1. RTA WLC, Who We Are?  Representatives from multiple backgrounds. -RTA member jurisdictions, ADOT, Game and Fish, NGO’s. -Diverse background of planners, engineers, biologists, etc.

2. RTA WLC, How We Came To Be?  Several of the members were already meeting to try and figure out how to address wildlife-vehicle collisions.  Saw opportunities in the desert southwest that may not exist elsewhere.  With the passage of the RTA, costs and funding limitations were no longer the issue.

3. RTA WLC, How We Came To Be (cont)  In Fall 2006 we worked with RTA and PAG staff to identify members, establish committee and determine operating parameters.  Our purpose has and continues to be very simple and critical: review proposals to obtain the RTA funds that can be applied to improving wildlife linkages.

4. RTA WLC, What have We Done?  We have identified large scale study opportunities to help develop guidelines for deign features (culverts and fencing).  We have identified funding for construction project efforts (Camino De Manana, SR 77, SR 86 by Kitt Peak, Sahuarita Road).  We have secured funding for a regional workshop effort (ongoing).

5. RTA WLC, How Do We Operate?  Science based study and analysis as much as possible…………..with a healthy dose of professional judgment!!! -Use actual data where possible. -Use previous efforts if available. -Avoid the pitfalls!!! *one size fits all….. *It worked that way before….. *It’s obvious this is the way to go……

6. RTA WLC, How Do We Operate (cont)?  Focus our efforts on the following areas: -Restoring regional connectivity. -Maintaining permeability. -General research.

7. RTA WLC, How Do We Operate (cont)?  Address opportunities in the following manner: -Bottom up approach with project and site specifics improvements. We look to take advantage of project opportunities to build what we need. -Top down with regional workshop, and region wide study efforts. We are looking to identify opportunities where we can go to an area we normally wouldn’t get to.

8. RTA WLC, Where Are We Heading?  We are having to focus the use of RTA funds on construction related efforts and activities i.e. “product on the streets”, not more studies and research.  Even through funding is an ongoing concern, we still have the ability to consider “projects of opportunity”.