Muddy Creek to Sand Hills Fence Modification

archived

A. Project Background Information: Historic livestock fences were primarily constructed with mesh fence and barbed wire or all barbed wire to control sheep. With over 90% of current livestock use as cattle, there are hundreds of miles of fence that could be converted to improve wildlife passage. There are also higher use areas like saddles or travel between two valleys that may also benefit from fence conversion. The purpose of this agreement is to improve passage of big game through or across fences needed for the control of livestock, and reduce long-term cost of fence maintenance. B. Project Objective: The recipient would provide a crew for one work period along with BLM staff to convert 1mile of four wire barbed fence to wood post, rail top, with three wires below including a bottom smooth wire, in 4-6 locations along the ridge above the Sandhills and that forms the border with the Upper Muddy Creek watershed management area. C. Statement of Joint Objectives/Project Management Plan: Existing fences may create significant barriers and hazards to a variety of wildlife species, and require considerable maintenance as a result of wildlife passage. Fence conversion requires purchase of new materials, as well as the labor to remove old fence and construct new fence, often at 3-4 times the cost of materials. Due to costs and the high amount of fence that could be modified, partners are sought to help complete this work. Youth corps provide a labor force that can help complete this type of work and gives college students a job and the opportunity to learn about and have a hand in improving the management of the public lands administered by the BLM. D. Period of Project: Summer of 2010

High