After the gates opened, larger species, such as pumas, white-tailed deer, mule deer and Gould’s turkeys, were able to use the washhouses, drainage ditches and streams that had been walled up the year. previous when the doors were closed.

“It’s going to have a negative impact on wildlife if they close these gaps,” Traphagen said.

DHS is working with the Home Office and the US Forest Service to assess the condition and condition of border fence projects and determine the scope and extent of remediation work, the department said in a statement. Press.

The government plans to prioritize projects that “concern life and safety, including protecting the public, USBP agents and neighboring communities from potential damage, and avoiding further damage or degradation. environmental, ”the press release reads.

These projects will be funded from the 2021 border barrier credits, which Congress allocated during the Trump administration but has not used since the Biden administration halted construction.

The proposal includes a lot of things to make sure the roads are in good condition, that erosion is under control, and that culverts, drainage and livestock guards are working, but there is very little that meets the requirements. concerns for wildlife, says Traphagen.