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The animals chose the swale because it connects to the South Saskatchewan River at Peturrson’s Ravine.

The key to maintaining this biodiversity is that the swale remain connected. That’s tough to do if the area is carved up by roadways.

Originally, Jones’ group, which now claims more than 100 members, was determined to stop the roadways. Now, the Northeast Swale Watchers are aimed at “compromise,” she said.

“When we started out, we said there shouldn’t be any roads across this part of the swale.”

While the final route for the Saskatoon Freeway, formerly known as the Perimeter Highway, has not yet been determined, there seems little chance the northern part of it will change. That includes the part that runs through the swale.

John Penner, another member of the Northeast Swale Watchers, took a StarPhoenix reporter and photographer on a tour of the swale. He said he still hopes to convince the provincial government to push the freeway further away. Right now, the route calls for the freeway to be built on one of the largest ponds in the swale within Saskatoon city limits.

The swale covers 2,800 hectares over 26 kilometres; 300 hectares and five kilometres are on the western edge within city limits.

“At this point, (the two roadways) are so close together, it doesn’t make much sense to us adults,” Penner said.

On Wednesday morning, two coyotes made their way across the frozen pond where the freeway will be built.

Jones said her group will focus on mitigating the impact of the Saskatoon Freeway over trying to stop what looks inevitable. That means considering wildlife bridges or a raised roadway that would allow wildlife to pass underneath.