One of the primary purposes of developing habitat connectivity plans is to minimize the impacts of transportation infrastructure on public lands and other important habitats. Preparing statewide or regional plans for habitat connectivity (wildlife habitat linkages) is an essential part of developing a comprehensive system of effective wildlife crossing structures. Habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and high mortality rates are often primary issues in conserving state wildlife resources. Wildlife and land management agencies that spend time working on wildlife habitat linkages, wildlife crossings, and other mitigation measures often maximize long-term benefits to future wildlife resources. Developing a statewide wildlife habitat connectivity plan can address many of these issues and benefit a diversity of wildlife species. Successful statewide wildlife habitat connectivity plans include Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah (see State Wildlife Action Plans for further information). Though ideally the best scale to start at is statewide, opportunities often exist on smaller scales such as a state DOT or wildlife agency regional boundary or an important highway segment. Regardless, connectivity plans should have the support of public land management agencies, wildlife agencies, and conservation groups.

In addition to the following tools, a connectivity plan should take into consideration the DOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is renewed every 1-3 years and covers the funded projects expected to happen over a 5 year period.