BY KAREN BOSSICK

Build fences and learn about “Recreation on the Range” when the University of Idaho holds two events this week focusing on the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch.

• Chris Zajchowski, UI professor of parks, tourism and recreation ecology, will offer a presentation dubbed “Recreation on the Range: A Framework for Recreation Management,” at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Hailey Town Center West, 116 S. River St.

  Zajchowski conducts research focused on human behavior in outdoor recreation. He is the primary investigator of the national Capital Area Research Collaborative with the National Park Service. The presentation is being offered in partnership with the Hailey Public library.

• Managers at the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch are inviting the public to help build new fence styles to improve recreation access and gate management at the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch barn from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 3.

Fence builders are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and a hat and to bring water.

To get to the barn, drive west on Bullion Street in Hailey and follow it for 4.5 miles as it becomes Croy Creek Road. Turn left on Rock Creek Road, signified by a large metal sculpture of an elk. Drive another 6.5 miles to the barn.

Both workshops are part of Sagebrush Saturdays—family-friendly educational events designed to foster appreciation of Idaho’s rangeland.

The UI is conducting research on the ranch to determine best cattle raising practices in keeping with preserving natural resources. Hiking, horseback riding, biking and hunting is allowed on the ranch, which encompasses Rock Creek Road west of Hailey, as well as part of Glendale Road, Hatty Gulch Road and East Fork Rock Creek Road.

Camping, trapping and sage grouse hunting are not allowed.

Questions? Call the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch Operations manager at 208-721-4134.