On the tragic day of September 29th, 2024, my 81-year-old father, Victor Rodriguez, lost his life on Highway 85 between Daniel’s Park Road and Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines Colorado. A roughly 700lb Elk,  struck by an oncoming vehicle, was hurled into the driver's side of my father's car, killing him instantly. This catastrophe is a heartbreaking example of what happens when wildlife and fast-moving vehicles intersect. This accident compels me to seek change so not a single person or family are shattered by such preventable tragedies.

I propose that wildlife fencing is established along Highway 85 from E470 through Castle Rock. We need to stop fatal encounters between vehicles and wildlife which can also deviate to accidents among motorists. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggests that a wildlife fence can effectively reduce deer-vehicle collisions by 87-96% (USDOT, "Critter Crossings").

Furthermore, I advocate for the construction of underpass wildlife crossings in key areas. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, wildlife crossing structures have resulted in a 85-95% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions (Center for Biological Diversity, "Roads and Wildlife").

It is time we take a stand for the safety of our citizens and the protection of our wildlife. Our loss is still fresh and painful, and no family should ever go through this. Make our roads safer. Practice responsible road planning and management. Please sign this petition in support of implementing mandatory wildlife fencing and underpass wildlife crossings along Highway 85.