The Fence Post

Easy Counting

A counting fence is a live trap fence used in rivers to capture salmon and trout. This results in an accurate count of the number of fish present. Sometimes V-shaped, it extends across the river's entire width. As the fish swim up or down the river they are caught in a box-like trap structure where they can be easily counted.

The following video shows a counting fence on Morrison Creek the day after heavy rains. The fence has been dislocated somewhat by the higher water level. It gives you an idea of how this fence works.

River Counting Fence The counting fence is a live trap fence which is composed of rebar and is v-shaped. It extends across the entire length of the river with a box-like/trap structure in the centre. It's function is to trap and count adult salmon and trout that return to the river to spawn

Old and New 

On the Babine River in British Columbia, a counting fence has been in place since 1946. In early July, 4' x 7' aluminum panels that make the fence are installed along the 330' permanent frame. 6' x 8½' trap boxes are installed next. Then the count begins.

A newer design is a floating fence. When leaves, branches, or logs float downstream, the fence submerges so that the debris slides over the fence rather than getting caught and clogging the fence causing a blowout. The fence is removed when not in use.

While we're on the subject of counting fish, here's some great info on tracking Pacific Northwest salmon. 

Have you ever seen a counting fence in use?

A Power Plant Accommodates Turtles

Turtle Fence is being used to keep turtles out of construction areas.

The huge Ivanpah 440-megawatt solar power electric generating facility in south-eastern California is being surrounded by more than 39 miles of turtle fence. Why? Because before construction can begin on the site, all desert tortoises must be removed. And after completion, turtles will not be able to re-enter the site. The desert tortoise is a threatened species and considered vulnerable. They live their rather languorous lives in burrows anywhere from 3 to 10 inches deep, also in rock shelters or pallets. This is to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures, minimizing loss of water, and keeping their body temperature stable. Soil type is important to them for the purpose of den construction and nutrition, preferring alluvial fans, washes, and canyons. Appropriate burrow sites aid their population and their fidelity to their nesting grounds is strong. 

Galvanized Mesh

What has been selected as the best mesh to use for the purpose of assisting in this project? Locally sourced, US-made galvanized after weld, 16 gauge, 1" x 2" wire mesh that has been welded into 36" x 100' rolls. After the welding process, the mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wires, including the welded areas, are covered with a thick corrosion-resistant coating. The welded wire turtle fence will last for years.

During installation, a portion of the fence is buried in the ground to discourage burrowing. The above-ground portion is tall enough to prevent the turtles from climbing over the fence. In this case, tortoises are being protected by being kept out of an area.

Here's some background on the situation:

Do you think this is a good solution?

Vinyl Coating  Questions and Answers

Q: What should you look for when you want to use a wire mesh to build a fence with superior qualities?

A: Vinyl-coated welded or woven wire mesh or fence.

Q: Why are these products superior?

A: Because they share the following four characteristics:

1. Vinyl-coated meshes are more durable.

• The vinyl coating gives extra rust protection, sealing the galvanized wire underneath
• Coated wire will last far longer than wire that is only galvanized

2. Vinyl-coated fences are more attractive.

• Color masks the utilitarian and commercial appearance of plain galvanized mesh
• A vinyl-coated wire fence will dress up your property
• Black color is virtually invisible from a distance and will not detract from your view

3. Vinyl-coated wire is safer.

• Vinyl cushions the wires
  
• Areas that may have sharp edges, like the top and bottom of the fence, are protected and sealed
  
• There is a lower risk of injury from contact with the fence--safer for animals

4. Vinyl-coated fencing is cost effective.

• Using vinyl-coated welded or woven fence reduces the need for frequent replacement
  
• The higher initial cost can be offset by the labor and material cost of more frequent repairs and replacement of galvanized material

Can you think of more reasons why or situations where it would be better to install a vinyl-coated fence instead of a galvanized fence?

Here's a look at the mesh in production: 

Waste Not Technologies/Close the Loop

Here's something different, practical, and timely! Plastic bottles are recycled and made into post and rail fence designed to replace wood sections. Watch the process in this video.

Watch this next video for more information about Waste Not Technologies and its manufacturing process.

Waste Not Technologies and Close the Loop are two companies that are doing their best to do something creative and practical when it comes to the problem of plastic waste in our landfills and oceans. 

Would you be willing to try using these products?

Yeah, Autumn's great (but you-know-what is coming)

Beat the frost? Who wants to think of winter?

Need to finish up certain projects before the cold weather and snow mess up your plans and frost makes digging holes for fencing a lot more difficult? The cool and pleasant fall days ahead make the work easier and more pleasant to face when you would rather be doing other things. But you need to finish certain tasks before the colder weather arrives. Here are some questions to think over:

Has the yard fence been completed?

Is the dog enclosure secure?

How safe is the play area for the children?

Do you need to protect your trees, shrubs, and other plantings from hungry deer?

Has the pool fence had a safety inspection? Is the gate self-closing? Can the fence be climbed?

Is a snow fence required to protect your property from wind-drifted snow?

Many possibilities and choices are readily available for any of these types of projects and any others you may have in mind.

Consider using vinyl coated wire for longer life and a more attractive appearance. Black vinyl-coated wire blends into the background. It tends to "disappear" and not be as noticeable as other types of fencing.

Make your work plans and purchase your posts and fence. Louis Page has experts ready to advise you, just give us a call. Beat the frost and colder weather. (866) 328 5018