Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, in partnership with Wilderness Workshop, and the Bureau of Land Management- Colorado River Valley Field Office are excited to announce the “Roam the Roan Fence Pull”, October 3rd on the Roan Plateau outside of Rifle Colorado.
The Roan plateau with its steep valleys leading up to its high plateaus 3000 feet above the Colorado river provides variable habitat that helps sustain impressive wildlife populations. Large herds of elk and mule deer traverse the plateau using the upper elevations as summer range before migrating down towards the valley floors for winter. The diverse forage and drastic changes in elevation help these animals survive the seasonal changes and influence the overall success of the herds. Unfortunately, during their yearly migration these animals encounter countless fence lines that act as barriers and can negatively impact herd numbers. Each year entrapment of animals and costly disruption of their migration takes their toll. The negative effects of these fence lines are especially dangerous for calves and fawns who are often ill equipped to handle the barriers. That’s why BHA has partnered with Wilderness Workshop and the BLM to get out and remove these barriers!
The “Roam the Roan Fence Pull” will entirely remove a 1-mile section of unused let down fencing to help open corridors and allow safer routes to elk and mule deer during their fall migrations. The fence pull will take place on 10/3/2026 starting at 9:00 am. Group camping will be available the night of 10/2/2026.
Event Schedule
Friday, October 2nd - Optional Camping.
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive on Friday any time after 2:00 pm and set up camp with BHA and wilderness workshop staff at the BLM administrative cabin 39.59407, -107.91779. (an in-depth project guide will be sent out to those who RSVP with further information).
For those camping we encourage you to bring your favorite dish to share with the group for a wild game potluck. Don’t have game to bring? No problem, veggies and sides are always welcome!
Saturday, Oct 3rd - Primary Workday
8:30 AM — Meet at basecamp for coffee and safety briefing
9:00 AM — Fence removal begins
12:00 PM — Lunch in the field
3:00- 4:00 PM — Wrap up and head home
Maps and Important Locations
https://webmap.onxmaps.com/hunt/share/content?share_id=01KZCFN6X4N1KK5369XCB4J25T
Campsite/Basecamp: 39.59407, -107.91779
Route to Basecamp:
From State Highway 13 outside of Rifle take Piceance Creek Road, travel roughly 3.25 miles to the intersection of Cow Creek Road. Continue roughly 9 miles along Cow Creek Road/County Highway 249 until it ties into Roan Cliffs Road. Follow Roan Cliffs Road 10.40 miles until it intersects Long Ridge Road. Follow Long Ridge an additional 1.6 miles until it intersects JQS Gulch Road/8009 travel and additional half mile to basecamp.
What to Bring
We will be working in variable weather conditions that may change rapidly, pack accordingly. When working with wire fencing it is important to wear long pants, leather gloves and a good pair of boots.
Camping gear if planning to arrive the night prior.
BHA will provide: Gloves, tools, water and Gatorade throughout the project, plus a light breakfast and boxed lunch for the Saturday workday.
Questions? Reach out to Utah Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Filip Anderson at Anderson@backcountryhunters.org