All wildlife rely on good habitat to grow hearty and healthy populations. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and many partners, invested $6.3 million in direct on-the-ground contributions for habitat projects in 2016 to make sure all of the more than 800 species in Wyoming remain for future generations.
Game and Fish recently released the 2016 Strategic Habitat Plan Annual Report. And, based on the quality and quantity of wildlife in Wyoming, the investment in the public resource is paying off. Game and Fish contributed $1.1 million alongside partner support of $5.2 million for 137 projects. These projects improved habitat conditions for wildlife throughout 175 stream miles and on over 484,000 terrestrial acres.
“Healthy and productive habitats are crucial for wildlife especially during Wyoming’s harsh winters and at times, dry summers,” said Scott Talbott, Game and Fish director. “Many of these projects would not have been possible without the investment of time and money from countless volunteers and folks who care about Wyoming’s wild places and wildlife. Thank you all for your work to improve Wyoming’s future.”
The annual report details accomplishments throughout the state include planting over 44,000 native trees and shrubs, restoring nearly 2 miles of stream banks, developing and renovating 1,398 acres of wetlands and conducting prescribed burns on 2,654 acres. More details on projects and the species they impact can be found in the report.
“Both project work and funding was diverse in 2016, and we owe a great deal of thanks to our partners,” said Ian Tator, Game and Fish statewide terrestrial habitat manager. “Outside funding sources contributed approximately $4.74 for every Game and Fish dollar expended for on-the-ground fish and wildlife habitat activities.” This is an increase in leveraged dollars since last year.
Current and past reports can be downloaded from the Game and Fish website. The mission of the Game and Fish Habitat Program is to promote and maintain the availability of high quality habitat to sustain and enhance wildlife populations in the future.
