I don’t mind folks building homes, shopping areas, common areas, schools, parks, etc. on new land. We’ve been doing that since the collective “We” began settling this planet and country.

Yes, we need to manage growth in a sensible manner, and I am heartened to see ongoing discourse and special interest representation around the important relative issues. But there is a gaping hole in our considerations that just gnaws at my heart.

My readers know me well enough to know I am a critter person. My question is, “What can we do about critter displacement?

I’m not one who feels we should halt all construction because a critter of a curious nature lives nearby. But I do believe we need to include critter displacement in our planning and development.

My question is not just about mountain lions, bears, deer and other large animals, which commonly leave an area once the heavy construction equipment begins working the land.

Some of the mid-size animals — coyotes, for example — do not even need to leave. They can work around people and equipment while maintaining their wild nature. I have a deep respect for coyotes.

Many raptors can similarly adapt to our presence, and even recognize temporary opportunities resulting from our activities. They are smart.

My question is more about smaller animals … ground squirrels, field mice, gophers, rabbits, lizards, frogs, toads,  skunks, snakes, possums, and myriad other critters.

How can we mitigate the effects of a large development project on new land for the sake of the critters?

I believe this is a responsibility that should accompany the rights to develop new land from a natural state to a human habitation state.

What are the viable options that will actually work?

For starters, we can make sure that initial working of the land does not begin during the common nesting and baby-rearing period of spring and early summer. Critters would have a tough time uprooting and relocating during this time.

Before the work on the land begins, we could bait, trap and relocate many of the critters listed above. We can also incorporate construction of some habitats into common areas.

One of my favorite ideas is critter crossings over or under highways or roadways.

It seems unrealistic to expect 100% mitigation. I don’t believe that would even be feasible. I would like to see planning, oversight and adequate execution of an approved plan, resulting in substantial mitigation.

I care about the critters we share land with.