Hill County Park Board discusses cross fence despite lack of quorum

The Hill County Park Board's meeting Monday evening did not have enough members for a quorum so no votes could be taken, but members present discussed progress on the construction of the south cross fence.

Beaver Creek Park Superintendent Chad Edgar said the grazing committee chose a possible location for the fence at their last meeting, but he added that, upon examining the area in more detail, it is far from ideal.

"It has a lot more topography than what we could see from a distance," he said, "A lot of deep cuts and a lot of very thick vegetation … I do have some concerns with."

He said a fencing contractor he took with him to examine the area was not fond of location and said it would take days to get through the vegetation.

Concerns have been raised about the location and need for the fence by some cabin owners in previous meetings, but members of the board and grazing committee have said it is the only way to prevent environmental damage as a result of overgrazing.

Edgar said the committee would need to meet again this month to address the issue and hopefully at its December meeting put together a plan to present to the park board with a cost.

He also gave an update on park usage by humans and cattle.

He said park usage is low with people hiking and fishing when the weather is nice, but snow has kept some away.

Edgar said cattle grazing has gone smoothly and adequate forage still is available for the animals.

He said 1,977 head of cattle, mostly single cows and some pairs, are left on the park.

One calf was hit on the highway in the past month, he said.

He said winterization efforts for the season have been completed.