Of the 17 linkage areas across the county, our stakeholder group

identified 3 to focus on in the near-term:

Lower Blue River Valley Linkage
Where is it? State Highway 9, mileposts 109-118.8. The Lower Blue River Valley is a broad,
rolling valley through which the lower blue river flows north to the Colorado River. This valley is
predominately made up of historic ranches and extensive agricultural fields used primarily for
hay production and livestock grazing. There are scattered residential developments, amongst
the aspen, lodgepole pine forests and sagebrush steppes.
Why is it important? This linkage provides important range land and year-round habitat for elk,
mule deer, and moose. Large carnivores such as mountain lion and bear are also common
throughout this linkage.
How can connectivity be restored here? Four wildlife crossings structures are proposed for this
linkage area, including one overpass, one underpass and two bridge replacements that will
provide for wildlife access underneath the bridges.
Who’s involved? The Lower Blue Linkage committee is comprised of landowners, business
owners and interested stakeholders. This effort is supported by FOLBR – Friends of the Lower
Blue River (www.folbr.org). Our active committee of 15 volunteers are meeting regularly to
discuss landowner involvement/support, data gathering to determine the best locations for
crossovers, strategic planning and cost estimates.

Vail Pass Linkage

Where is it? Interstate 70, mileposts 190-194. The Vail Pass linkage extends from above Copper
Mountain Ski Resort to the top of Vail Pass. I-70 through this linkage is a divided highway with a
wide, natural, open median, and runs entirely through National Forest lands.
Why is it important? Five existing large span bridges allow wildlife movement under the
eastbound highway lanes. However, there is only one bridge under the westbound lanes and no
direct connections exist to allow for wildlife passage beneath both the east and westbound
lanes of the interstate.
How can connectivity be restored here? We propose three new crossing structures across the
westbound lanes to improve connectivity for wildlife in the area, including one of the few
known breeding populations of Canada lynx outside of southwest Colorado, as well as elk,
moose, mule deer, large carnivores and other fauna.
Who’s involved? The Vail Pass Linkage committee is working toward completing a vision
statement for the linkage and will begin to pursue funding for preliminary engineering and
design of the crossing structures.

Upper Blue River Linkage

Where is it? State Highway 9, mileposts 80.1-85.6. The Upper Blue River linkage is a wide
riparian valley with extensive willow complexes and riparian systems along the Blue River, with
forested habitat along either side.
Why is it important? This linkage provides habitat for moose, deer and elk movements, as well
as dispersing Canada lynx. Extensive residential development confines wildlife movement
through this linkage. Ongoing development, alongside increasing traffic volumes and recreation
activity will continue to limit wildlife movement through this area.
How can connectivity be restored here? This section of Highway 9 is lined by private property,
but a system of multiple wildlife crossing structures and wildlife-exclusion fencing is
recommended as the most effective method of restoring connectivity and reducing wildlife-
vehicle collisions in this area. We are currently working to engage local homeowners, planning
commissions and adjacent towns to continue discussing how to best meet the needs for of
residents, motorists, recreationists and wildlife in this shared landscape.
Who’s involved? The Upper Blue River linkage team is comprised interested stakeholders such
as Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Town of Breckenridge, Continental Divide Land Trust, U.S.
Forest Service and the Colorado Department of Transportation.