Imperial County I-8 Wildlife Camera Study

Caltrans District 11 is conducting a wildlife camera study along eastbound Interstate 8 in Imperial County, specifically between post mile R4.7 and R5.4. The project is located adjacent to the I-8 Peninsular bighorn sheep nursery island, an area identified by a high rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The primary objective is to collect systematic wildlife data by installing one to four cameras per site, depending on the landscape and crossing structure. At least one camera must monitor the actual crossing, with others placed strategically in the surrounding area. Cameras will be installed within the Caltrans right-of-way and outside the clear recovery zone. Equipment must be mounted three feet off the ground, either strapped to a rock or tree branch facing the culvert or, if necessary, secured to a t-post using a cable lock and small master lock. The project is managed by Michael Galloway and Amanda D'Elia, and it has been granted a CEQA Class 6 categorical exemption and a NEPA categorical exclusion, as no significant environmental impacts were identified. The study is classified under NAICS code 541690.