Fence Pulling in Moser Creek

Volunteers fence pulling in Moser Creek in July.

Nestled along Moser Creek is a 24-mile long barbed wire fence that once kept grazing cattle within the Hyalite Cattle Allotment and out of Bozeman Creek. Although the exact age of the fence is unknown, the Forest Service has supported cattle grazing in Hyalite Canyon since the 1930s and constructed many of the fences that reman in the canyon today. Since the Moser Creek allotment was recently dissolved, the fence is no longer needed and the material provides an unnecessary and sometimes hazardous barrier to wildlife and recreationists. The mountain biking community in particular has expressed their interest in having the fence removed.

Friends of Hyalite and the Forest Service has begun the effort of removing the fence. Our first fence pulling was July 15th and we had nearly a dozen volunteers help clip wires, pull fence stakes and coil barbed wire.

We have two more fence pulling events scheduled for August 19, and September 16. We’ll be meeting at the Moser trailhead at 6pm and working until dusk. Friends of Hyalite and the Forest Service will provide leather gloves and necessary tools. Wear work pants and boots to protect yourself from the barbed wire! Check out the Friends of Hyalite Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/friendsofhyalite/) for more information!