BLM starts fence conversion at JO Ranch

RAWLINS, Wyo. -- The Bureau of Land Management is investing nearly $60,000.00 to replace fence at the historic JO Ranch. The JO fence project will replace 3.15 miles of existing grazing allotment boundary fence, to a four-wire wildlife friendly design. 

Currently the identified 3.15 miles of fence for replacement is in very poor condition and restricts wildlife movements. It does not meet the BLM standards for a wildlife friendly fence design as it is a combination of old woven wire/multi-strand barbed wire which impedes wildlife movement. The fence is in both mule deer and elk crucial winter range as well as pronghorn habitat. 

Multiple benefits are gained from converting any fence on the landscape that restricts wildlife movements. This beneficial improvement will allow wildlife to move more freely across the landscape with their young, going from summer, transitional and wintering habitats. Restrictive movements for wildlife in crucial winter range during extreme conditions can be deadly.

This project also provides the opportunity to bring together livestock permittees and wildlife non-governmental groups that want to do good things for big game species.

For more information, please contact blm_wy_912@blm.gov or call 307-775-6328.

Photo 1 - Old JO Fence

Photo 2 - Jo Fence Conversion

Photo 3 - New JO Fence