Hundreds of miles of relic fencing on the Carrizo Plain National Monument remains in the absence of the past ranching operations in the area. Today, this fencing poses a huge barrier to pronghorn antelope migration and movement throughout the plains. Despite being the fastest land animal on North America and a very capable jumper, pronghorn choose instead to attempt to scoot beneath the fencing, which can result in cuts from the barbwire or simply acting as a full barrier to migration.
ForestWatch volunteers engaging in fence removal projects normally spend a weekend camping on the Carrizo Plain, and are often treated to special naturalist talks from local experts, tours of this special area, camping comradery, and the knowledge that they’re making a lasting difference on the ecosystem. When working with the fencing itself, sometimes the fencing may be completely removed, or just retrofitted by removing the lowest line of barbwire and allowing pronghorn to easily slip beneath it while still impeding cattle movement. To date, ForestWatch volunteers have removed or retrofitted dozens of miles of relic fencing on the Carrizo Plain.
If you’re interested in doing your part to protect pronghorn on the Carrizo Plain, click the button below or contact ForestWatch at volunteer@LPFW.org or 805.617.4610 ext. 3 to join our list of dedicated, fun-loving, adventurous volunteers today. You’ll receive monthly announcements about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
