Riparian Fence Exclosure 
2007 2008- Look at the growth of those Alders!
The Teller completed a 4.5-acre state-of-the-art electric fence exclosure in 2007, aimed at improving the structural diversity of riparian habitat. Funds for the project were made possible through a Natural Resources Conservation Service Special Initiative grant focusing on bird conservation. Check out our Bird Monitoring by Teller volunteer, Sharon Ritter. Much of the riparian habitat in the Bitterroot is lacking in regeneration of young tree and shrub species, as a direct result of over browse by the abundant white-tailed deer. Typical cottonwood and aspen galleries can be described as "old growth" with few, if any, successful seedling trees. This old growth condition provides great cavity nesting bird habitat with fantastic insect reservoirs for birds, yet it lacks new growth in the understory. The goal of this project is to restore the structural diversity by allowing natural regeneration to occur and planting native trees and shrubs in the exclosure to attract migrating songbirds dependent upon healthy riparian systems. The project site near Gird Creek has a diversity of wet and dry areas with existing regeneration potential. The ElectroBraidTM fence consists of fiberglass poles and copper-braided nylon wire, powered by solar panels that send pulsating shocks through 11 alternating hot and ground wires. The first few days of operation were critical for monitoring, as deer would need to learn that interaction with the fence is not a pleasant experience. On the second day, one doe was observed in the fence, but she quickly exited when the fence was deactivated. Since that period, there have been no deer observed in the fence, and it appears they have been adequately trained to avoid it. Regeneration of cottonwoods and alder is already occurring, as numerous 16" seedlings are visible inside the fence, while outside the fence browsed seedlings are nipped to the ground. The final phase of the project occured on Earth Day 2008, when volunteers planted approximately 500 native trees and shrubs within the exclosure. Species include Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Aspen, Black Cottonwood, Alder, Serviceberry, Chokecherry, Red Osier Dogwood, Black Hawthorn, Willow, Woods Rose, Snowberry, and Sumac. The fence will remain in place for 3 to 5 years and then be moved to a new location. Next time you're down by Gird Creek, take a look at this impressive exclosure, but remember..."don't touch!" Special thanks to: - The Natural Resources Conservation Service for grant funding for the project.
- Electro-Braid Fence Company for their generous donation of materials for this project.
- The hardy volunteers who worked for five days in record-breaking heat with a can-do attitude to complete the fence installation.
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