(08:55) Santa Cruz County – The last piece needed to complete the highway 17 wildlife tunnel was received on Monday. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County acquired a conservation easement from the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, protecting 173 acres of forested land west of Highway 17 at Laurel Curve. The Land Trust’s project will culminate in building a wildlife crossing under Highway 17, which carries over 50,000 daily commuters. Fatal accidents on 17 are highest at Laurel Curve – a site also used by mountain lions and other wildlife. A tunnel will help prevent collisions with wildlife. Tunnel design is expected to begin this year.
