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See Fence? Pull Fence!
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by Paul Wilson | 2005

Old fencing in Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was removed on July 16th, with next volunteer work day scheduled for October 18th

On July 16^th the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), gathered a few staff and a few friends for a day of delightful destruction.  All in the name of improving wildlife habitat and removing materials that cause increased wildlife mortality.

Old fencing that is present on the once-privately held lands needs to be removed to reduce the hazards to wildlife.  The fences also restrict movements by some wildlife species like white-tailed deer, which can give an unnatural advantage to some pretty smart predators, like the eastern coyote.

So, staff and volunteers worked for a few hours on a steamy, summer Saturday to give a little relief to the Canaan Valley’s wildlife.  Using tried and true techniques, the crew removed metal fence T-stakes, and rolled long swaths of fencing, including some barbed wire and some long metal fencing strands (see adjoining pictures).

It did not take long to work up a sweat, fill up a long NWR utility trailer, and drain our water bottles.  Please consider joining us for the next Fence Pulling event on October 18^th  Fence Removal Work Day.  We will meet at 9 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.

Ever see an animal tangled up in old fencing? Please help us remove these hazards to wildlife on the Canaan Valley Refuge.