An internationally significant wildlife corridor project in Southwest Alberta will honour former Premier, Jim Prentice in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Alberta Government.

Andrew Holland, Spokesperson for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, says this project is crucial, as they've seen an increase in collisions between wildlife and vehicles.

"It's a beautiful area that's well used by people, but also well used by wildlife. What we're seeing over the recent years is a lot of collisions between motorists and wildlife, and there really needs to be an effort to improve safety, not only for the animals, but also for people," he said.

The five kilometre wide corridor is located in the Crowsnest Pass, and will connect crown forest reserve lands in the north to the Castle Parks network, as well as Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks in the south.

This area was a special place for former Premier, Jim Prentice, and in recognition of his legacy, the NCC and Prentice family have announced their intention to preserve the Jim Prentice wildlife Corridor.

Holland says the support of the Prentice family has been monumental in moving the project forward.

"Mr. Prentice spent a lot of time in that community, and was a big supporter of conservation. People who knew him on a personal level understood that he really enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, and specifically, that area with his family. This is a perfect area to acknowledge his service to the country, and this province. It's great to have them and their support as we try to advance this project to completion," he said.

The completion of this project will help protect future wildlife crossing options, including overpasses and fencing that is intended to guide animals away from traffic.

The corridor has been named after Prentice, as he was an active supporter of NCC during his time as Alberta Premier, and as Minister of the Environment with the Government of Canada.

Holland adds this project is an accumulation of many years work in the Crowsnest Pass, and is a pivotal conservation achievement.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email abouchard@goldenwestradio.com