Wildlands Network Implements Wildlife-Friendly Fencing Projects Across Western U.S. Migration Corridors
Wildlands Network has initiated and expanded wildlife-friendly fencing projects across the Western U.S., specifically in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of fences on the migration routes of animals like elk, pronghorn, and deer, which have used these paths for centuries. In 2023, the organization began its first project in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, focusing on the Paunsaugunt mule deer herd. This involved inventorying over 150 miles of fence with the help of more than 50 volunteers and a survey tool developed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). Based on this data, 12 miles of fence were identified for modification to meet wildlife-friendly specifications, particularly near existing wildlife underpasses. In 2025, volunteers removed bottom wires across 11 miles of fence, which were then replaced with smooth wire and adjusted to proper heights to prevent entanglements. An additional 7 miles were retrofitted in the past year, wit...