Coldwater WMA has exhibited a dramatically successful post-fire vegetation restoration. The abundance of forage The abundance of forage has also drawn the attention of neighboring livestock. The western border fence is in dire need of repair, but rather than try to piece the existing fence together, replace it with a wildlife-friendly design.

Construct (reconstruct/replace) 3.5 miles of fence along the property's western and southwestern border with wildlife-friendly fence.

To reserve the effects of our post-fire vegetation restoration for wildlife benefit we will need to exclude non-permitted livestock from utilizing the land. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid unintended impacts from livestock.

Mule deer Chukar (other upland) Constituency goals

Unregulated livestock may spread noxious weeds which can alter fire regimes. We need fencing to better manage the access of livestock to the property.

n/a

Construction of fence will occur on existing official WMA fence lines.

Standard Wildlife friendly fence design will be used on the majority of the fence line. A more robust fence type will be used on the fence line bordering a property frequently grazed by sheep.

Fence will monitored by DWR staff on a yearly, or more frequent, basis. and mended as needed.

DWR and neighboring land owners

This fence will allow DWR to manage the property more effectively and we can move forward with other projects that will meet land management objectives once access is under control.

This fence will allow DWR to manage the property more effectively which will allow us to considered a beneficial grazing regiment for the property to enhance wildlife habitat. Imporved and sustained wildlife habitat will encourage the use of the property by desired wildlife species and increase hunting opportunity on and around the property.

09/28/2024

12/31/2024

2025

A total of 1.14 miles of fence was constructed to wildlife friendly standards along the north and south borders of the Coldwater WMA. In the fall of 2024, regional staff removed the old, dilapidated sections of fence using the Mule Deer Foundation's Wire winder. A hired contractor built the new fence in late fall and winter of 2024. ~1.14 miles of fence was constructed.

Rangeland fences can significantly hinder wildlife movement, disrupt migration patterns, fragment habitats, and pose risk of death and entanglement. The goal of this project was to improve wildlife movement on the WMA. The challenges we faced during this project were primarily due to terrain, which consisted mainly of rocky soil that made it difficult to set posts and braces. Additionally, public use of the WMA posted challenges. There were multiple instances throughout the project where personnel safety was a concern due to careless target shooting by the public on the WMA.

Habitat connectivity and wildlife movement on the landscape is always a priority for the DWR. Future projects will focus on improving overall habitat quality. The DWR will maintain the properties fence lines and ensure they are taken down in the fall and spring to better facilitate wildlife movement.