Balancing Agriculture and Wildlife Conservation at Pepperwood

Fences have been around for more than 10,000 years, dating back to the Neolithic period, when early humans began farming and needed enclosures for their livestock. Initially, these fences were basic structures crafted from readily available materials such as piled stones, stacked brush, and woven branches. As societies progressed, the methods and techniques of fencing also evolved. Over time, new materials such as iron were developed, enhancing the durability and functionality of fencing.

The primary purpose of constructing fences is to keep things either in or out. In the West, as fencing became more common during European expansion and more sophisticated—especially with the introduction of barbed wire in the late 1800s—it became increasingly effective at serving this purpose. However, this efficiency has come at a significant cost to wildlife, whose migrations across the landscape are guided by instinct rather than by human-made barriers.

The Impact of Fencing on Wildlife Movement

Wildlife requires the ability to move freely in search of food, water, shelter, and mates. Fences can obstruct migration routes, fragment habitats, and even cause injury or death to animals trying to navigate them. Additionally, fences can isolate animal populations, restricting their access to vital resources like food, water, and mates. This habitat fragmentation can reduce genetic diversity and make populations more vulnerable to disease.

In California, fencing didn’t really hit the scene until the late 19th century, when European settlers began farming vast areas, significantly altering the landscape. Before that, wild herds of grazing megafauna, such as tule elk, pronghorn, and mule deer, roamed and migrated across the grass-covered hills, maintaining an ecological balance we may never fully regain.

Over the past 150 years, what began as limited, fenced-off areas became an extensive network of barriers. Hundreds of thousands of miles of fenceline now crisscross the Western US, creating extensive barriers to animal movement. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Agricultural objectives and conservation objectives can work hand in hand, and we can collaborate to develop systems that promote biodiversity while sustaining livestock populations. It just takes a little compromise.

Pepperwood partners with Markegard Family Grass-fed, who provide us with Belted Galloway cattle, which play a crucial role in our conservation grazing program. Photo by Ian Nelson.

Pepperwood’s Journey Towards Wildlife-Friendly Fencing

At Pepperwood, we believe in the power of nature to heal and regenerate. Our research has shown that our grasslands thrive best when they are grazed by large herbivores. Although Tule elk are no longer wandering our hills, we can still pursue ecological balance through carefully managed herds of cattle, aided by innovative fencing and rotational grazing practices.

We are proud to partner with Markegard Family Grass-fed, whose home ranch is just south of Halfmoon Bay. They provide us with Belted Galloway cattle, which play a crucial role in our conservation grazing program. In a regenerative agriculture system, these cattle mimic the movements of ancient herds, contributing to the health of our grasslands. Their grazing helps build soil health, boosts biodiversity, and enhances water cycles. However, effective management is key. By employing rotational grazing, we allow plants to recover fully, resulting in healthier root systems that sequester more carbon.

Traditionally, the standard for fencing has been the post-and-wire model, often with barbed wire. This was the approach taken across our 3,200 acres at Pepperwood. Unfortunately, conventional fencing can inadvertently impede animal movement, disrupting the natural flow of wildlife. In contrast, wildlife-friendly fencing is designed to keep livestock contained while allowing wildlife to move freely and safely. This fencing style incorporates features like smooth wire, strategic wire heights, and improved visibility.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

The 2017 Tubbs Fire and the 2019 Kincade Fire were devastating events for Pepperwood, burning over 90% of our preserve. Yet, from this destruction arose an opportunity to revamp our outdated fencing. Many of our previous fences were detrimental to wildlife, often constructed from square wire field fencing reaching the ground and topped with double-stranded barbed wire. As we set out to repair and replace this fencing, we began with a fundamental question: “Do we even need a fence here?”

The reality is that the best fence is often no fence at all. However, managing livestock requires some boundaries. Our goal for Pepperwood was to create optimal fencing that supports both wildlife and livestock. We removed outdated field fencing and opened up significant areas of land, providing wildlife with unhindered access for the first time in over a century.

The fences that remained were reimagined to be as wildlife-friendly as possible while still serving as effective barriers for cattle. Considering the size and foraging habits of cows (each weighing over 1,500 pounds), we understood the need for a secure and adaptable fencing solution. The aim is to balance effective wildlife-friendly fencing with the practice of rotational grazing, where we regularly move the cattle to fresher pastures before they feel the urge to break through in search of greener grass.

In designing our new fences, we ensured that the top wire is set at or below 42 inches, allowing deer to jump over with ease. The second wire is placed at least 12 inches below it, minimizing the risk of deer entanglement. Since many animals prefer to go under fences when possible, we used a smooth wire (a two-wire braided strand) positioned 18 inches off the ground at the bottom. While some barbed wire is necessary to keep cattle contained, we strive to make the compromises that allow wildlife safe passage whenever possible.

Could the Future of Fencing be Virtual?

At Pepperwood, we’re committed to finding the right balance between livestock management and wildlife conservation. Our evolving approach to fencing reflects our dedication to fostering a thriving ecosystem that benefits all creatures. By embracing innovative practices and learning from both challenges and successes, we take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future in harmony with nature.

One of the most exciting developments in this realm is the concept of virtual fencing. This groundbreaking technology allows ranchers to manage cattle herds without the need for traditional physical fences. Instead, GPS-enabled collars equipped with solar panels guide the animals, offering a modern solution for pasture management.

Using a mobile app, ranchers can set virtual boundaries, and the collars communicate with the cattle via sound and vibration cues. If the animals fail to respond, a mild electric pulse serves as a final reminder to reinforce the boundaries. This system is not just about keeping cattle in line; it represents a holistic approach to ranching, providing several advantages such as improved pasture management, lowered labor costs, and enhanced animal welfare. By minimizing stress on the animals compared to traditional herding methods, we can also help preserve the natural migration patterns of local wildlife.

Embracing Innovation

For Pepperwood, the potential of virtual fencing is particularly significant. Our stewardship team currently spends considerable time moving miles of electric fencing to ensure our cattle have access to adequate paddocks for grazing rotation. The shift to virtual fencing could free up those hours, allowing our team to focus more on other essential stewardship activities.

While we may not eliminate all of our post-and-wire fencing models, we see the introduction of virtual fencing as a step towards modernization. Innovations like this are often implemented incrementally, and as the technology continues to advance, we are eager to test and adapt it to our landscape, rolling it out in areas where it makes sense. As we embrace this innovative approach, we remain dedicated to our mission of achieving balance between farming and ecology.

A coyote hunting in the grasslands of Pepperwood. Photo by Ian Nelson.

An Unfurling Vision for Conservation and Agriculture

The evolution of fencing reflects humanity’s changing relationship with the land and its inhabitants. Adapting our approaches is crucial for the health of both livestock and wildlife. Wildlife and agriculture don’t need to be at odds. We can fulfill our agricultural needs while fostering greater biodiversity and ecological resilience, and we’ll be better off for it. As we replace outdated barriers like those at Pepperwood, we are handed an opportunity to reshape our landscapes, restoring vital migration routes and enhancing habitat connectivity. In redefining our approach to fencing, we not only safeguard our livestock but also honor the intricate web of life that has existed for millennia, ensuring it continues to flourish for generations to come.

Key Takeaways for Fencing Wildlife-friendlier

Wildlife-friendly fencing prioritizes animal welfare by allowing for safe passage both under and over the barrier. Key principles include:

• Use smooth wire for both the top and bottom whenever possible, but at least for the bottom wire.
• Maintain a bottom wire height of 16-18 inches off the ground.
• Maintain a top wire height of 40-42 inches or lower.
• Ensure a 12-inch or greater space between the top two wires.
• Provide high-visibility markers to prevent entanglements.
• Ridgetops and riparian bottom lands are typically active wildlife corridors and are best left unfenced when possible.
• Avoid fencing over water to protect bats.
• Hollow pipe posts should be capped or filled with concrete to protect perching birds. 
• A netted-style fence is a poor choice for wildlife, but may be the only choice for dogs. 6-to 8-foot netted fences are extremely restrictive to wildlife passage and should be avoided. 

Stewardship is a fundamental part of Pepperwood’s mission, and our stewardship initiatives rely on the support of generous donors like you. 

Support the Continuation of Conservation Work Like This

Donate Now