Governor Gianforte Recognizes Wildlife Crossing Investments

Contest open for Montanans to submit artwork for specialty license plate

• September 04 2025

JENS, Mont. – Continuing his 56 County Tour in Powell County, Governor Greg Gianforte last week recognized recent legislative investments to establish wildlife crossings in Montana.

“Montana currently has the second-highest per capita rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the United States,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Wildlife crossings are great tool to protect wildlife, avoid collisions, and keep drivers safe. It’s great to see Montana leading the way to establish these crossings.”

Gov. Gianforte highlighting wildlife crossing investments in Jens

Wildlife crossings are structures like underpasses or bridges built to protect animals and promote wildlife habitat connectivity while helping to reduce animal-vehicle conflicts.

During an event held at a wildlife crossing project in Jens near I-90, the governor joined conservation groups, legislators, and representatives from the Montana Department of Transportation to recognize two pieces of legislation that established funding sources for the construction of wildlife crossings in Montana.

House Bill 855 sponsored by Representative Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, establishes the Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Wildlife Highway Crossings Account to fund construction of the crossings.

“By establishing the Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, Montana is making a commitment to increasing public safety on Montana’s roadways while conserving wildlife,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP).

House Bill 932, sponsored by Representative Ken Walsh, R-Twin Bridges, directs a portion of marijuana tax revenue to support the FWP wildlife crossing account.

“We are establishing a direct funding source from the marijuana revenue tax for us to be able to continue this project well into the future to save vehicles and protect wildlife,” Rep. Walsh said.

“Seasonal migrations are critical for species like deer, elk, antelope, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. All these iconic species move from one place to another, and they hit barriers. Our work happens on the landscape, but when we get to the highway, it ends up being a barrier for migration movement that’s where this program will play a big role,” added Ryan Bronson of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

House Bill 855 also established a new specialty license plate. The new specialty license plate will raise awareness and funding for the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account which will help build wildlife crossing infrastructure.

In July, FWP, in partnership with TRCP, launched the Montana Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings License Plate Artwork Contest and announced the agency is looking for original artwork that highlights the importance of wildlife movement, features a highway crossing structure and captures the beauty of Montana’s landscapes. The selected artist will receive a $1,000 prize and a commemorative sample plate.

Submissions are open until October 17. Montanans interested in submitting artwork and participating in the contest can learn more here.

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