Supporting Wildlife with Let-down Fences 

At Teton Regional Land Trust, we’re dedicated to ensuring that wildlife can move freely through eastern Idaho’s landscapes. Last week, long-time volunteers Anna and Ken Kirkpatrick joined Stewardship Associate Nicole Cyr to lower a “let-down” fence (also called a lay-down fence) for wintertime. The fence line is laid flat on the ground in the fall to facilitate wildlife movement during the winter. In the spring, the fence is erected again to enable effective cattle grazing. This system allows for safe winter passage of wildlife and cattle grazing in the summertime.  

The day started with temperatures in the teens, but the crisp morning quickly turned warmer as the team got to work. Walking the landscape and pulling nails from fence posts, they carefully lowered sections of the fence line to promote wildlife movement. Every fence line that is either removed or let down helps create open pathways for deer, elk, and other animals as they search for food and shelter during the winter. 

We’re incredibly grateful to Anna, Ken, and all our volunteers, whose commitment makes projects like this possible. With each volunteer effort, we move closer to creating a thriving habitat for all our valley’s wildlife. 

Interested in joining us in future projects that make a difference for conservation? Reach out to mandy@tetonlandtrust.org.