Two environmental groups reached a deal Friday that will keep a 16,800-foot deer-proof fence in place around a large nature preserve but allow access by other wildlife.

Among the plans are "log bridges" that will be built over fence, which is 8 feet high, to allow bobcats, coyotes, foxes and other animals to get in and out of the Apshawa Tract near Butler Reservoir.

The fence, built this fall by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, drew criticism from the Pequannock River Coalition, which said it was too restrictive and would harm the region's ecology.