JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Join the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation as they celebrate Public Lands Day, as well as the memory of Dennis McCracken with a fence removal project this Saturday.
Long-time fence team volunteer Dennis McCracken passed away this past February. McCracken spent summers in Jackson Hole and donated a good deal of his time with fence projects with JHWF. This final fence project of the season is dedicated to Dennis. All volunteers will sign a poster with photos of McCracken which will be sent to his family.
LOGISTICS: The wire being removed on Public Lands Day is located just north of the Gros Ventre Road near Kelly Cliffs on USFS land. This is an especially scenic project, as the view from the ridgeline is stunning. Park vehicles at a staging area which is a 15-minute drive from the Gros Ventre round-about. From the staging area there is a steep hike to the fence. Volunteers will be hand-rolling barbed-wire and using push carts to get the wire back to the staging area.
HIKING NOTICE: Access to the fences from our staging area require a VERY STEEP 0.5 mile hike with 500 feet of elevation gain. There is an additional 100-200 feet of elevation gain to the end of the fence line. Volunteers are reminded to hike at their own pace.
PROJECT DIFFICULTY: Project rates an average of 7 due to variable terrain and the steep hike to access the fence. There are two distinct sections of fence to be removed once the steep hike is complete. One section is relatively flat with good footing (difficulty of a 6) while the other section runs down a steep hillside and the wire partially-buried in brush (difficulty of an 8). Volunteers can choose which section to help remove.
LUNCH: JHWF will provide a water cooler and snacks. Please bring your own lunch, and bring your lunch with you during the hike to the fence.
GEAR: Expect uneven ground and to be away from vehicles for the majority of the day. You should wear layered clothes, long pants, sturdy shoes, and bring a rain jacket. A hiking pole(s) may also be a good idea. Sun or eyeglasses are also a must. Sun protection (hat & sunscreen lotion) and bug spray is highly recommended.
JHWF also recommend that volunteers check the status of their tetanus shots, in case of scratches or punctures from old fencing especially barbed wire. JHWF will provide work gloves to you if you do not have your own, and JHWF will have tools on site. Please bring your bear spray and wear it on you.
When: Saturday, September 25
Project(s) Site: USFS land near Kelly Cliffs/Gros Ventre Roa
Time and Location: 8:00am meet – Gros Ventre Junction (roundabout parking area).
Waivers and Liability: Prior to participation JHWF asks each volunteer for the 2021 season to please sign (once) and return general liability waiver here and our COVID-19 liability waiver here. Please return waivers to kyle@jhwildlife.org.
Call Kyle at 937-219-7339 for more info.
