ARIZONA ANTELOPE FOUNDATION
Big Lake Rocky Prairie Fence Modification
May 17, 2025
RSVP at AZGFD Website
Project Location: We will be working on the Apache National Forest about 12 miles south of Big Lake in the White Mountains.
Project Begins: Saturday May 17th at 7:30AM. Meet at camp for specific work instructions. The campsite is located within two mile of the project site.
Project Activity: We will be modifying approximately 2 miles of existing low hanging four and five strand fence by removing the bottom strand(s) of barbed wire and replacing with a single strand of smooth wire at a height of 18 inches.
Pronghorn Benefits: The project is located in a rather isolated grassland that is key summer range for approximately 35 pronghorn. This grassland supports a good number of summering does who give birth in this localized habitat. Modifying these fences will allow easier mobility for these animals. These pronghorn are associated with the population that summers in the Big Lake area. This project is our seventh project to enhance habitat for these migratory pronghorn.
Volunteer Benefits: All volunteer work hours and mileage will be use as in-kind match for federally funded wildlife enhancement projects including the Arizona Game and Fish Habitat Partnership program.
What to Bring: Work gloves (The AAF will have a limited supply), snacks, water , sunscreen, personal gear.
Meals: Please provide your own lunches to eat in the field on the Saturday work day. The AAF will be providing dinners on Friday and Saturday nights and continental breakfasts with coffee and juice on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Contact: Please register online by Monday May 12th so that we have enough food and tools for everyone. Sign up online at https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1082240 or, info@azantelope.org or, 480.702.1045.
If you have any specific questions pertaining to the campsite location or other local questions, please contact Dave Cagle at (928) 242-9871.
Directions to Camp: AAF camp site will be located at Horse Springs Group camping site, located on the East Fork of the Black River. This site is located about 13 miles South of Big Lake.
-Travel 26 miles east of Pinetop towards Springerville on Highway 260;
-Turn right (south) on State Highway 273 at the Sunrise turnoff
-Go about 19.5 miles South/East on Highway 273 to the 249E turnoff and turn right (south). The 249E turnoff is approximately .5 miles after you pass Big Lake.
-Drive .6 miles on 249E and turn left on F.S. 24 road. Drive East on F.S. 24 road for 9.9 miles, until you reach a 4-way junction.
-Turn left at junction onto F.S. 276 (North) for approximately 2 miles. Horse Springs Campground will be on the right hand side. Please note this is a semi-public camping area, but efforts will be made to “reserve” a specific AAF camping area. The campground will have limited water and restrooms to use. There is great fishing behind the campsite as well.
Download the flyer here.
