Beth Pratt announces December 2 opening for California wildlife crossing

7 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 25

The $114 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in northern Los Angeles County will open after overcoming delays from record rains and inflation-driven cost increases.
Despite recent conservative criticism and threats, the project is nearing completion, with native plants thriving and early signs of wildlife use already observed on the bridge.
Researchers will monitor animal movements after opening to assess benefits for species like mountain lions, while additional construction, security measures, and community engagement continue to support biodiversity and project transparency.

Beyond saving big cats, how will the bridge's success for the entire ecosystem be measured once it's complete?

Can this record-breaking bridge become a cost-effective, replicable model for other cities facing similar wildlife crises?

With 50 cameras watching, when will we know if the crossing has truly saved the mountain lions from extinction?

As California’s infrastructure gets a C- grade, is a $114M animal bridge the state's most pressing investment?

Why has a project designed to save iconic wildlife prompted such intense public backlash and even personal threats?

After a 23% budget increase, what accountability measures prevent the $114M cost from climbing higher before its opening?