For more than 11 years, I waited for the hunt of a lifetime. Finally, this September, I had the opportunity to realize that dream in one of the wildest corners of our state with my brother — lungs and legs burning as we ascended rugged mountainsides, glassing from rainy ridgelines and waiting patiently for that unmistakable, enchanting bugle that draws so many of us into the woods each fall. Ultimately, we were able to hike back out with grateful hearts and heavy backpacks full of the cleanest, most ethically sourced protein one can hope to acquire.

Sunday, September 29 marked Colorado Wildlife and Habitat Connectivity Day, a day that recognizes the importance of wildlife to Coloradans’ way of life. As a hunter, angler and physician, I understand the link between what we eat and our well-being. I am not alone. According to the Colorado Wildlife Council, hunting and fishing bring in over $3.25 billion and support more than 25,000 jobs in our state. From elk to pronghorn to our state’s official animal — the bighorn sheep — our wildlife literally sustains our families and our communities in multiple ways.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions significantly impact our state’s wildlife populations and our ability to be successful on hunts. In some parts of the state, motor vehicles kill as many mule deer as hunters do, which has long-term implications for the sustainability of hunting opportunities. Every day, more and more Coloradans have a story about hitting wildlife on our roadways. It’s a Colorado conversation that’s unfortunately becoming far too universal.

Every year, nearly 4,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported across our state, but authorities believe the number is more than 14,000, given the high number of unrecorded collisions. These accidents not only kill wildlife, but they also result in human injuries and even some deaths. These collisions are also very expensive, costing roughly $80 million every year in property damage, emergency response, medical treatments and other expenses.

Thankfully, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the governor’s office and the state legislature have all worked together to create and fund wildlife crossing solutions. This project includes building bridges and tunnels to help wildlife cross busy roadways, putting up directional fencing, signage and more. When it comes to protecting migration corridors, Colorado is a leader in the West, but if the number of roadkill is any sign, clearly more needs to be done.

I witness it firsthand driving throughout the state — whether I’m driving west along U.S.-160 between Del Norte and Durango or whether I’m driving north toward Wyoming along U.S.-287 through pronghorn and mule deer habitat in Owl Canyon. Along I-70, roughly 22,000 vehicles drive between Vail and Copper Mountain each day, cutting through the habitat and migration routes of Rocky Mountain elk and bighorn sheep, thus severing connectivity vital to the health of these herds.

This upcoming legislative session, our state representatives and senators have an opportunity to create a permanent funding source for wildlife crossings, so that Coloradans can drive with peace of mind. In doing so, the state legislature would not only be doing what is right, but what Coloradoans want: According to a recent poll from Colorado College, 87% of Colorado voters support building wildlife crossings. Wildlife Habitat and Connectivity Day should not only be a time to celebrate the wildlife that make Colorado special, but should also serve as a call to action to make our roads safer for drivers and wildlife alike.

Matt Jackson lives in Fort Collins.