Sage Grouse Preservation with Pexco

A Conservation Challenge Across the West 

The Greater Sage Grouse is one of the most iconic aviary species of the American West. Known for its elaborate courtship displays on open “leks” each spring, the bird has become a symbol of the sagebrush ecosystem. Unfortunately, this species is in significant decline. From 1965 to 2015, the average sage grouse population decreased by 66% across its range. 

Among many threats, collisions with fences are especially harmful. Because sage grouse fly low to the ground and focus on movement during mating season, they often fail to see wire fences in time to avoid them. These collisions frequently result in serious injury or fatality. Studies show that fencing near leks can lead to particularly high mortality, compounding the pressures of habitat loss, wildfire, and human development. 

An Immediate Solution: Fence Visibility Markers

Recognizing this problem, land managers and conservation groups have sought practical, cost-effective solutions. The Pexco Fence Visibility Marker was created to meet this need. Installed every few feet on wire fences, these markers make fences far more visible to flying birds. Research has demonstrated that properly installed markers can reduce sage grouse collisions by up to 83%. 

The markers were originally designed specifically for sage grouse conservation in the Western U.S., but their utility has since expanded. Today, they are used nationwide not only to protect birds but also to improve visibility for outdoor enthusiasts, including motorcyclists, ATV riders, and snowmobilers who may encounter hidden wire fencing in open landscapes. 

Designed for Effectiveness and Efficiency 

What makes the Pexco Fence Visibility Marker particularly valuable is its user-friendly design: 

• Better Design – An open socket on the top edge allows the marker to flutter in the breeze, increasing visibility without adding weight to the wire. 
• Easy Application – A built-in upturned lip provides a simple “snap-on” installation, eliminating the need for special tools or lengthy labor. 
• Faster Installation – Because of this ease of use, more miles of fencing can be covered in less time, expanding the scope of conservation efforts. 

The markers are UV-stabilized and durable, ensuring years of reliable service in outdoor conditions. They also come in high-contrast colors, including white and black, in both reflective and non-reflective versions. This gives land managers flexibility based on environmental conditions. Optional fluorescent reflective sheeting (yellow-green, yellow, orange) further improves visibility during low-light or winter months.

Conservation in Action 

The application of Pexco Fence Visibility Markers has already been proven effective in areas with dense sage grouse populations. Wildlife agencies, nonprofits, and private landowners have installed markers across thousands of miles of fencing. In regions like Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, where sage grouse leks are common, markers are an immediate and scalable conservation tool. 

The benefits extend beyond sage grouse. Other bird species, from songbirds to raptors, also face fence collision risks. By increasing fence visibility, Pexco markers support a wider range of wildlife conservation goals. 

A Cost-Effective Investment 

Fence modification projects can be expensive, but markers provide a cost-effective alternative. Instead of tearing down or relocating fencing, existing structures can be retrofitted with markers at a fraction of the cost. This affordability makes it possible to address large landscapes quickly, ensuring that conservation progress keeps pace with urgent needs. 

For landowners, ranchers, and agencies, another advantage is that the markers are not visually intrusive. They blend well into natural landscapes while still providing the contrast necessary to alert wildlife and recreationists. 

Partnering for a Greater Impact 

The conservation of sage grouse requires collective action. Pexco encourages volunteers, conservation groups, and agencies to get involved. Efforts can range from installing markers on priority fences, to donating resources through organizations such as the Audubon Society or the American Bird Conservancy, to partnering with the Sage Grouse Initiative for coordinated habitat protection. 

This collaborative approach recognizes that protecting the sage grouse is about preserving an entire ecosystem that supports hundreds of other wildlife species, as well as the cultural and recreational heritage of the West. 

Looking Ahead 

The sage grouse faces serious challenges, but the Pexco Fence Visibility Marker represents a tangible, immediate step toward reducing mortality and supporting population recovery. By addressing one of the bird’s most preventable threats, these simple yet effective tools give conservationists, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts a practical way to make a measurable difference. 

As one of the many tools in the conservation toolkit, fence markers show how innovative, low-cost solutions can have outsized impacts on wildlife protection. Every installed marker brings us closer to a safer landscape for sage grouse, and for all species that call the sagebrush country home.