A creative solution to a vexing problem between upper Dolores river boaters and area ranchers is moving forward.<\/p>\n
After spring runoff when ideal boating flows disappear, cattle fencing is strung up across the river to control herds in the valley.<\/p>\n
A rushing river is a natural fence for cattle, but at low flows they don\u2019t see it as an obstacle and can wander away.<\/p>\n
The problem arises when there are significant monsoon rains in late summer and fall. The river again becomes a torrent, giving boaters a much appreciated second season.<\/p>\n
However, ranching operations still have cattle fencing across the river during that time, causing a potential hazard for downstream boaters.<\/p>\n
A few boater run-ins with fences have occurred in recent years from Bear Creek to Dolores. Most have been minor, but one last year was more serious after a man on a paddle board was snared by barbed wire that was just under the surface. He escaped.<\/p>\n
After the accident, the Dolores River Boating Advocates collaborated with ranch owner Bruce Lightenburger to plan a boater-friendly fence that also deters cattle.<\/p>\n
Two PVC curtain fences will be installed at the points where the river enters and leaves Lightenburger\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoaters can maneuver through it, and it spooks the cattle, so it is a safe alternative that works for ranchers and boaters,\u201d said Lee-Ann Hill, program coordinator for the DRBA.<\/p>\n
The new fence is a high cable is extended across the river with PVC pipes spaced 1-2 feet across that hang down to the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe white pipe is highly visible, and the boaters can easily push through it,\u201d said Wade Hanson, a DRBA board member working on the design. \u201cIt moves in the breeze and is a visual barrier to the cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boaters will notice the first fence at the bend where the river turns west near a large silver hay barn. The second will be installed as boaters exit the private ranch.<\/p>\n
The fences would be removed during the winter off-season.<\/p>\n
Hill said the boating group will pay for the materials, expected to cost $1,200. Volunteers are planning to install the fences in June in cooperation with Lightenburger and his ranch foreman.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe local rafting group reached out and have been a pleasure to work with,\u201d Lightenburger said. \u201cThis new type of fence solves their problem and keeps my cows in. It\u2019s a slam dunk for both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reports from boaters on the upper Dolores River are that there are no fence hazards, just frigid water, snow squalls big-water rapids.<\/p>\n