Annenberg Foundation Agrees to $25 Million Challenge Grant for Wildlife Crossing

A digital rendering of the proposed wildlife crossing bridge just outside Los Angeles

The Annenberg Foundation just announced a $25 million challenge grant for the new Liberty Canyon wildlife crossing. The grant guarantees that the foundation will donate $25 million towards the construction of the bridge if the crossing can raise an additional $35 million on their own. With this grant, the wildlife bridge has now raised around $45 million and are looking towards government support to complete their newest challenge. 

The bridge itself is set to span across the US 101, or the Venture Freeway, and allow for mountain lions to safely cross the busy highway. This section of the Canyon has been identified by wildlife experts as a prime crossing points for the cats. There have already been numerous collisions with cars striking mountain lions in this same area, so the bridge is regarded as a measure to improve public safety as well.

Representatives from within the project expect the construction to begin in November of 2021. This will be one of the most expensive examples of wildlife infrastructure in the world, and a huge victory for local mountain lion advocacy groups.

Full Story at  CBS Los Angeles