Wildlife fencing survey near South Fork with VOC community science
Survey barbed wire fence lines in the San Juan Mountains near South Fork to identify barriers for migrating elk and deer. Use Survey123 to map and document fence segments.
Why we picked this
Hands-on conservation science in the San Juans — mapping barbed wire fences that block elk and deer migration so future crews can modify or remove the worst offenders. Free camping and meals included. Currently full, but worth watching.
Barbed wire fencing crisscrosses Colorado’s rangelands, and many of those fence lines cut across wildlife migration corridors used by elk, deer, and pronghorn. This community science project surveys fence lines in the San Juan Mountains foothills near South Fork and Del Norte to document which segments pose the greatest barriers to wildlife movement. Volunteers use the Survey123 mobile app to map fence sections and record specifications — wire type, condition, height, and location. Wildlife signs (tracks, scat, hair caught on wire) are also documented.
The project runs two days (Saturday July 25, 8 AM–4 PM; Sunday July 26, 8 AM–2 PM) at 8,400 feet elevation. Expect 3–5 miles of hiking on uneven terrain. Free camping is available Friday and Saturday nights; meals are included Saturday and Sunday.
Ages 16 and older; youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21+. The project is currently listed as full — check the signup link as cancellations do open spots.