When: Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Caffe Ibis parking lot (150 North 50 East in Logan) Saturday, September 4.

What: A day of fence-building to protect wetlands at the Bear River Bottoms.

Who: Everyone. But good, strong backs are especially needed for digging and pounding. Some old barbed wire will need to be removed, and those folks should have up-to-date tetanus shots.

Why: This fence is the last stretch in a project on the east side of the river to protect livestock from wetlands during the sensitive breeding season. The first section of the project was a 6,000 foot fence built in December 2008. This summer, youth crews from the Utah Conservation Corps spent three weeks constructing another 2,500 feet of fence along the eastern boundary. The remaining 500 foot section had to await a formal survey. With that now complete, we can put in fence posts and string the remaining 4 strands of barbed wire so as to minimize conflicts with wildlife while blocking bovines. These last 3,000 feet have been generously supported by a grant from the USFWS through their wetlands partners program.

What's special: This part is located over some high ground in a part of the BRB that is especially difficult to access, so it's a special opportunity to get the big picture of the project.

Stuff: You'll need to bring a shovel and fencing tools (such as fence pliers, post hole diggers, hammers, etc. if you have them). Wear work gloves, boots, and long sleeves and pants (barbed wire can be nasty stuff). It could be very sunny and warm, so hats are a good idea. Please also bring water and lunch. We'll provide the direction and training, and carpools will be arranged. There will be opportunties to take off at midday if you only have a few hours, but there will probably be stuff to do until at least 5 p.m. if you're looking for a serious workout.

Your help is appreciated! Volunteers have already done an incredible amount of very good work out there with excellent results.

As always, if you have questions, email or call me. If you think you can make it, please let me know so we can make some detailed crew plans. See you next weekend!

Bryan Dixon
435-760-0691