Fence Brovold Orchard to Help Bears & People

Brovold Community Orchard is an Alberton, Montana charitable nonprofit community orchard that provides free fruit, education, outdoor recreation, and a community events venue to the citizens of western Montana. In 2021 we gave away over 3,800 pounds of apples, pears, and plums to more than 300 people, many of whom are from low income families or the elderly. Last year didn't go as well. Fruit production was way down due to unfavorable weather. Then, bears moved in, ate most of the available fruit, and caused major damage by climbing the trees and breaking limbs to get to more fruit. Some trees are broken so badly they will need replacement.

As part of our responsibility to help make Alberton a Bear Smart community, we plan to construct a multi-strand high-tensile electric fence around the orchard. This will keep bears and people safe by keeping bears in the wild, preventing further damage, and protecting next year's fruit harvest. The cost for materials will be about $3,000. We will build the fence with volunteer labor. Your donations will help both bears and people by keeping bears alive in the wild while providing free fruit to our extended community.

Read more about Brovold Community Orchard at www.brovoldorchard.org and www.facebook.com/brovoldorchard/