Fencing Grants for Chilkat Valley Food Producers

About the Secure Agriculture and Wildlife Project

The goals of the Secure Agriculture and Wildlife Project (SAWP) are to increase local food security, and reduce the food conditioning that leads to bear mortality. The causes of Haines-area bears becoming food-conditioned are numerous. To increase local food production, we must keep wildlife out of harm’s way with smart fencing for crops and live-stock.

A properly designed and installed electric fence gives a foraging bear the right message. The Rasmuson Foundation is generously funded this project and will help pay for fencing so that Chilkat Valley food producers can better exclude wild foragers. Also, moose can devastate fruit trees or berry plants any time of year. Therefore, SAWP will fund both electric fencing and sturdy, barrier fencing. Some of the project-funded fences will be seasonal, others permanent.

Successful applicants will receive a SAWP Fencing Voucher to purchase fencing supplies and equipment, but these must be properly designed, installed and operated by the owner, within a defined timeline. Electric fencing design-criteria are based on recommendations developed by Takshanuk Watershed Council (TWC) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).

Projects must meet technical recommendations outlined in the Electric Fence Brochure published by TWC. Projects that do not fulfill these simple, technical recommendations, will not be funded.

The SAWP Fencing Voucher can only be redeemed at Haines Home Building Supply or Lutak Lumber.  Complete applications will be reviewed by the CVHS Board of Directors, who will evaluate what amount of the overall project cost to support, and then provide an authorized voucher to the applicant. 

We anticipate a variety of project descriptions. Our initial estimate is that the average voucher would have a value of about $300. The SAWP Fencing Voucher will not cover all costs, but provides solid financial augmentation–and motivation–to promptly develop responsible food production projects. 

The SAWP Application includes what is in essence a contract. Applicants must complete the compliant project, for the purposes stated, and have the fence operational by a pre-determined date.

Applicants Must:  

1. Reside in the Chilkat Valley and be at least 21 years of age 
2. Attest to being a recipient of the AK Permanent Fund Dividend 
3. Own the property involved, or be a renter with written permission from the land owner. Attest to intentions of growing food at the location, using the fencing equipment sought,  for at least five (5) years
4. Be focused on food production: garden/farm/animal husbandry/orchards/berries (not for keeping bears out of trash, fish smokers, etc.) 
5. Submit a 100% complete application, which includes a detailed cost-estimate for the  new supplies/equipment needed, and a clear scale drawing (incomplete applications will be returned)
6. Attest and sign a what is in essence a contract including: a hold-harmless clause and a commitment to carry out the project per guidelines, as described