Bears Ears Virtual Fencing Collaborative Project
Primary Topic:
Natural Resources
Other Topics:
Community & Economic Development, Agriculture
Internship Overview:
The Hahns Peak-Bears Ears District on the Routt National Forest is planning a large-scale fuels removal project. The woody fuels removal will be paired with an herbaceous fuels project within the wildland urban interface (WUI). This project will utilize cattle and virtual fencing technology to determine appropriate thresholds for grazing that will reduce herbaceous fuels and will preserve the current ecosystem state from transitioning to a less desirable state.
Virtual fencing will also provide the ability for livestock managers to exclude cattle from toxic larkspur stands, monitor use within the woody fuels treatments, rotate livestock throughout the allotments, and improve fall round-up.
Virtual fencing will also provide the ability for livestock managers to exclude cattle from toxic larkspur stands, monitor use within the woody fuels treatments, rotate livestock throughout the allotments, and improve fall round-up.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
The intern position will assist the US Forest Service and grazing permittees to begin implementation of the Bears Ears Virtual Fence Project. Utilization cages will be set up in key areas defined by USFS and permittees that will be monitored during the grazing season. Upland targets of 40-60% use, riparian targets of 6-inch stubble height, and < 20% streambank alteration will be used.
Upon meeting thresholds cattle will be rotated out of utilized areas. The intern will also learn to work with Herd Manager and coordinate with the permittees and USFS to created adaptive grazing patterns.
Field work will require the ability to use off-road vehicles in a safe manner and use basic navigation and backcountry skills. A successful applicant will also have the ability to work with local ranching communities. Given the nature of the field experience, applicants must demonstrate their ability to work outdoors under inclement conditions. Applicants with interest in soils, botany, range science and/or wildlife habitat are preferred. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career in wildlife, range, or natural resource management, and interested in cattle management on public and private rangelands. You will gain direct experience working with land management agencies, ranchers, and CSU Extension on a collaborative project.
Upon meeting thresholds cattle will be rotated out of utilized areas. The intern will also learn to work with Herd Manager and coordinate with the permittees and USFS to created adaptive grazing patterns.
Field work will require the ability to use off-road vehicles in a safe manner and use basic navigation and backcountry skills. A successful applicant will also have the ability to work with local ranching communities. Given the nature of the field experience, applicants must demonstrate their ability to work outdoors under inclement conditions. Applicants with interest in soils, botany, range science and/or wildlife habitat are preferred. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career in wildlife, range, or natural resource management, and interested in cattle management on public and private rangelands. You will gain direct experience working with land management agencies, ranchers, and CSU Extension on a collaborative project.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
The Intern will have exposure to stakeholders who are responsible for managing western ecosystems, such as the USFS, rancher partners, and Extension and have the opportunity to engage with real-world monitoring and management, as well as application of new technology for grazing management.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
The selected intern will participate in USFS seasonal orientation where they will be trained in 4×4, ATV/UTV, trailering, navigation using GPS and various applications, radio communication, general safety, and possibly horsemanship. They will gain knowledge of working in the front and side country and the safety protocols that accompany such work. They will also work closely with local organizations and ranchers participating in the virtual fencing project. The ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders will be improved upon throughout the season. The intern will also have opportunities to engage in other CSU virtual fencing and invasive species research projects in NW Colorado.
