What better way to celebrate Public Lands Day than removing barbed wire fencing on public lands to improve critical mule deer and elk habitat?
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) have partnered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to do just that in the northwest region of Colorado and need volunteers. Participate in a weekend of stewardship, fishing on the White River and campfire stories in the Meeker area, which is home to two of the largest elk and mule deer herds in Colorado.
What to Expect
Volunteers will remove fence staples and wire clips using bolt cutters, roll up wire and remove T-posts. The bulk of the work will be done during the cooler parts of the day on Saturday and Sunday. In the afternoon and evening on Saturday the day is open for fishing, hiking, or relaxing at camp followed by dinner and sitting around the campfire with good people. Even if you can’t swing the overnight stay help for the removal on either day is welcome and appreciated.
The area to be worked is in the Little Tom’s Draw area on BLM land near the White River. CPW Area Manager and Biologist Brian Holmes will give a talk in the evening about his work, the current state of the local wildlife populations, and the conservation history of the area.
BHA will provide lunch and dinner on Saturday as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
What to BRING
Leather gloves, safety glasses, and fence tools (pliers, post puller, etc) if you have them. A water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and proper clothing for working outside and removing fence (jeans, boots, long-sleeve shirt).
Rendezvous at the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area (about 25 minutes West of Meeker) and convoy/carpool to the worksite. Community service credit for school or other organizations can be arranged.
For additional information, contact Brittany Parker at [email protected] or 863-885-1650.
HOPEWEST PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times
