All wildlife rely on good habitat to grow hearty and healthy populations. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with many partners, invested $5.7 million in direct on-the-ground contributions for habitat projects in 2017 to make sure all of the more than 800 species in Wyoming remain for future generations.
Game and Fish recently released the 2017 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 $1.2 million alongside partner support of $4.6 million for 102 projects. These projects improved habitat conditions for wildlife throughout 124 stream miles and on over 700,000 terrestrial acres.
“Through the Game and Fish strategic planning process this year we heard from our constituents about the importance of habitat. Facilitating and implementing habitat work to benefit wildlife remains a priority for the department,” said Scott Talbott, Game and Fish director. “Many of these projects would not have been possible without the investment of time and money from our partners, 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 a number of diverse accomplishments throughout the state include planting over 37,000 native trees and shrubs, connecting 93 miles of fish passage upstream miles, planting 100 acres of upland grass, forb and food plots, and enhancing 1,967 acres of wetland habitat. More details on projects and the species they impact can be found in the report.
“We owe a great deal of thanks to our partners, especially to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust who contributed just over $2.5 million this year,” said Ian Tator, Game and Fish statewide terrestrial habitat manager. “Outside funding sources contributed approximately $3.72 for every Game and Fish dollar expended for on-the-ground fish and wildlife habitat activities.”
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.
