The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently received $25,850 for several collaborative programs and projects to benefit Wyoming’s natural resources. The donations are a combination of support from the Wyoming Flycaster Club and the Cheyenne Field Archers.
Wyoming Flycasters and Cheyenne Field Archers donated a total of $4,000 to Access Yes, a program facilitating the partnership between landowners and the department to create public hunting and fishing access on private land. The Access Yes programs consists of Walk-in hunting areas, Walk-in fishing areas, and Hunter Management Areas. Access Yes funds directly pay for access easements, not funding operating expenses of Game and Fish access programs.
“Each dollar donated to Access Yes equates to approximately 3.5 acres of public access. These groups are helping every hunter and angler in Wyoming have more opportunities for years to come,” said Matt Withroder, Game and Fish regional access coordinator.
Wyoming Flycasters also supported four additional collaborative aquatic projects with Game and Fish totaling $21,800 of the donated funds. Projects include: the Wyoming Flycaster’s Memorial Access Project to enhance fishing access and opportunity along the North Platte River, including improving access for navigating the steep terrain; the Encampment River Enhancements project to improve river stability, fish passage through the diversions, adult trout habitat, and boater safety; and the Water Level Loggers project to support restoring stream channels, improving fish passage, and managing water and riparian areas statewide. Furthermore, Flycasters contributed significant funds to the LaBarge Creek Fish Passage Project to improve passage on seven tributaries to upper LaBarge Creek.
"We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with these organizations who are dedicated to providing funding for hunting and fishing access and improving the habitat for wildlife throughout the state," said Scott Talbott, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “We’re grateful to the Wyoming Flycaster Club and the Cheyenne Field Archers for their generous donations and support.”
Photo by Justin Binfet, WGFD
