Wire Wednesday: barbed wire removal at Dakota Ridge
Cut and haul out old barbed wire fencing along the Dakota Ridge trail system — hands-on habitat restoration that clears a hazard for wildlife and hikers.
Why we picked this
Old barbed wire left over from ranching days still snags wildlife and hikers along Dakota Ridge — this crew spends a morning cutting it out with pliers and fence cutters.
Meet at the Stegosaurus Park & Ride for a session removing old barbed wire fencing from the Dakota Ridge trail system. Volunteers hike in as a group, then work in pairs using pliers and fence cutters to cut, coil, and haul out abandoned wire — the kind of leftover ranch infrastructure that snags deer, coyotes, and the occasional hiker.
Wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring eye protection if you have it (extra work gloves are provided). Pack water and snacks — this is an outdoor, exposed-terrain project. A day pack helps for carrying gear on the hike. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Jeffco asks that you register ahead of time through the volunteer portal so they can plan crew size accordingly, and to check email the morning of in case of a weather cancellation.