Working for Sage-grouse

This summer our field crew was so quick and efficient with our range monitoring that we had extra time during our field days. We wanted to get more involved with the local ranchers so we offered to help with any side projects they might have for us.

The local Utah Grazing Improvement Program (UGIP) coordinator assigned us the task of adding white markers to the top string of barbwire on newly constructed pasture fences. These fences were constructed as part of the Three Creeks Grazing Consolidation Project. More fences mean more opportunities for wildlife-fence collisions, with a special concern in this area being collisions by sage-grouse. These white markers help wintering sage grouse see and avoid the fences, preventing collisions, and keeping sage-grouse populations safe.

This job was described to us as “just going for a little hike.” So we loaded bags full of white plastic markers and hiked the miles(!) of fence line. The markers hang on the top wire and we placed two between each fence post. We had to be careful to watch for the barbs and spiders, but it was a fun break from our routine field work and gave us the opportunity to see different places on the grazing allotment! For more info on sage grouse fence markers, check out: https://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/fence-markers-get-make/

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