Newly repaired fence protects bighorn sheep in Chelan County
If you’ve traveled along Highway 97A between Wenatchee and Chelan, you may notice something on the landscape: a sturdy wildlife fence stretching from milepost 203 to milepost 212 designed with a special purpose — to protect our region’s bighorn sheep. This fence is only effective to the degree that it remains intact, and every year the fence suffers damage from rockfall during the spring thaw. These rock falls can create small gaps in the fence or entire downed sections that stretch for many yards. Damaged sections provide bighorns with easy access to the highway, where they like to browse on roadside vegetation as well as cross the highway to enjoy vegetation along the banks of the Columbia River.
Regular fence repairs are critical to keeping sheep off the highway, but maintenance efforts are costly and require support from several agencies. This collaborative project brings together partners, state agencies, and local supporters with a single shared goal: keeping sheep and people safe.
Every year, wildlife-vehicle collisions result in about 5 to 20 bighorn sheep fatalities along this busy stretch of highway. These incidents not only endanger the sheep but pose significant risks to motorists. By reinforcing this barrier, wildlife managers expect the fence will reduce these encounters and help sustain a healthier bighorn population in the region.
A long-time partner to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington Wild Sheep Foundation contributed a significant portion of fence repair costs. Other contributors include the Wenatchee Sportsman Association and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), each of which supported the project through essential expertise and collaboration.
“This fence is more than just a physical barrier — it shows what we can accomplish when our community, partner organizations, and agencies work together for wildlife conservation,” said Justin Haug, WDFW’s North Central Region Wildlife Program manager. “By reinforcing protection along Highway 97A, we’re giving our region’s bighorn sheep a better chance at survival, while also making the highway safer for everyone who travels it.
While WDFW will continue to support future maintenance, the hands-on work of keeping the fence in top condition requires ongoing teamwork. This may include agency staff, dedicated volunteers, and partners. Regular inspection and prompt repairs are essential to ensure the fence remains effective year-round.
The long-term success of this fence goes far beyond the barrier itself. Maintenance can be complex — weather, wildlife, and even human activity can all impact its longevity. That’s why the strength of public and private partnerships will be critical moving forward.
How you can help
Wildlife managers encourage drivers to report regular sightings of deceased or injured bighorn sheep on Highway 97A, as well as to report damage to the fence they notice. These observations help wildlife managers make data-driven decisions and reinforce fence effectiveness.
Ways to help:
- Report deceased or injured bighorn sheep to the WDFW Wenatchee District Office at (509) 662–0452. Please provide as specific as possible information as to the location of the damage as possible.
- Look into volunteer opportunities with WDFW.
- Consider engaging with organizations that are involved in this work.
- Spread the word about the importance of protecting our native bighorn sheep.
Learn more about Washington’s bighorn sheep.
