ARIZONA ANTELOPE FOUNDATION
Big Lake Grassland Ecosystem Fence Modification
June 5, 2021
Project Location: We will be working on the Apache National Forest a few miles north of Big Lake in the White Mountains.
Project Begins: Saturday June 5th at 7AM (sunrise is 5:00am!). Meet at camp for specific work instructions. The campsite is located about 3 mile east of the project site.
Project Activity: We will be modifying approximately 3 to 5 miles of existing low hanging four strand fence by removing the bottom strand of barbed wire and replacing with a single strand of smooth wire at a height of 18 inches.
Pronghorn Benefits: The project is located in a high elevation grassland that is key summer range for pronghorn. Modifying these fences will allow easier access for pronghorn and elk across the summer range. Retaining the travel connectivity within the summer range is critical to maintaining this population of pronghorn which summer and reproduce near Big Lake. This project is our fourth annual project to enhance habitat for these migratory pronghorn. Subsequent projects will work across the primary summer range modifying and or removing livestock fences.
Volunteer Benefits: All volunteer work hours and mileage will be use as in-kind match for federally funded wildlife enhancement projects including the Arizona Game and Fish Habitat Partnership program.
What to Bring: Work gloves (The AAF will have a limited supply), snacks, water, sunscreen, personal gear.
Meals: Please provide your own lunches to eat in the field on the Saturday work days. The AAF will be providing dinners on Friday and Saturday nights and continental breakfasts with coffee and juice on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Directions to Camp: AAF camp site will be located on the north side of Rudd Knoll, which is about 12 miles south of Highway 260 and 14 miles southwest of Eagar. Travel 38 miles east of Pinetop on Highway 260; turn right (south) on State Highway 261 at mile post 393 (You can also take Highway 60 east from Show Low to Eagar and turn west onto Highway 260 to reach MP 393.); go about 12 miles south on Highway 261 to mile post 400.5 and turn left (east) at the AAF signs located on the north side of Rudd Knoll. Access until this turnoff is paved road and the camping area starts within a ¼ mile of the highway. Please note this is a public camping area, but efforts will be made to “reserve” a specific AAF camping area.
Camping Restrictions: Given the current dry conditions there is a high probability that fire restrictions will be in place in early June. Restrictions will include no open fires and the use of charcoal. Cooking will be restricted to propane stoves.
Contact: info@azantelope.org. Registration is now closed.
Potential Forest Closure: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will be open for our project weekend.
Download the Project Flyer with Map Here
