters: The SR-62 corridor separates two mountain lion populations and blocks movement of deer, bighorn sheep, black bear and many smaller species — restoring movement will improve genetic connectivity and public safety.
Project location and context
The proposed overpasses target the Morongo Grade and Yucca Grade along State Route 62, an east–west route that slices between the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino mountains and links protected lands including Joshua Tree National Park and Sand to Snow National Monument. Traffic on SR-62 has risen with growing visitation to Joshua Tree and development in the Morongo Basin, increasing both safety risks and wildlife crossings of the highway.
Wildlife connectivity and species at stake
MDLT and partners emphasize the corridor’s importance because it separates two mountain lion groups — the Eastern Peninsular Range population and the San Gabriel–San Bernardino population — that are effectively isolated. Restoring movement here could help genetic diversity for mountain lions and restore natural migration for deer, bighorn sheep, black bear and numerous smaller species.
Evidence of risk: collisions and carcass counts
Local studies and MDLT fieldwork documented substantial wildlife mortality near SR-62. Between October 2019 and November 2020, survey teams recorded 232 wildlife carcasses across two monitoring sites, covering 12 mammal species and two reptile species. That tally included a collared mountain lion killed after approaching the roadway — a core reason MDLT cites for building crossings.
MDLT notes wildlife crossings elsewhere have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 90%, a figure used to justify investment in design and eventual construction.
What the $5.5 million covers and next steps
The grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board covers roughly 65% of the anticipated design-phase costs over three years. Design work will include technical studies, structural engineering for overpass spans, and planning features intended to encourage animal use — such as planting, fencing and approaches that mimic natural terrain.
Important: This is a planning and engineering phase only. Before construction can occur, the project must complete environmental review under state and federal law and secure additional funds for construction, fencing, ramps and any needed land acquisition. No construction start dates have been announced (Z107.7 coverage).
Partners, policy and precedent
MDLT is partnering with Caltrans, the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and the Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District on planning and design. The work aligns with recent California laws emphasizing connectivity: the 2024 Room to Roam Act and the 2022 Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act, both of which prioritize wildlife connectivity in planning and transportation projects. State wildlife officials have identified this SR-62 stretch as a priority for barrier removal and reconnection.
Designers point to precedent projects such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills as an example of a large engineered overpass that enables mountain lions and other megafauna to cross safely.
Local land holdings and early acquisitions
MDLT owns land on both sides of SR-62 and says recent acquisitions will help make a future overpass feasible. The nonprofit acquired 43 acres near the highway to support crossing construction and has conveyed more protected tracts to the National Park Service than any other nonprofit in the region. Since 2006, MDLT reports protecting roughly 125,000 acres in the Mojave and Colorado deserts (local coverage).
Voices and outreach
“Wildlife crossings are necessary for all of us — to prevent deadly vehicle collisions with iconic animals.” — Cody Hanford, MDLT chief conservation officer
MDLT’s announcement lists community supporters, businesses, individuals and agencies publicly endorsing the planning work and the goals of safer roads and healthier wildlife populations. Media and community inquiries can be directed to Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications, 760-366-5440 ext. 239, jessica@mdlt.org (press release).
Financial and technical questions remain
This planning phase advances the project but leaves open practical questions: how much total funding the full project will require, and the timeline for environmental review and construction. State grants often cover design and studies, but construction of large overpasses and supporting infrastructure typically costs many millions more. MDLT and partners will pursue additional funding sources in coming years.
Environmental review will test trade-offs and require public input. Engineering must balance roadway safety for motorists with designs that actually attract and guide animals. Early studies — including the 2021 Morongo Pass Wildlife Connectivity Study by Dudek and the UC Davis Road Ecology Center — recommended overpasses in this corridor because existing barriers, including a 56-inch concrete median in places, block natural movement.
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic and public-safety impact
- Safer roads: Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions protects drivers and passengers, cuts emergency response costs and may lower property damage claims. For a region with rising visitation and traffic, fewer collisions mean fewer road closures and less disruption.
- Cost considerations: Construction will require new funding. Local leaders and taxpayers will want clear budgets and timelines before committing public funds; MDLT’s design grant covers a substantial portion of planning but not build-out (Z107.7 coverage).
Political and planning consequences
- Local control and collaboration: The project brings local officials, Caltrans and conservation groups together. For politically moderate and conservative residents, the project’s appeal may rest on practical safety gains and protecting working landscapes.
- Land-use implications: The Room to Roam Act and other state laws give new weight to wildlife connectivity in planning; local planning bodies will need to reconcile conservation goals with development and transportation priorities in the Morongo Basin.
Social and cultural effects
- Community identity: The High Desert’s natural character is central to regional identity and the tourist economy tied to Joshua Tree. Maintaining corridors for wildlife supports that sense of place.
- Outdoor access and recreation: Restored wildlife movement supports healthy ecosystems, benefiting hiking, wildlife viewing and local businesses that rely on outdoor recreation.
Practical implications for daily life
- Drivers may see staged construction, detours or temporary closures during later phases; advance planning and communication will be critical to minimize disruption (Z107.7 coverage).
- Property owners near crossing approaches may be asked to participate in habitat restoration or access agreements; MDLT’s land acquisitions near SR-62 are an early step to secure suitable approaches (local coverage).
Reporting and next steps
The $5.5 million grant moves the SR-62 wildlife overpass idea into a formal engineering and planning phase. Over the next three years expect technical studies, public meetings and environmental review documents to appear. Local leaders and residents who want to learn more or weigh in can contact MDLT or watch for announcements from Caltrans and the Wildlife Conservation Board.
