Orphan Grain Train to distribute fence posts for Cooksley Fire ranchers

ANSELMO – Relief efforts for April's Cooksley Complex Fire by the Anselmo community are ongoing and increasing.

In addition to the community's 4-13 Fire Department Appreciation Event in conjunction with the annual Big Sky Jubilee, Anselmo-Merna Schools Superintendent Howard Gaffney has partnered with Norfolk organization Orphan Grain Train to help shore up fence lines that have been damaged during the 37,000-acre blaze.

Gaffney says that the partnership emerged through his connections with area ranchers and prior experience with humanitarian efforts.

"A rancher up along Highway 20 got a hold of me and said that he thought I was familiar with these kinds of issues that may strike a community, and wanted to know if I could help out in any way."

Gaffney goes on to say that the helping hand this time around comes in the form of an often-overlooked element of rebuilding after a fire: fencing needs.

"We’ve got posts that we could donate to the cause through this organization; I presume a lot of fence lines have been destroyed."

The efforts have come together quickly for Gaffney, as two trucks loaded with fence posts will be rolling through Anselmo this coming Thursday, June 15.

Gaffney knows that extent of the Cooksley Fire's destruction was staggering, but believes that every effort put toward recovery is invaluable, no matter how modest it may seem.

"I know it's not going to fulfill everybody's needs, but it is at least a start."

The incoming fence posts will be emigrating from the southern United States; they are expected to be treated wood and have a 25 to 30-year lifespan, but Gaffney says that estimate may be low, as it doesn't account for the area's unique soil composition.

"Who knows how long that might actually be when they’re buried in the Sandhills? There might not be nearly the rotting action you’d get in heavier soils."

The best way for agricultural producers to find a spot in line, Gaffney says, is by contacting him directly by phone at (308) 880-1413 or (308) 729-2248 to get an application, or by talking to his son, Drew.

Come Thursday morning, those picking up fence posts should expect to meet near Richard's Electric in Anselmo, and from there they will be directed to pick up points.