About

As the United States Policy Director for Wildlands Network, Erin Sito researches, develops and promotes laws and policies geared towards supporting habitat connectivity and biodiversity at the local, state, and federal level. Erin’s work also focuses on state agency reform and funding, and outreach to promote Wildlands Network’s policy initiatives nationwide.

Episode 129 Rewilding Earth Podcast: Advancing Wildlife Connectivity with Erin Sito of Wildlands Network

In this episode of the Rewilding Earth podcast, Erin Sito, the U.S. Public Policy Director for Wildlands Network, discusses her role and efforts in rewilding North America. She shares progress in state and federal policies supporting connected habitats, noting advancements in wildlife crossings and the significant support these initiatives have received across different presidential administrations.

Erin highlights the creation of the federal grant program for wildlife crossing infrastructure and discusses the increase in public involvement through innovative technologies like the ROADS app. She addresses challenges, such as funding needs and the cultural shift within transportation agencies to consider wildlife in planning. Erin emphasizes the importance of state-level actions, praising states like New York, which recently passed wildlife crossing legislation, and outlines her vision for creating more interconnected, climate-resilient landscapes.

00:00 Introduction

00:13 Erin’s Role and Background

01:31 Progress in Connectivity and Crossings Policy

02:24 Legislative Efforts and Success Stories

04:21 Federal Funding and State Legislation

07:31 Challenges and Future Goals

17:41 Public Involvement and Innovative Technologies

28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Extra Credit

The federal bill we discussed during the interview has now been introduced. Check it out here.



Check out the Wildlands Network’s State of the States Report – which lists all the state habitat connectivity legislation passed over the past 25 years. The report also highlights some of the catalyzing events discussed in this episode, like the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the creation of unprecedented federal funding for crossings and conservation.



* All the federal transportation funding programs now available for crossings



Here are some resources that folks can turn to help track roadkill. We recommend checking in with your local state DOT, to see if they have an app they prefer community members use.