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Gilliam County pilot shows virtual fencing helped ranchers recover after Lone Rock Fire, academics say
Summary
Gilliam County and partners said a rapid virtual‑fencing pilot launched after the 2024 Lone Rock Fire enabled emergency grazing, protected riparian areas, and reduced forage use in burned areas; OSU research reported substantial reductions in burned‑area grazing when collars were used.
County officials, ranchers and researchers told the interim committee a local virtual‑fencing pilot deployed after the July 2024 Lone Rock Fire delivered rapid operational benefits for ranch recovery while raising questions about connectivity, animal welfare settings and capital costs.
Herb Winters, district manager of the Gilliam Soil and Water Conservation District, said the Lone Rock Fire began July 13, 2024, burned about 137,000 acres in the region and destroyed hundreds of miles of fence. With traditional fence rebuilding timelines and costs (Herb told the committee roughly $9,500,000 to replace more than 300 miles of fence), the SWCD pursued virtual fencing as an emergency, fast‑moving solution. "Once we recognized virtual fencing as the immediate solution, we…
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