BONNERS FERRY, IDAHO – A safety project aimed at making highways safer for wildlife and humans received a $1,000 donation today from Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho.
Called “promising” by a recent Spokesman-Review editorial, the McArthur Lake Safety project is combining the use of Doppler radar, high-resolution thermal cameras and other wireless technologies to create a mobile wildlife detection system. The system is being used to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions along an accident-prone stretch of US Highway 95 in Boundary County.
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho announced today its donation of $1,000 to the project, which is overseen by The Nature Conservancy, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), and the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative. The project will help increase public safety by protecting the health and welfare of the travelling public while also reducing wildlife mortality.
Kennon McClintock (left), Representative of The Nature Conservancy North Idaho Field receiving the $1,000 check from our agent in Bonners Ferry, Walt Dinning.
Between 2000 and 2010, according to the Conservancy’s analysis of ITD data, more than 320 wildlife-related vehicle accidents occurred between Bonners Ferry and McArthur Lake. Two people were killed, 36 of the accidents resulted in injuries, and damages were estimated at $4.9 million.
Phil Joslin, executive vice president and CEO of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, said supporting the project and reducing hazards for motorists is “consistent with Farm Bureau’s dedication to making Idaho communities safer.” Joslin added that any reduction in these deer-vehicle collisions, which on average cost $6,617, is a financial benefit to the community.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have helped protect 130 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.
About Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho was founded in 1947 by Idaho farmers and ranchers. Today, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho remains wholly based in Idaho, and is one of the state’s leading home and auto insurers as well as the largest writer of farm and ranch insurance. Further information about Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho can be found at www.idahofarmbureauinsurance.com.
