June 9, 2023 |
Photo – Red-Rim Grizzly Wildlife Habitat Management Area – Courtesy WY Wildlife Foundation
The Wyoming Wildlife Foundation is looking for volunteers to help replace miles of fencing in Carbon County.
The Grizzly Wildlife Habitat Management Area, between Baggs and Rawlins, is a major big game migration corridor. The 17-miles of barbwire fences separating private livestock grazing land from the wildlife management area are dangerous to the antelope, elk, and mule deer that pass through the area. Wyoming Wildlife Foundation Habitat Coordinator Sam Lockwood is asking people to come out to the Grizzly WHMA and help replace the old fences with safer ones.
Lockwood said volunteers will remove the old barbwire fences and replace them with a more animal friendly variety. The job may seem daunting, with 17 miles of fence to replace, but Lockwood said progress goes faster than people expect.
Because the land on the other side of the fence is in use by grazing livestock, Lockwood said the new fence must be put up immediately following the removal of the old wire.
The fence replacement project began last year. Lockwood said weather and COVID kept all but five people away. Even with a small crew, Lockwood said he was pleased by the amount of work they managed to get done. If this month’s work session goes smoothly, the habitat coordinator said the project should be finished in 2026.
The more volunteers the better, said Lockwood. He said 12 people have already offered to help, but 20 or more volunteers might allow the project to be finished early. Lockwood said everyone is welcome to volunteer. No experience necessary.
The Grizzly Wildlife Management Area is about 38 miles south of Rawlins. Because of the remote location, Lockwood said people are encouraged to bring camping gear and spend the night of June 23rd at the work site. The habitat coordinator said people aren’t permitted to stay in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s cabins, but they have made a special exception to allow people to camp nearby.
Lockwood explained what people should bring if they choose to camp overnight. He said volunteers should also have their own clothing and protective gear.
Tools, such as fencing pliers and hammers will be provided to volunteers, but Lockwood asked people to bring their own if possible. Lockwood said the work site is easy to get to, south of Rawlins, along Highway 71. However, the habitat coordinator said he will provide volunteers with a map.
Lockwood is asking people to RSVP as soon as possible since he is purchasing refreshments and lunch for the volunteers. Lockwood said he needs an accurate headcount beforehand so he knows how much food and drink to buy.
People interested in volunteering should contact Sam Lockwood at slockwood@wyomingwildlife.org or call or text him at 435-729-0951.
The fence project will take all day Saturday, June 24. Sunday morning, June 25, is an optional work time before everyone leaves for the weekend.
