Wires and Wildlife: Transmission Development and Western Migratory Species

• Andrew F. Jakes, Veronica Ung-Kono, and Edie Juno
• Nov 18, 2024

Ungulates and greater sage-grouse are among the many wildlife species that rely on seasonal habitats and the ability to migrate between these habitats to thrive. Energy development and other human development is rapidly transforming wildlife habitat in the western United States. Climate change can further interfere with wildlife migrations and exacerbate the impacts of other human-caused disturbances and stressors such as habitat fragmentation and degradation. This report provides recommendations for developers and decision makers to balance the need for transmission development with the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis, and the needs of wildlife.