1/4 mile removal & lay down fence modification

The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, located in Northern New Mexico championed by Sen. Heinrich On March 25, 2013. With 242,555 acres designated as the National Monument. It serves as a vital wildlife migration corridor, for big game such as Pronghorn Antelope, Elk, & Mule deer. Nearly 86 miles of net wire was used for historical sheep grazing during the 19th & early 20th Century on the Taos Plateau. This and 4 strand barbed wire fencing make it difficult to cross, with the risk of entanglement. Each year 1 ungulate dies per 2 1/2 miles. With the help of Stewardship Volunteer Efforts hosted by BHA, Taos BLM Field office and other local Organizations. The removal of non-wildlife friendly fencing and modifications have made better habitat connectivity.

On May 8-10, NM BHA Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Elden Aguilar partnered with 2 Taos BLM Field office employees, & 3 Volunteers, to remove and modify a 1/4 mile of fencing along forest service rd 87. The 4 strand wire fence was replaced with "LAY DOWN FENCING". This special modification plays an important role, especially during the Migration Season & off grazing season for cattle. The fence can be laid down on the ground flat so that it is safe for big game to cross, without having to jump, crawl under, or getting entangled. It consists of metal T-posts, Wooden posts/stays and 4 strands of wire. Each corner/brace is set every 1/8 mile. T-posts are 16.5 ft apart, attached with a wooden post & 2 wire loops at the top & bottom. Then the wire is stretched across and attached to every wooden post and stays in between. Each wire is set at the specific height requirements keeping the bottom smooth at 16 inches high enough for the Antelope to pass under.

On Friday, Volunteers arrived at camp in the evening, some got know each other, some reconnected from previous BHA events. Saturday Volunteers got to have breakfast burritos before the work day started. Then, everyone headed out to the worksite, there they met up with Taos BLM office for safety, and work briefing. Without hesitation, they got to work and removed the first 1/8 mile stretch of fencing quickly and moved on to the new fence modification. By noon the first section of fencing was up and lunch was ready! Master Bbq chef Jim, had whipped up a his famous pulled pork bbq sandwhiches with a side of coleslaw & potato salad. After Lunch, the next 1/8 mile stretch of fencing was removed. These volunteers worked so fast, they had the entire 1/4 mile of lay the down fencing up by the end of the work day. As a gift of appreciation local artist WILD STYLN ART handed out his exclusive pieces of art to every volunteer and BLM employees. With a small crew everyone was amazed at how much work ws done in a short amount of time, they were happy with their accomplishments. After, they head back to camp with enough day light still left, they agreed there was enough time to go cast a fly, on a nearby river to catch and release some rio grande cutthroat trout. Later that evening at camp, everyone got to enjoy some Oryx Birria Tacos & Bison Steaks, along with some local beer to wash it all down. Sunday was a free day, since all of the work was done, everyone packed up camp, said good bye, & left on our own adventures.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT. An unexpected Volunteer showed up late Friday afternoon by the name of Atom. He was traveling across the country (originally from Tennessee) and had been camping out on the national monument days prior he had stopped in at the Taos BLM field office to get information on restrictions & saw the flyer for our event. This man was trying to find a place to settle so that he could get his life back on track. Atom, was welcomed to our camp & treated him as any volunteer. He was happy to help with the fencing project & put in a hard days worth of work. From removing, pulling wire to each corner post, to helping finish. He was a great fit for our event. Although he does not hunt or fish frequently, he joined in our wild game potluck and tried Oryx & Bison for the first time. He was so amazed at how good the food was. Told us thank you for the food & awesome opportunity to help with habitat connectivity.

Moments like this come unexpectedly, you never know who, or what you will come across on public lands. There were plenty of lessons to be learned during this event. Life has its Rocky Mountain Highs and Desert Valley Lows. For NM Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Elden this was his first event. It was more than helping create habitat connectivity for animals, but also to help motivate, inspire, and to keep pushing forward. Another reason to come together on Public land.

Big game are so important, they belong to the landscape. Most of us hunt them so that they can feed our families, friends, and the community. it’s in our blood & our traditions as hunters/anglers. It is important that we do what we can to protect what is left so, that other generations can enjoy these places as much as we do.

A huge thank you to the NEW MEXICO OUTDOOR RECREATION DIVISION. For making this all possible, with the grant we are able to host these events & make a positive impact on public lands.

As a local from Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM these projects are very meaningful to the land in every perspective, especially on the Taos Plataeu.

Thank you to every one of our sponsors ONX Dometic Rocky Talkies

If you are interested in these Habitat Stewardship Events there will be plenty more to come this summer. Stay tuned by signing up on our email list, & select your local state chapter. Also Become a member today, at www.backcountryhunters.org