Come join BHA, BLM, CPW, and Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance in removing fencing from BLM public lands in critical elk and mule deer habitat on August 12 in Eagle, CO along Bellyache Road. We’ll be removing barbed and sheep wire fence currently paralleling newer wildlife friendlier fencing. Fencing impacts wildlife movements and can be a source of injury and mortality. Recent studies show an annual mortality rate of 1 big game animal death per 2.5 miles of fencing with juvenile mortality being eight times more likely than adults.
By removing fencing in critical big game habitat we are improving the habitat permeability of an important landscape critical to big game survival.
This is a great chance to meet public land owners from around the state while doing a little conservation work. We’ll end the day with a fun after party (location TBD) where we can celebrate our efforts and meet more conservation minded folks.
Schedule:
– 8 am: Meet at the Bellyache trailhead (39.65787833398542, -106.81476881295083)
– 8:00-8:30: Shuttle/carpool to the fence pull site, introductions, and safety talk
– 8:30-3:00: Pull fencing
– 3:30-6:00 Happy hour
What to bring: Leather gloves (if you have them) and safety glasses (sunglasses are fine). We will have tools (but feel free to bring your own such as fence pliers, bolt cutters, or post pullers) and spare gloves for those who need them. Please bring a water bottle (there will be a water fill station on site), sunscreen, and proper durable clothing you’re not worried about tearing (jeans/carhartts, boots, long-sleeve durable shirt).
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