Wildlife Friendly Fencing Surveys

Across the American West, networks of barbed wire fence designed to divide rangelands and assist livestock producers manage and maintain cattle and other domesticated animals have made it harder for wildlife to move freely across large landscapes. As our understanding of connectivity, corridors and the importance of seasonal migration has increased, our understanding of the threat posed by these barriers to big game species like elk, deer, and pronghorn has increased as well. This is especially true in areas where seasonal migrations have been documented.
In Utah, the Paunsaugunt plateau is home to one of the state’s most famed mule deer populations. Like many areas, the extensive network of barbed wire fences throughout this migratory route, including within the national monument, creates a barrier that makes this biannual migration more difficult and can lead to reduced herd fitness and adaptability in the face of habitat degradation and impacts from climate change. The migration route crosses Highway 89, another barrier to movement that was improved in 2013 with 3 new underpasses, 4 retrofitted culverts, and associated exclusionary fencing along Hwy 89 to direct the deer to the 7 underpasses. This project will complement those underpasses by improving landscape permeability within GSENM lands.
To maintain and enhance this important migratory corridor, Wildlands Network, Grand Staircase-Escalante Partners, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Mule Deer Foundation have partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and the Bureau of Land Management to reduce barriers to wildlife movement in valuable mule deer winter range. Volunteers will use their smartphones to collect data as they walk fence lines in the southern end of GSENM to assist in this project.
Volunteers for this project should be comfortable hiking medium to long distances (4-9 miles) over medium to rugged terrain. Volunteers will need to carry all their own food and water for the day. Volunteers should be comfortable using maps to navigate off-trail.
April 25th:
2 pm: Meet at the Kanab Public Library to go over the app
3 pm: Travel to the camp area and set up camp
6 pm: Dinner provided by GSEP
April 26th:
7 am: Coffee and pack lunch
8 am: GSEP provides breakfast
9 am - 4 pm: Hike fence lines, taking lunch and other breaks as needed
6 pm: Dinner provided by GSEP
April 27th:
7 am: Coffee and pack lunch
8 am: GSEP provides breakfast
9 am - 3 pm: Hike fence lines, taking lunch and other breaks as needed
4 pm: Break down camp and depart campsite
GSEP will provide the following gear:
- Work gloves
- Water
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and tea
- Groover system
- Camp kitchen
- All project gear
In addition, GSEP requires volunteers to bring gear from their list.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

(###)

###

####

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Disclosure of Medical Conditions

I understand that I am solely responsible for knowing my own physical condition and making my own decision about volunteering. I have disclosed all medications and conditions relevant to my participation to my supervisor or other staff at Wildlands Network. I understand that Wildlands Network needs such information because some medication side effects or medical conditions could affect my safety or that of other volunteers or employees of Wildlands Network. I consent to Wildlands Network sharing this information with volunteer leaders prior to the start of the project and health professionals or first responders should I become ill or injured while volunteering with Wildlands Network.

Medical Care and Consent Waiver

I authorize Wildlands Network, its employees, and its partners to provide me with first aid and to arrange medical assistance, transportation, and emergency medical services for me if I get hurt while volunteering. I understand that I am solely responsible for any costs related to my medical treatment and transport, and that Wildlands Network does not provide health, medical, disability, or other insurance coverage for me.

I agree

Liability Waiver

I understand and accept that participation involves certain risks and hazards inherent to outdoor activities and carries the risk of injury, illness, or damage to personal property. I understand that I am required to comply with all rules, policies, and instructions provided by Wildlands Network staff and project leaders, including all safety guidelines and protocols. I understand that I am solely responsible for any injuries or harm to myself or my property that I may sustain while volunteering. With this knowledge, I forever release Wildlands Network and all entities involved in the project, and all their employees, volunteers, directors, officers, and representatives from any and all actions, claims or demands now and in the future for any injury, death or property damage related to my participation in these volunteer activities. I also agree that I, my assignees, heirs, distributers, guardians, next of kin, spouse and legal representatives will not make a claim against, sue, or attach the property of any Releasee in connection with any matters covered by this release. I affirm that I have carefully read this agreement, understand its contents and am aware this is a release of liability.

I agree

Emergency Contact

First Name

Last Name

Emergency Contact Phone

(###)

###

####

Media Release

I consent to having my photo and video taken and my likeness used in promotional, fundraising, educational, or other materials. If you would like to opt out, you may select the box below.

Opt Out

Wildlife Friendly Fencing Surveys

Project Description

Ability Level

Itinerary

Gear

For over 30 years, Wildlands Network has reconnected, restored & rewilded North America. Together, we can connect and restore wildlands so that all life can roam and thrive.