PROJECT DETAILS:  We will backpack in 3-5 miles on Newton Cabin Road, an old 2-track with a steady, mild, up-hill grade, to our primitive camp near Mud and Ankle creeks.  Camp is by a natural spring to filter water, but there are no other amenities.  There will be a 1-2 mile hike to the fence line each day.  Most, if not all, of the fence line is already down on the ground.  It is likely that we will be rolling the wire by hand instead of using the roller.  The work is strenuous and it is often hot, but the trips are extremely rewarding.  There will be downtime to rest and explore.

WHEN: Plan to arrive in the Steens the night of June 12^th.  We will take the 13th to hike in and the 16^th to hike out.   

BACKGROUND:  Steens Mountain Wilderness contains the nation's first cow-free wilderness.  Removing cows and ending grazing on this 100,000 acres of Steens Mountains has been key to the restoration of many of the headwaters and fragile desert meadows.  Equally important, the removal of fences allows for wildlife such as sage grouse and antelope to migrate safely without getting caught in the wire.  It also erases the remaining trace of man, giving the wild back to wilderness.

COST: Free to members, $45 for non-members.

A FULL ITINERARY, INCLUDING WHAT TO BRING, WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REGISTRATION.