Fencing with Purpose
Humans tend to be territorial just like other animals, but because we have opposing thumbs and a higher center of learning, we tend to mark our boundary with physical structures. There are various fencing strategies to consider, depending upon the objective a homeowner wishes to achieve: 1) to keep animals out, or 2) to keep livestock, children and pets in. Some fences are installed for marking property boundaries to prevent any future easement conflict. Some fences are built simply because a person feels more secure if they build a fence around their domain. While it is true that good fences make for good neighbors, it is also true that fences only keep honest people out. Before fencing your property, consider that the envied foothill life that we have is characterized by the nature we observe around us, including indigenous wildlife. Unknowingly, fencing practices can have harmful effects on these animals, particularly if they cannot get to water sources. Also, fencing can dice the landscape up into patches, reducing the connectivity necessary for migration and the dispersal of young. This page is to provide some ideas and resources to help El Dorado County residents decide which fencing strategy best suits their needs while having the least negative impact on habitat. Two big ideas: 1) Fence only when necessary, and 2) One fence size does not fit all.