RESOURCES FOR LANDOWNERS
There are many organizations and resources for landowners who would like to learn more about wetland management or voluntary restoration and protection options.
If you’re interested in managing, restoring, or protecting wetlands on your property, many options for funding and technical assistance are available, including for working lands. Organizations involved in wetland conservation can help answer your questions and find the right program for you. See the list of partners and resources below for more information.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
NRCS offers a variety of conservation programs that benefit both agricultural producers and the environment. These include financial and technical assistance for restoration projects, as well as easements for both working and non-working lands. NRCS works closely with local Conservation Districts to deliver projects in Wyoming.
Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW)
PFW restores, creates, and enhances terrestrial and aquatic systems on private and public lands. In Wyoming, PFW’s focal areas are the Laramie Plains, Goshen Hole, Wind River, Bear River, Green River, Powder Tongue River, Black Hills Mixed Grass, Little Snake/ Upper Platte, and Upper Sweetwater/Red Desert.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
The Nature Conservancy protects wetlands and other priority habitats across Wyoming primarily through easements and acquisitions. They are also involved in ongoing assessments of Wyoming’s wetland complexes, as well as innovative management techniques to improve riparian and wetland habitats.
Ducks Unlimited (DU)
DU works with partners and private landowners across the state to create, enhance, and restore wetlands. DU also protects high quality wetlands and associated wildlife habitat through easements, acquisitions, and planned gifts. For more information on conservation programs, contact DU's Wyoming/Colorado office.
Land Trusts
The Jackson Hole Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and The Wyoming Stock Growers Association preserve lands of scenic, agricultural, and wildlife value through various easement options.
Guides and Management Resources
Best Management Practices, Wyoming DEQ
Resources on best management practices relating to nonpoint source pollution.
Barnyards & Backyards: Rural Living in Wyoming, UW Extension
Articles on how to live better on your acreage. Topics include wildlife, water, and grazing.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Habitat Extension Bulletins include information on the habitat needs of wildlife in Wyoming. They also offer guidance on a variety of wildlife friendly land management practices, aimed at landowners and land managers interested in increasing wildlife abundance on their properties. Some important bulletins on wetlands for landowners include:
Trumpeter Swan Habitat Creation Guide, by Susan Patla and Dave Lockman
This guide details considerations and prescriptions for the design, construction, and management of shallow water wetlands for spring through fall use by trumpeter swans in western Wyoming. It is designed for use by private landowners, wetland construction contractors, biologists, land trusts, and land managers.