Celebrating 20 Years of Wildlife Connectivity in the Puente Hills

On June 1, the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (Habitat Authority) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Harbor Boulevard Wildlife Underpass, a pioneering conservation project that continues to protect wildlife, motorists and preserve habitat connectivity throughout the Puente Hills.

Completed in 2006, the structure was the first wildlife underpass built in Los Angeles County and among the earliest urban wildlife crossings in Southern California. The structure strengthens the connection of nearly 19,000 acres of protected habitat separated by Harbor Boulevard, a major commuter corridor that carries more than 35,000 vehicles each day.

To mark the milestone, the Habitat Authority hosted an exclusive guided tour for local media, Habitat Authority Board members, Ivan Sulic, Whittier Mayor Pro Tem Mary Ann Pacheco, and Cassandra Garcia. Habitat Authority staff  shared insights about the crossing’s history, design, and ongoing ecological benefits. Guests examined wildlife tracks left by deer, coyotes and raccoons and learned how the crossing continues to support native species. Ecologist Michelle Mariscal estimates approximately 1,800 animals use the underpass annually. Mule deer began using the crossing just nine days after it opened, and ongoing monitoring continues to document deer, coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, roadrunners, and many other species.

The anniversary also highlighted the vision, investment, and multi-agency collaboration that made the project possible. The Harbor Boulevard Wildlife Underpass was constructed through grant funding awarded to Los Angeles County Public Works and California State Parks, with local matching funds provided by the Habitat Authority.

Beyond its financial contribution, the Habitat Authority funded the engineering design, construction oversight consultant, habitat restoration, and biological studies that helped guide the project. Los Angeles County Public Works implemented the construction of the underpass and completed the associated environmental review.
Twenty years later, the project remains a lasting example of how public agencies can work together to protect wildlife and motorists, preserve natural landscapes, and invest in the long-term health of the region.

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