Last weekend, North Dakota BHA board members spent the weekend inventorying nearly 50 miles of fence using ATVs on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Big Gumbo represents the last continuous sage steppe habitat for Greater sage grouse (GRSG) in the state of North Dakota, holding the only active leks found on BLM parcels within the area. Big Gumbo also accounts for ~38% of all BLM surface in North Dakota and represents the largest continuous area of BLM-managed lands.

The area of the Big Gumbo has been impacted by industry since the 1960s and, as a result, is highly fragmented. Miles of old fence impact GRSG and pronghorn movements across the landscape. With the help of BHA, the BLM intends to inventory old fencing and work with the chapter to remove or modify stretches to improve wildlife habitat.

As this project progresses, we'll need the help of volunteers. If you're interested in helping with this project in the future, join our mailing list to be the first to know about upcoming opportunities!