The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust named Wyoming Game and Fish Department Biologist Jill Randall from the Pinedale region as their 2016 Partner of the Year. The award is given annually to one group or individual for exemplary conservation work in Wyoming.
"Jill Randall is the epitome of conservation in western Wyoming," WWNRT Board Chair Kim Floyd, Cheyenne, said in presenting the award. "She has been a consistent partner of ours since the inception of the trust, and the footprint of her work covers hundreds of thousands of acres, with dozens of different partners."
Randall, who is a regional habitat specialist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, was cited for her work in the Wyoming Range, particularly prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, research and invasive species control to enhance habitat for mule deer. In addition, the WWNRT recognized her efforts to enhance and conserve habitat for greater sage grouse, elk, moose, and other iconic species in western Wyoming.
"Jill has a true passion for habitat work and her ability to holistically plan and implement large habitat projects is impressive. Her unwavering commitment to healthy and productive habitats has resulted in tangible benefits for both wildlife and agricultural producers,” said Ian Tator, Game and Fish statewide terrestrial habitat manager. “Jill's positive and upbeat approach, win-win mentality and ability to collaborate with state, federal and local partners to effect positive landscape-scale change makes her very worthy of this honor,”
Predictably, Randall gave credit for the numerous successes in the area to her many partners.
"I have the great fortune to work with so many great landowners, biologists, habitat ecologist and others that this stuff is really fun." she said.
Randall began her career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 2003, working as a feedground biologist in Jackson. She has spent the last nine years as a terrestrial habitat biologist in Pinedale.
The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is a statewide program that improves and restores wildlife habitat and enhances the natural resource values of the state. Since its inception in 2005, the WWNRT has funded more than 700 projects with nearly 120 different partners. The program has contributed to more than $300 million in improvements on private, state and federal lands and waterways.
