“On Guard” by Ernie T., Arco, ID. From www.reasonstoloveidaho.com
A new deer fence along I-15 between Pocatello and Inkom that will help increase public safety while reducing wildlife mortality is one step closer to completion thanks to a $10,000 donation from Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho.
Farm Bureau Insurance recently donated $5,000 towards the fence’s construction at the conclusion of its successful funds matching program. The company donated $5,000 to the fence in January 2011 and promised to match up to another $5,000 in individual donations made before July 1.
Jim Teare, Wildlife Staff Biologist and Mule Deer Initiative Coordinator at the Idaho Fish and Game’s Pocatello office, said the $10,000 donated by Farm Bureau Insurance – when combined with contributions from the Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Foundation and other private donors – will help the Fish and Game complete the south side of the fence by fall 2011. The Idaho Transportation Department committed funding in 2011 to complete the fence’s north side.
Each year, according to Idaho Fish and Game estimates, at least 100 deer are killed along this 10-mile stretch of Interstate 15. These deer-car collisions also cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and personal injuries.
Phil Joslin, executive vice president and CEO of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, said that helping build the deer fence “is consistent with Farm Bureau’s dedication to helping make Idaho communities safer.”
