Recently the Lander Economic Development Association (LEDA) presented the Lander Regional Office of the Wyoming Game and Fish (WGFD) with a check for $4,000. The funds are part of the proceeds from the Wyoming Outdoor Weekend (WOW) hosted by LEDA and WGFD each May.

“With the assistance of the Lander Region of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department we have been able to turn the WOW in to an amazing annual event, drawing people from all over the State” says LEDA President Andy Gramlich. He continues “the event was struggling to define itself before they jumped in, and now it is one of the best events in the State.   Donating these funds to the local office is our way of saying thank you to them for all of the hours and dedication they put in to this event, and the fact that it is committed for local wildlife projects is a win for everyone”

This year’s funds will be used for dynamic messaging road signs to try to reduce animal/vehicle collisions, specifically with mule deer.

“Highway mortality is one of the leading issues with mule deer populations in Fremont County,” says Information and Education Specialist Rene Schell. “These funds are a good start on what will be a concerted effort to reduce wildlife collisions in our district, thereby reducing animal deaths and significant costs in vehicle damage.”

This is the second annual donation by LEDA to the Lander office, with $2000 in 2017 going to building streambed improvements and erosion controls on Green Mountain.