Minnesota BHA Chapter Brings the Heat for Summer Fence Removal

 

 

You might think it would be difficult to get volunteers to show up for a morning of hard, physical labor outdoors on a 90+ degree day in mid-July. That's not the case when it comes to the members of the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA). 

On July 11th, BHA members and their families from across southern and central Minnesota teamed up with the Washington County chapter of Pheasants Forever at Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to put boots on the ground, clearing barbed and smoothline wire fencing as well as wooden and metal fence posts. 

The 1,834-acre property in Washington County is a newer WMA, having been formed through land acquisition efforts by the Trust for Public Land and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Formerly a privately owned parcel for grazing cattle, it is now among the largest undeveloped tracts of land in the Twin Cities metro, which attracts hunters, anglers, hikers, and birders from across the region to its mix of hardwoods, native grasslands, wetlands, and lakes that provide significant habitat to a variety of wildlife. 

When the Minnesota chapter board started exploring opportunities for stewardship projects, one of the goals was to pursue opportunities that brought attention to public lands as a resource not just for members passionate about hunting and fishing, but for anyone with an interest in the outdoors and conservation. With its easy access to millions of people in the Twin Cities metro, Keystone Woods presented a perfect opportunity to make an impact on public lands that offer something for everyone.

On the morning of the event, the parking lot was nearly full as the enthusiastic exchange of greetings among volunteers mixed with the low drone of pollinators and the calls of native birds. After introductions and a pre-work tailgate briefing, the volunteers formed a small convoy of trucks to the worksite. The plan was to clear as much of the ⅓ mile section of 4-strand and 5-strand fence as possible. Splitting into two groups at either end and working toward the center, the teams quickly fell into a rhythm, cutting and spooling fence, digging out or cutting posts, and forming a relay hauling material back to the two-track road.

Though the work was scheduled for a four-hour window, the eager and efficient work of the crew took down the entire length of the fence in less than two hours! Even while pouring sweat and pulling off ticks, volunteers expressed how much fun they were having.

With the job complete and the temperature touching nearly 90 degrees by 10:00 AM, the group shifted from the work to the fellowship portion of the event. A member of the Washington County Pheasants Forever chapter volunteered his garage as a meeting place for everyone to gather, cool down, socialize, and enjoy an early lunch of smash burgers, brats, and cold beers prepared by the Minnesota chapter board.

Gathered around tables and coolers, members swapped stories about hunting, fishing, dogs, and all things outdoors. Following an update on policy, a round of expressions of gratitude, and a reminder concerning upcoming chapter events, the volunteers headed home. They were likely feeling a bit overheated from the day, but they left with the satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes from supporting public lands.

The Keystone Woods cleanup as well as an earlier land stewardship project and campout near Ely, Minnesota, in June came about in response to the Minnesota BHA membership’s requests for more opportunities to gather together to improve public lands. These events bring members together to socialize and build relationships while doing the things that initially brought many of them to Backcountry Hunters and Anglers - a chance to offer their time and efforts to making a difference for public lands and waters in their states and local communities.