Park to Install Low Voltage Electric Fencing

The National Park Service has developed an experimental plan to exclude deer from habitat occupied by rare Island Marble butterflies at American Camp, according to Jerald Weaver, park Integrated Resources manager.

The park the week of May 13 will install six-foot electric fence around core habitats in three locations around South Beach to protect island marble host plants from deer browse (or nibbling deer).

The low voltage, battery-operated fencing gives of only a mild shock to dissuade animals.

“However, for safety’s sake, visitors should avoid touching the fence,” Weaver said. “As the name suggests, electric fencing carries electric current.”  All areas of electric fence will be boldly signed, he said.

“Deer browse (herbivory) is one of the leading causes of egg and larva mortality. By placing the electric fence in butterfly habitat, we hope to reduce this threat and ensure the continued existence of Island Marbles on the American Camp prairie,” Weaver said. “We plan to fence approximately five acres of prairie at three locations.” 

The electric fence will be placed in three areas: 1) Old Town Lagoon, 2) north of Alaska Packers Rock at the end of the Salmon Banks Road at South Beach and 3) south of the parking areas at South Beach.  If fencing proves effective, the park will expand its use to additional areas in 2014.

Contact: Jerald Weaver 360-378-2240, ext. 2224 or Lee Taylor 360-378-2240, ext. 2223

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