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UT and AZ BHA will bring together a group of dedicated members and volunteers to conduct walking surveys on 150 miles of fencing throughout the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The survey data collected will be used to identify which sections of fencing will need alterations to improve passage for migrating mule deer. Later stages of the project will include replacing and repairing sections of existing barbed wire fencing with smooth-wire wildlife-friendly fencing according to DWR specifications. Remote trail cameras will also be used to monitor the impact of the project on the deer migration and document wildlife behavioral changes. This venture will be a multi-year dedicated restoration project; BHA and our partners will continue to collect data and conduct post-modification monitoring as we determine the effectiveness of the restoration actions.
Expect to arrive at the group camping location on the afternoon of Friday. May 17th, 2024 with a briefing and work to commence the following morning. Volunteers that would like to arrive early or stay later to get more work in will also have the option to be assigned additional fence routes to survey. Survey training will be provided on-site at the briefing and in advance to RSVP’ed volunteers via video. BHA will be providing breakfast and will host a wild game potluck with beverages provided by Utah’s Epic Brewing Company. Volunteers will also receive a limited-edition BHA gift and the project will qualify for Dedicated Hunter hours.
In the true spirit of the outdoors, this volunteer opportunity will require an overnight camp on BLM land with little to no cell service. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended but not required – the road to the camping location is a dirt BLM road that is in generally good condition but some of the fence sites are more remote and are accessed via rougher BLM roads. We can assign those without four-wheel drive to more easily accessible fence sites. We also encourage volunteers to bring work gloves and the necessities for camping and physical work in desert conditions. Volunteers are also welcome and encouraged to bring their personal OHV’s/ATV’s if they have them.
In the case of inclement weather, a backup work date of June 1st, 2024 is planned.
RSVPs for this event are now closed. Stay tuned for future stewardship opportunities!