Personnel from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management and local volunteers recently constructed pipe-rail fences around some aspen stands in the Stag Mountain area.

The 2006 Charleston fire destroyed most of the mature aspen trees located in this 148,000-acre burn in central Elko County. The burned aspens are sending up plenty of new shoots, but without protection the saplings may not survive when livestock grazing resumes.

In addition to providing habitat for Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, quaking aspen stands in Nevada are home to many species of birds, small mammals and reptiles.

Department biologist Pete Bradley notes "Easily over 150 species of Nevada's wildlife use quaking aspen and associated understory habitats during portions of their life cycles.

Some, like the Swainson's thrush, ruffed grouse and rubber boa are found almost exclusively in these environments." Bradley went on to say that, "In this 'tree-challenged' landscape of the Bruneau River headwaters, these aspen stands surrounding Stag Mountain provide the only cavity and canopy nesting habitat in more than 100 square miles. If we lost these stands, our wildlife heritage will suffer. It's essentially their last refuge."

When aspen trees burn, new shoots are quick to sprout, but the tender new growth attracts livestock, which prevents replacement of mature trees.

The three-rail fence made of pipe, excludes livestock from the critical regenerating areas, but still allows them access to water and forage near the exclosures.

The fence is constructed so that it can be easily removed once management reaches a point where domestic livestock grazing is brought into balance with the environment.

Volunteers met Saturday morning and made the two-hour trip to the Stag Mountain area 40 miles north of Deeth. Assembly of the three-rail steel fence commenced upon arrival of the 19 people and was completed by evening. More than 1,000 screws were driven to insure the fence will stand the pressure of wind, snow load and livestock.

More than 1,200 feet of fence were constructed and another, larger exclosure was finished up. Materials for a third project were hauled to the construction site.

"I'm pleasantly surprised at how much work we got done" said Bradley. Before turning in for the night, Bradley, who looks forward to the day when the aspen sprouts grow into mature trees and the fence can be removed, gave the volunteers an informative presentation on the importance of aspen stands.

Survival of quaking aspen stands in Nevada and throughout the west is a serious concern for foresters and wildlife managers because of the diverse wildlife using these unique habitats.

Volunteer labor is an essential component of habitat restoration and preservation projects such as these.

Marcial Evertsen, from Crescent Valley, who regularly volunteers on department habitat projects, says, "These projects are fun. You get dead tired, but the food is good and it gives you a good reason to camp out."

Thanks to a generous donation from Elko Bighorns Unlimited, three delicious hearty meals were provided to all workers. Those interested in volunteering in the effort to conserve and improve wildlife habitat in the local area, should contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife.