SOW_and_FENCING_SPECIFICATIONS.pdf

Statement of Work to be Performed:

Obstruction Removal:

This work shall consist of the removal of existing fence materials and inorganic or organic materials that are in the path of the new fence construction. Materials from this obstruction removal must be disposed of off‐site. No burning of materials may occur on‐site.

If large areas of disturbance are created during obstruction removal, the areas will be reshaped or regraded to blend with the surrounding land feature. Minimize disturbance of natural vegetation to the greatest extent possible. NRCS must be contacted for approval before removing any trees or large shrubs (greater than 4 foot height).

Fence Construction:

This work shall consist of furnishing materials and installing standard post and wire fence at the location(s) shown on the plan map, and if needed, on the drawings or as staked in the field. Fencing includes brace assemblies, gates, and other components required to meet site conditions and achieve objectives for practice application.

North Fence Boundary A 4‐wire fence will be constructed. The top three wires will be barbed wire and the bottom wire will be a smooth wire. The maximum height of the top wire will be 42 inches and the bottom wire will be 18 inches above ground level. Line and brace posts will be wood.

River Bottom Areas A 3‐wire barbed fence will be constructed. The maximum height of the top wire will be 42 inches and the bottom wire will be 18 inches above ground level. Manufactured steel “T‐posts” will be used. Brace posts will be wood.

Access Gates Three (3) access gates will be installed at the locations shown on the plan map or as staked in the field.

The gates will be barbed wire with a minimum of 4 wires and wood posts.

All fence materials must be new. Additional criteria for wire, posts, stays, bracing, spacing and gates are provided in the attached NRCS Specification Guide for Conservation Practice Code 382 “Fence”. All construction must meet these stated specifications. No alterations or additions to the practice design can occur without prior written approval from NRCS.

All excess materials and trash resulting from the fence construction must be cleaned up from the site upon completion.

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 1

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

SPECIFICATION GUIDE

FENCE

(Feet)

BARBED/BARBLESS WIRE AND WOVEN WIRE FENCE

CODE 382

I. SCOPE

Purpose of this practice is to construct a barrier to animals or people and facilitate management practices and/or accelerated conservation practices.

The work shall consist of furnishing materials and installing standard post and wire fence, special wire fences and combination thereof, at the location(s) shown on the plan map, and if needed, on the drawings or as staked in the field. Fencing includes brace assemblies, gates, cattle guards and other components required to meet site conditions and achieve objectives for practice application.

II. FENCE TYPES

Barbed/Barbless Wire Fences are the most common types of standard post and wire fence used for controlling all types of livestock on all land types. They are suitable as permanent fences in area that receive moderate to heavy pressure from livestock or people. This type of fence is typically a 3 or 4-wire fence and can be constructed with barbed or smooth wire.

Woven, Net Wire Fences are best suited and shall only be used in areas where tight control of animals is necessary. This type of fence shall only be used for confining livestock on pasture, cropland, or small acreage privately owned rangeland or forest land that does not demonstrate local wildlife concerns.

III. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Any alterations or additions to the practice design must be approved as a variance by NRCS State Resource Conservationist prior to modifying this specification guide and/or associated drawings or installation requirements. Follow variance procedure outlined in the standard.

Fences installed on state, federal, and tribal owned lands normally require a permit or approval. This permit/approval must be provided to NRCS prior to installation.

Interior fences will be built in accordance with this specification. Boundary fences and public right of ways need to reference Colorado Revised Statutes Title 35, Article 46: Fence Law. Fences that are along county and highway roads should follow CDOT fence policy and the most current copy of the Fence Standards at www.dot.state.co.us.

The NRCS assumes no responsibility for interference with private or public utilities.

State and federally protected plants, animal, cultural resources and historically significant properties shall not be harmed or destroyed during the installation of this practice. All Fish and Wildlife Service consultation documents (i.e. conference reports, biological opinions) will be referenced and planned accordingly into the fence design as applicable to the construction location.

All work shall be done in a manner that minimizes soil and vegetation disturbance and the movement of sediment or other pollutants into streams and water bodies. Any engine oil, lubricants, or other chemical pollutants spilled during construction shall be safely collected and properly disposed.

Most fencing materials must be new. Used materials such as treated railroad ties, power or telephone poles, steel pipe or used well casing may be used with prior certification from NRCS Field Office personnel.

FOTG, Section IV, NRCS, CO Standards and Specification December 2014

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 2

Old posts, wire, and other fence materials shall be completely removed from site.

Any existing structures, including the tie-in to other existing fences, used in constructing the new fence, must be approved by NRCS prior to construction. If the structural integrity of the new fence is dependent on existing practices, certification by NRCS will take into consideration structural integrity and lifespan of the existing structure(s).

Life expectancy of this practice is 20 years. Operation and maintenance of new and existing structures is required.

IV. ANCHOR AND BRACE ASSEMBLIES

Brace assemblies shall be installed at all angles, corners, gates and ends of the fence, and at the base and summit of steep slopes as needed to properly stretch the fence wire.

Fences shall be constructed in straight sections. The distance between brace assemblies shall be set at approx. 1320 feet (1/4 mile) for post and wire fences and 330 feet (20 rods) for woven/net wire.

Double span brace assemblies are required for sandy or wet soil conditions and/or areas with heavy animal pressure.

Anchor and line brace assemblies may be wood or steel. Wood braces are typically constructed as horizontal brace assemblies or horizontal brace assemblies with a double diagonal brace.

Steel angle iron or steel pipe braces shall be set in concrete. Steel and concrete brace assemblies shall be constructed as single or double span horizontal brace assemblies, or as a diagonal brace assembly.

Steel angle iron or pipe shall be galvanized coated or painted. If painted, all rust or lose material shall be removed by wire brushing or other suitable material, treated with a rust inhibitor, primed with metal primer paint and then painted with two coats of high grade weather resistant epoxy or enamel paint.

A. END BRACE ASSEMBLIES

End brace assemblies shall be installed where there is only one direction of pull, such as gates, or where the fence meets a natural barrier. End bracing should be installed on each side of drainages and stream channels where the fence may be damaged due to trapped debris during runoff or flood events.

A diagonal end brace may be used instead of an additional horizontal brace where double span bracing is needed. The diagonal brace shall be doweled, bolted, or welded to the brace post at least 36 inches above the ground.

Figure 1: Example End Braces showing typical H Brace and H Brace with Diagonal Assembly

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 3

B. LINE BRACE ASSEMBLIES

Line Brace assemblies are installed where there are two directions of pull on the anchor post(s), such as corners and in-line stretch braces. Line braces are constructed the same as end braces but with the anchor brace post(s) set in both directions of pull.

For a line brace, a single H brace assembly can be used with straight, level sections of fence of ¼ mile or less, where the distance and direction of pull are approximately equal on both sides of the line. In a single H brace assembly, each post serves as both an anchor post and a brace post. They are constructed the same as a single span horizontal brace. Tension wires shall be assembled in both directions, unless the assembly is welded.

Figure 2: Examples of typical line brace assemblies

Figure 3: Examples of typical assemblies for corners.

Figure 4: Examples of wood diagonal brace assemblies

Diagonal and single diagonal brace assemblies may be used for bracing angles in the between standard line braces or end braces. The fence wires shall not be tied off to a diagonal brace assembly.

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C. Brace Alternatives

The alternative braces examples listed below could be used where it is difficult to dig or drive posts.

Refer to Range Tech Note No. 38 for alternative options for bracing. Include additional specification information in site specific guidance.

• Straddle Jacks

• Square Rock Crib

• Rock Jack

• Wire Fence Cribs

V. ANCHOR AND BRACE POSTS

Wooden Assemblies

All end, corner, and brace posts must have a minimum diameter of 5”. Untreated juniper, oak, mesquite, black locust and redwood posts may be used. Pine and other softwoods must be pressure treated.

Railroad ties in good condition are suitable for use as anchor and brace posts.

All anchor and brace posts shall be set in ground at least 36 inches. In sandy or loose soil, a depth of 42 inches is recommended. Anchor and brace posts shall be long enough to extend approximately 2 inches above the top wire.

Posts shall be set in holes at least 4 inches larger than the diameter of the posts. The hole should be filled with dirt in 4 inch layers and tamped firm. The posts shall be plumb. The top of the dirt fill shall be mounded above the ground level such that water does not pond at the base of the post. If setting a wood post in concrete, use at least (1) 80 lb. bag of concrete for a 12 inch post hole to secure brace assembly.

Horizontal bracing between the corner and brace posts shall be a minimum 6.5 feet long. Standard “H” Brace assemblies should approximately maintain a 2:1 ration of brace length to height of top wire;

maximum distance between brace posts shall be 10 feet. Horizontal brace shall be attached to the upper quarter of the anchor and brace post, approximately 35 inches from the ground. The horizontal bracing shall be a post with a minimum diameter of 4 inches.

Wooden diagonal braces shall be a minimum of 10 feet in length and a minimum of 4 inches in diameter.

As length increases the minimum diameter needs to increase as well. Lengths 15 feet – 18 feet need to be 6 inches or greater diameter. Lengths greater than 18 feet need to be 8 feet or greater. Brace posts will have to increase in size corresponding to the diagonal brace size. Steel angle iron and pipe may also be used for horizontal or diagonal braces and meet the same diameter and dimensions as above. Steel horizontal braces shall be notched at least 2 inches but not more than 3 inches into wood anchor and brace posts.

Tension wires for all wooden brace assemblies shall be made from two complete loops of 9 gauge or heaver smooth galvanized single wire or two complete loops of 12.5 gauge double strand barbed or smooth wire. Tension wires shall be attached diagonally from approximately 4 inches below the top of the post and 4 inches above the ground, the tension wires shall be twisted together until the brace assembly is rigid.

Dowels may be used to attach wooden horizontal and diagonal braces to the wooden anchor and brace posts. The dowels shall be at least 6 inches long, and extend at least 3 inches into each piece. The dowels shall be made of 3/8 inch or larger steel, or 1 inch or larger diameter hardwood. Steel rebar can be used. Braces may also be notched into the brace post and secured to the post with 6 inch tempered steel, galvanized, ring shank nail or 6 inch galvanized lag screw.

For wooden diagonal braces, the ground end of the diagonal brace shall be set on a flat rock or concrete.

The end of the diagonal brace must be free to move forward when the fence wire is stretched and must not be blocked by a stake or post. The tension wire shall be wrapped from just above the ground of the brace post, to the ground end of the diagonal brace.

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Steel and Concrete Anchor Brace Assemblies

Anchor and Brace posts may be made from steel angle iron that is at least 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 0.25 inch x 6.5 feet, weight at least 4.1 pounds per foot of length. Anchor and brace posts may also be made from new steel pipe that meets or exceeds the requirements for 2 3/8 inch (OD) or 2 inch (ID) size standard steel pipe (ASTM A120, SCH 40).

Figure 5: Steel pipe and angle iron minimum requirements

Used steel pipe may be used provided that it is approved prior to construction by NRCS as being of good quality, relatively free of pits and scaling.

Steel angle iron and pipe may also be used for horizontal or diagonal braces and meet the same diameter and dimensions as above (in wooden assembly section). Steel horizontal braces shall be welded to steel anchor and brace posts.

The corner post shall be set a minimum of 36 inches deep in a concrete pier 12 inches in diameter; the concrete pier may be either a cylinder or a square. Corner posts set in sandy soils or soils that are “shrink-swell” clays should be set at approximately 42 inches deep. Diagonal braces shall be fastened to the corner with a positive connector such as a clamp or bolt, and shall extend 12 inches into the brace concrete block, which is 12”w x 24”l x 12”d. The bottom of the steel post shall be placed on a rock. The hole shall be filled with concrete in such a way as to allow the concrete to flow around the base of the post. The top of the concrete shall be mounded above the ground level and sloped away from the post to prevent water from ponding around the base of the post.

Figure 6: Typical steel diagonal brace and post attachments

Steel pipe 5 inches in diameter or larger can be set to the same as wooden anchor and brace posts.

Steel pipe posts less than 5 inches in diameter and angle iron posts shall be set in a concrete at least 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.

Steel posts that are over 2 inches ID will be capped.

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VI. LINE POSTS, STAYS AND FENCE SECTIONS

Line Posts

Line posts shall be set in a straight line between brace assemblies with no more than 12 inches of deviation. Line posts may be wood, steel pipe or manufactured steel “T-posts” or “U-posts”.

Wooden line posts will be a minimum of 3 inches top diameter. Wooden line posts shall be set a minimum of 18 inches in the ground, or 24 inches in sandy or wet soils. Untreated western red cedar, black locust, mesquite, western juniper or Osage orange, one seed juniper, Rocky Mountain and Utah juniper, may be used, Pine or other soft wood posts must be pressure treated or treated with a preservative

Manufactured steel “T-posts” or “U-posts” with anchored plates, weighing a minimum of 1.33 pounds per foot of length can be used. The posts shall be studded, embossed, or notched for wire attachment. They shall be galvanized, painted or enameled. “T-posts” or “U-posts” shall be driven into the ground until the top of the anchor plats is below ground level. The steel posts shall be long enough to be driven into the ground above the anchor plate and extend a maximum of 4 inches above the top wire.

Line posts may be made from steel pipe that is a meets or exceeds the requirements for 2 inches nominal size standard steel pipe (Schedule 40). Wire spacing dividers, such as welded loops or other methods, will be necessary. Used steel maybe used provided that it is approved by NRCS prior to construction as being of good quality and relatively free of pits and scaling. Steel pipe shall be set a minimum of 18 inches into the ground, or 24 inches in sandy or wet soils.

Stays For Barbed Wire Fencing

Stays may be made of either galvanized twisted wire or wood. Wood stays shall have a 1.5 inch minimum top diameter. Wooden stays should be spaced according to space requirements referenced in Section VIII, Fence Line Sections and should rest on natural ground and may be stapled or tied on.

For wildlife, especially pronghorn habitat considerations, recommend that the stay does not extend further than 2 inch below the bottom wire.

Fence Sections for Barbed/Smooth Wire Fences

The maximum line post spacing between the line posts are recommended as follows:

• Min. 16 – 20 feet with no stays

• 25 feet with 1 stay half way between

• 30 feet with 2 stays spaced evenly between

Minimum spacing will be 16ft based on wildlife recommendations, unless topography or livestock pressure dictate narrower spacing. .

Fence Line Sections for Woven Wire

The maximum line post spacing for woven wire fence line sections is 20 feet.

VII. FENCE WIRE

Barbed and Smooth Wire

Barbed and smooth fence wire shall be new, double strand 12.5 gauge or heavier galvanized malleable steel; barbed wire shall have 14 gauge barbs. Both barbed and smooth wire must be certified as meeting the specification ASTM A121. All wire shall have a minimum strand-breaking strength of 950 foot pounds or 70,000psi.

Fence wires shall be firmly attached to the anchor post on each end of a fence section by double wrapping the wire around the anchor post and tying it off.

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 7

Wires shall be attached to all line posts using staples, tie wires, or manufactured wire fasteners of good quality.

The following minimal criteria will be required:

• Maximum top wire height is 42 inches above ground, or as granted by variance request;

• Minimum bottom wire height 16 inches above ground level and smooth**

• 12 inches spacing between top and second wires;

• Fence will be constructed so that all wires are taught.

• Tie wires for attaching fence to posts shall be 16 gauge of heavier galvanized steel;

• Staples shall be 9 gauge galvanized or polished hard wire, minimum 1.5 inches long for treated soft wood, and 1 inch for hardwood posts. Staples shall be driven diagonally to the grain at a slightly downward angle. Staples on line posts will not bind or bend the fence wire and need to allow the wire to contract and expand.

• Where wire splicing is necessary, either the “Western Union” or “loop splice” is acceptable.

Commercial wire joiners are also acceptable as long as tension is maintained.

Figure 7: Example of Western Union and Loop Splice

Recommended Wire heights for fence:

Cattle 3-wire** Cattle 4-wire** Sheep** Cattle and Sheep**

Top wire 42” 40-42” 32” 38”

2nd wire 30” 28 – 30” 22” 26”

3rd wire 18-20” 22” 16” 18”

4th wire** n/a 16-18” Smooth 10” Smooth 10” Smooth

Building fence with wildlife considerations assists wildlife movement, as well as maintenance of fence lines. Where jumping animals (e.g. deer, elk) movement occurs, consider using a smooth wire or vinyl coated high-tensile wire for the top wire, or in areas of heavily used crossing area consider covering the existing top wire with PVC/PE pipe.

**In areas where crawling animal (e.g. pronghorn) movement occurs the recommended wire height for the bottom wire is 18 inches from the ground. At known antelope crossing areas fence stays shall not impede movement and bottom wire can be covered with split PE or PVC pipe. Refer to Range Tech Note No. 38 and Range Tech Note 39 for other wildlife consideration and alternatives.

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 8

Woven/Net Wire

Woven wire shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

Wire Type Min. Wire Size Min. Protective Coating Height and Spacing

Standard woven wire meeting ASTM A-116 or ASTM A-584 standards

Top and bottom wires: 10 gauge

Intermediate and stay wires: 12.5 gauge

Class 1 zinc coating or equivalent

32” minimum, 42” maximum with

12 inch spacing between stay wires.

High tensile woven wire meeting ASTM A-116 standards.

14.5 gauge Class III zinc coating or equivalent

32” minimum height, 42” maximum height with

12 inch spacing between stay wires.

Woven wire fence will be placed near ground level. Woven wire fences can have one barbed or smooth wire placed above the woven wire. The maximum height of the barbed/smooth wire is 42 inches above the ground.

Woven wire will be wrapped around the anchor post and the ends of all horizontal wires will be tied with snug, tight twists. The wires will be secured with staples to prevent slipping up and down the post.

Woven wires shall be attached to all line posts in at least 4 locations spaced approximately evenly between top to bottom.

Tie wires and staples are the same as the requirements for Barbed/Smooth Post and Wire fence.

Woven/Net wire is not wildlife friendly; some recommendations for wildlife considerations are listed below.

Refer to Range Tech Note No. 39 for pass through systems and ways to lessen negative effects on wildlife.

• Consider the use of laydown fence or let-down fencing.

• Leave gates open when livestock are not in pasture.

Wildlife Considerations

Spacing, height and type of fence will be planned to include consideration to ungulates, such as pronghorn, deer and elk, as well as sensitive bird species. If there is no wildlife to plan considerations, document area biologist concurrence and include with practice information in the case file.

See Range Technical Note No. 38 and Range Technical Note No. 39 for references to plan additional site specific recommendations for wildlife considerations. If not using standards in this spec for wildlife then submit a variance documenting planning for wildlife.

VIII. FENCE ANCHORS

Fence anchors shall be installed when the bottom wire is more than 6 inches above the design height above the ground.

Anchor weights for holding down fence wires crossing drainages or depressions shall weight at least 50 pounds or be equivalent to a 1 cubic foot concrete block. They shall be attached with 9 gauge or heavier smooth wire.

382 – Specification Guide - Barbed/Barbless Wire and Woven Wire - 9

Figure 8: Illustration of fence anchors

IX. FLOOD GATES, WATER GAPS AND PERENNIAL WATERWAYS

Flood gates may have to be installed in low areas that are subject to flash floods to allow water and water born debris to pass through; otherwise fences may be damaged during heavy run-off.

Water gaps may be needed to control livestock where fences cross streams or drainage. There are two basic types of water gaps. For areas with very little water and only occasional flooding, a breakaway fence will be sufficient. In areas with regular flooding, it may be best to construct flooding gates or panels.

Figure 9: Illustration example of types of water gaps

Depressions less than 16 feet wide can be fenced without braces. Depressions greater than 16 feet need a break-away fence that will leave the rest of the fence undamaged. Water gap shall be assembled as a separate unit to protect the main fence from damage. The ends of the water gap fence wires shall be attached to a separate steel or wooden line post attached to the end brace using light wire or staples that will allow the water gap to break away from the end braces in a flood event. Smooth wire should be used, with the same line post, wire and wires spacing requirements. Depth of posts can be reduced to 12”, minimizing damage to the posts if fence breaks away. Water gaps will need to be maintained and replaced after damage.

For deep narrow drainages, a separate fence section can be installed below the main fence. See Range Tech Note No. 38 for further construction ideas on flood gates and water gaps.

If fencing through a perennial waterway is necessary then a combination of end braces and swinging water gaps may be needed. Fencing over perennial waterways will consider wildlife passage. Ideally, the fence will be a minimum of 12” off the normal water level and should allow free passage by fish and floating birds and provide high visibility for birds in flight. Consider recreational uses when building fences over perennial streams/rivers.

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X. GATES AND CATTLE GUARDS

Any commercially available cattle guard approved by the manufacturer for the intended use in the fence may be used.

Gates allow access from both sides of the fence and shall be placed in locations that consider existing and planned roads, ease of access for livestock management, intended prescribed grazing strategy to be implemented, and other necessary considerations for the planned area.

Gates shall equal or exceed the quality of the adjoining fence. They shall be adequate width to accommodate the intended purpose. They may be made of wood, aluminum, steel or wire.

Wire gates shall be constructed of equal or better quality wire and stays used in the fence. Wire gate across road shall have stays at least every three feet to ensure they are visible to vehicles.

If a heavy gate is attached to the anchor posts side of the end brace assembly, an additional tension wire running in the opposite direction will be necessary. The tension wire should only be tightened enough to offset the weight of the gate.

Figure 10: Illustration of wire gate

382 – Fence – Barbed/Barbless and Woven Wire Site Specific Implementation Requirements

The Practice Purpose(s):

Construct a barrier to animals or people and facilitate other management practices or accelerated conservation practices.

Kind of Animal:

Type of Fence: Length of Fence:

Anchors and Brace Assemblies:

Type Materials Other Requirements (additional information not in specifications or drawings, locations, special considerations specific to project, etc.):

Line Posts and Stays:

Line Posts Special Requirements:

Fence Section Spacing

Stays: Number of stays between fence sections:

Wire Requirements:

Wire Spacing: Special Wildlife Requirements:

Woven wire See Specification

Required Fence Markings:

Yes

No

Special Requirements:

Site Preparation and Additional Installation Information

IR - 1

FOTG, Section IV Standards and Specifications

NRCS, CO

December 2014

Site Specific Implementation Requirements

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Fences should meet the objectives of the conservation management system in providing an effective barrier. The fence is expected to remain operational for the lifespan of the practice. The expected lifespan of this practice is 20 years. With good maintenance, fences installed to these specifications can longer than the 20 year lifespan.

Typical maintenance requirements include:

Remove all foreign debris that hinders fence operation

Immediately repair any damage from vandalism, vehicles, fire or livestock, this includes damage to wires, stays, braces and line posts.

Maintain gates used for control of livestock and vehicular travel

Maintain and clean cattle guards as necessary.

Check and repair/replace flood gaps/water gates after storm events.

Periodically check fence wire tension and maintain necessary tension.

Repair any wire breaks that might occur

Repair/replace stays and maintain spacing requirements.

Ensure water does not pond around posts.

Retain and properly discard all broken fencing material and hardware.

Other Requirements:

I have received and reviewed the plans, specifications, drawing, operation and maintenance and any other associated documents. I accept and approve them for installation of this project.

Landowner or Operator Signature Date

IR - 2

NRCS, CO

December 2014

FOTG, Section IV Standards and Specifications

As-Built Documentation and Practice Certification

Producer Name Farm/Tract #:

Inspection Date: Follow Up Inspection Date:

Fence Length: Measurement Method:

Brace Assemblies Installed at corner, gates, and angles and topography changes: ☐ Yes ☐ No Maximum section lengths at approx. every 1320 feet or less:

Type of Brace: Materials:

Length of braces: Height Above Ground:

Height of horizontal Brace: Tension Wire:

Other Notes:

Brace Posts End, Gate and Corner Braces Line Braces

Materials: Materials:

Treatment Type: Treatment type:

Length: Size: Length: Size:

Weight : Depth Set: Weight Depth Set:

Other Notes:

Line Posts, Stays and Wire Attachment Line Posts Type: Treatment Type:

Post Length: Size or Weight:

Depth Set: Post Spacing (feet):

Stay Type: Number of Stays between Posts:

Tie Wire Gauge: Staple Size: Length:

Attached loosely so wire can move:

Staples driven diagonally with the grain:

Other Notes:

Fence Wire Barbed/Barbless: Woven Wire

Gauge: Gauge: Spacing:

Number of Strands: Height of woven wire:

Wire Spacing: Distance from bottom:

Top Smooth: Height of top wire:

Bottom Smooth: Barbed or Smooth:

Fence Markings:

Wire Splicing:

Other Notes:

AB - 1

NRCS, CO

December 2014

As-Built Documentation and Practice Certification

Other:

Gates Cattle Guards Water gaps and/or Flood

Gates Other

Type Type Type Type Meets Specifications: ☐ Yes ☐ No Notes:

Other As-Built Notes and Wildlife Considerations:

If there are items that do not meet the specifications and/or drawings, describe the deficiency:

Deficiency Corrected Date:

Landowner/Operator Completion Certification:

This practice(s) meets applicable NRCS standards, specifications, drawings and installations requirements and represents the above as-built conditions.

Landowner/Operator Signature Date

Practice Completion and Certification:

The acceptability of this work has been determined by inspections to check compliance with all the provisions of this specification with respect to the drawings and the installations requirements.

I have made an onsite inspection of the site, and have determined that the job as installed does conform to these practice specifications, drawings and installation requirements.

NRCS Signature Date

AB - 2

NRCS, CO

December 2014

Fence (382) - 1

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

FENCE

(Feet)

CODE 382

DEFINITION

A constructed barrier to animals or people.

PURPOSE

This practice facilitates the accomplishment of conservation objectives by providing a means to control movement of animals and people, including vehicles.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice may be applied on any area where management of animal or human movement is needed.

CRITERIA

Fencing materials, type and design of fence installed shall be of a high quality and durability.

The type and design of fence installed will meet the management objectives and site challenges.

Based on need, fences may be permanent, portable, or temporary.

Fences shall be positioned to facilitate management requirements. Ingress/egress features such as gates and cattle guards shall be planned. The fence design and installation should have the life expectancy appropriate for management objectives and shall follow all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Height, size, spacing and type of materials used will provide the desired control, life expectancy, and management of animals and people of concern.

Fences will be designed, located and installed to meet appropriate local wildlife and land management needs and requirements.

• The free movement of wildlife will be considered in all fence designs.

• The least obtrusive type of fence needed to achieve the level of control will be used.

• Spacing, height and type of fence must be planned to include consideration to ungulates, such as pronghorn, deer and elk, as well as sensitive bird species.

• Construction of this practice must follow conservation measures included in all Fish and Wildlife consultation documents as applicable at the local area.

• Woven-wire, v-mesh wire will not be considered “wildlife friendly”, although there may be measures that can be taken to improve wildlife movement. Other wildlife-friendly considerations may be considered on a case by case basis.

If applicable, listed plant species will be protected during fence construction by flagging individual plants or their immediate vicinity prior to construction and by requiring fence alignment to be routed so as to avoid specific areas known to be occupied by listed plant species.

Removal of existing unusable fence should provide for the proper disposal of scrap materials to prevent harm to animals, people and equipment.

CONSIDERATIONS

The fence design and location shall consider the following: topography, soil properties, livestock management and safety, livestock trailing, wildlife class and movement, location and adequacy of water facilities, development of potential grazing systems, human access and safety, landscape aesthetics, erosion problems, moisture conditions, flooding potential, stream crossings, and durability of materials. When appropriate, natural barriers should be utilized instead of fencing, Consider constructing fences on a contour, considering how the fence will facilitate the prescribed grazing strategy including animal behavior grazing and distribution patterns.

December 2014

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact the NRCS Colorado State office or visit the NRCS Colorado electronic Field Office Technical Guide.

http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/ http://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/efotg_locator.aspx?Map=CO

Fence (382) - 2

In planning locations of fence, placement should consider natural travel corridors, and presence of attractants to wildlife. Water locations and availability should be considered in planning locations of fencing so as to not interfere with access to wildlife.

Where applicable, fences should be marked to enhance visibility as a safety measure for animals or people.

Fences across gullies, canyons or streams may require special bracing, designs or approaches.

Where applicable, cleared rights-of-way may be established which would facilitate fence construction and maintenance. Avoid clearing of vegetation during the nesting season for migratory birds.

Fence design and location should consider ease of access for construction, repair and maintenance.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Plans and specifications are to be prepared for all fence types, installations and specific sites.

Requirements for applying the practice to achieve all of its intended purposes shall be described, such as brace types, post types, wildlife considerations, and gate/cattle guard locations.

Location and construction measures that are included in Fish and Wildlife Service consultation documents (ie. conference reports, biological opinions) will be included in planning and construction specifications.

Fence construction shall be in accordance with Colorado NRCS Conservation Practice Specification Guide, relevant installation requirements and relevant drawing(s), and a vicinity map with appropriate station numbering for applicable construction measures when applicable.

Reference Range Tech Note 38 and 39 for additional planning materials.

Variance requests or special designs require preapproval from the State Resource Specialist, route requests through the Area Office to the State Rangeland Management Specialist.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Regular inspection of fences should be part of an ongoing maintenance program. Inspection of fences after storms and other disturbance events is necessary to ensure the continued proper function of the fence. Maintenance and repairs will be performed in a timely manner as needed, including tree/limb removal and water gap replacement.

Remove and properly discard all broken fencing material and hardware. All necessary precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of construction and maintenance crews.

REFERENCES

Bell, H.M. 1973. Rangeland management for livestock production. University of Oklahoma Press.

Hanophy, W. 2009. Fencing with Wildlife in Mind.

Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver CO. 36 pp

Heady, H.F. and R.D. Child. 1994. Rangeland ecology and management. Western Press.

Holechek, J.L., R.D. Pieper, and C.H. Herbel.

2001. Range management: principles and practices. Prentice Hall.

Paige, C. 2012. A Landowner’s Guide to Fences and Wildlife: Practical Tips to Make Your Fences Wildlife Friendly. Wyoming Land Trust, Pinedale, WY

Stoddard, L.A., A.D. Smith, and T.W. Box. 1975.

Range management. McGraw-Hill Book Company.

United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management and United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1988. Fences.

Missoula Technology and Development Center.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2005. Electric fencing for serious graziers. Columbia, Mo.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. National range and pasture handbook, revision 1.

Washington, DC.

Vallentine, J.F. 1971. Range development and improvement. Brigham Young University Press

NRCS, CO FOTG, Section IV December 2014 Standards and Specifications

500 - 1

November 2010

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL

(Ac.)

CODE 500

DEFINITION

Removal and disposal of buildings, structures, other works of improvement, vegetation, debris or other materials.

PURPOSE

To safely remove and dispose of unwanted obstructions in order to apply conservation practices or facilitate the planned land use.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On any land where existing obstructions interfere with planned land use development, public safety or infrastructure. This standard is not intended for the removal of obstructions from aquatic environments.

CRITERIA

Plan, design and implement obstruction removal to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Remove obstructions by demolition, excavation or other means required for removal. Dispose of all debris from the obstruction removal so that it does not impede subsequent work or cause onsite or offsite damage.

Dispose of inorganic materials such as rock piles, boulders, stones, concrete or masonry structures and metal or concrete fence posts by reusing, removal or burial at approved locations.

Dispose of organic materials such as wooden fence posts, woody vegetation, and woody building materials by removal to an approved landfill or recycling center, burial at an approved location or burning. If burning is used, implement appropriate smoke management to protect public health and safety.

Dispose of trash and non-woody building materials in an approved landfill or recycling center.

When removing buildings, ensure that all utilities, such as gas and electric, have been shut off and disconnected from the structure before beginning demolition.

Prior to any work contact utility companies or the state one call system to identify the location of utility lines in the construction area and to arrange the shut off of utilities if necessary.

The removal of obstructions can expose toxic or polluted materials. If toxic or polluted materials are expected to be found during the obstruction removal, specify appropriate handling and disposal criteria in the plans and specifications

When removing obstructions that contain chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood, do not burn the wood. Burning of CCA treated wood can release toxic amounts of arsenic into the air and ash that are very harmful to human and animal health. CCA treated wood should be buried in an approved landfill.

Reshape and regrade all areas disturbed by the obstruction removal so that they blend with the surrounding land features and conditions.

Any foundations or below ground portions of the obstruction that remain in place shall have sufficient soil cover to meet the requirements of the planned land use. Compact fill areas according to site specific requirements.

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November 2010

Revegetate or otherwise protect from erosion disturbed areas as soon as possible after construction. Refer to NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 342, Critical Area Planting for seedbed preparation, seeding, fertilizing, and mulching requirements.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider the effects this practice has on significant cultural, archeological, historical, and scenic values.

The recycling or reuse of materials should be considered as the first option for disposal of materials from obstruction removal. Most woody debris can be recycled into mulch or other products. Recycling or other environmentally friendly options exist for the disposal of many other materials as well.

Demolition activities can generate large amounts of dust. Where necessary, use dust suppression techniques such as spraying water on the removal site to suppress dust.

Obstruction removal can result in the disturbance of large areas that are subject to erosion during the demolition process. Where necessary include provisions in the plans to control erosion and offsite sedimentation.

Obstruction removal often involves heavy equipment working in environmentally sensitive areas. Ensure that servicing and refueling of equipment is done in a manner that minimizes spills and volatilization.

Demolition of structures and the removal of debris can be a hazardous undertaking. This is especially true for the removal of downed and tangled trees. This type of work should be done by well qualified personnel with proper equipment following appropriate safety procedures.

Old buildings, structures and trees can provide habitat for wildlife. The potential for use by and presence of at-risk species should be considered and addressed prior to any obstruction removal activity. The presence of roosting birds and bats may also pose a health and safety hazard to workers that should be considered.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications for obstruction removal that describe the requirements for applying the practice according to this standard. Plans and specifications for this practice can be included in the plans and specifications for the practice it supports. As a minimum the plans and specifications shall include:

• A plan view showing the location of obstruction removal site.

• Details and location for the disposal of materials from the obstruction removal.

• Details of how the site will be stabilized after construction.

• Construction specifications that describe in writing, site specific requirements for the obstruction removal.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Prepare an operation and maintenance (O&M) plan for the operator. O&M for this practice may be addressed in the O&M plans for the practice it supports. The minimum requirements to be addressed in the operation and maintenance plan are:

Periodic checking to ensure the site remains stable after the obstruction removal.

When disposal of debris occurs on site, periodic checking to ensure that the disposal site remains stable.

Repair any problems as soon as possible.

REFERENCES

U. S. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, 29 CFR 1926. U. S. Washington, DC.

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