The Main Stream
Transportation officials cancel bridges for squirrels
Posted: Jun 18, 2010 11:38 AM
MT. GRAHAM - Arizona Department of Transportation is cancelling plans to install 41 new bridges on Mt. Graham for squirrels.
The nylon webbing bridges were for the endangered red squirrel. The goal was that the bridges would provide easier access to food.
A squirrel count completed in September 2009 listed the number of squirrels at 250, about 15 less than the previous year.
ADOT Director John Halikowski says, "ADOT will not spend funds simply because they are available."
ADOT says it recognizes that transportation corridors affect the environment and is a committed environmental steward, but that the Mt. Graham Red Squirrel project is better led by a wildlife management agency.
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