Major rewilding effort removes 100 miles of fencing across the Great Plains of Montana

A massive rewilding effort in Montana has achieved a significant milestone for wildlife conservation. The American Prairie Reserve has successfully removed over 100 miles of derelict fencing across the Great Plains. This project, driven by volunteers and conservationists, is restoring the natural landscape to its original, open state. It is a powerful example of how removing human infrastructure can directly benefit biodiversity.

The removal of these fences is critical for the free movement of wildlife. For decades, abandoned barbed wire has posed a deadly hazard to animals and fragmented their habitats. This initiative reconnects vast stretches of prairie, allowing nature to function as it should.

Unlocking Ancient Migration Corridors

The primary positive impact of this project is the restoration of ancient migration corridors. Species like pronghorn antelope, elk, and deer rely on the ability to move freely across the landscape to find food and mates. Pronghorn, in particular, are known to struggle with fences, often crawling under them rather than jumping, which leads to injury or death.

By clearing these barriers, the project ensures that these animals can follow their instinctual paths without obstruction. This increased connectivity is vital for genetic diversity and population health. It allows herds to adapt to changing weather patterns and food availability. The National Wildlife Federation highlights the critical importance of wildlife corridors for species survival.

A Victory for Safety and Aesthetics

Beyond the biological benefits, removing derelict fencing improves the safety and aesthetics of the landscape. Old, rusting wire is a danger not only to wildlife but also to livestock and humans who use the land for recreation. Clearing this debris removes a significant liability and restores the visual beauty of the open plains.

The project also involves the modification of necessary fences to be “wildlife-friendly.” This means installing smooth bottom wires that allow animals to pass under safely. This pragmatic approach balances the needs of working ranches with the needs of wild species. It demonstrates that agriculture and conservation can coexist.

The Power of Volunteer Stewardship

This achievement is a testament to the power of volunteer stewardship. Hundreds of individuals have donated their time and labor to physically roll up and remove tons of wire. This hands-on involvement fosters a deep connection between the public and the land.

It empowers citizens to be active participants in ecological restoration. The physical effort required to remove miles of fencing is immense, making this milestone a true labor of love. This collective action builds a community of conservationists dedicated to the long-term health of the prairie. The American Prairie Reserve provides details on how volunteers drive these restoration efforts.

A Model for Landscape-Scale Conservation

The fence removal project is part of a larger vision to create the largest nature reserve in the contiguous United States. It serves as a model for landscape-scale conservation that can be replicated in other regions. By focusing on connectivity, the project addresses one of the biggest threats to wildlife in the modern world: habitat fragmentation.

This success proves that restoration doesn’t always require planting new things; sometimes it means taking old things away. It is a hopeful reminder that we can undo past damages to our environment. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) supports similar connectivity initiatives globally. Furthermore, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation offers science and policy guidance on connecting habitats.

Resources

• National Wildlife Federation on Wildlife Corridors
• American Prairie Reserve on Fence Removal Projects
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on Global Connectivity
• Center for Large Landscape Conservation on Connectivity Science