CODY - The Cody Region of the Wyoming Game and Fish welcomes two individuals to their new roles in the Big Horn Basin. 

Ashleigh Rhea has been selected as the new wildlife biologist for the Worland/Thermopolis district, replacing Bart Kroger who retired last December. 

Rhea previously served as a habitat mitigation biologist for Game and Fish in the Pinedale Region. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in wildlife and fisheries management and a Master’s degree in Zoology and Physiology from the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming. 

Rhea said she was drawn to the area because of the diverse habitats and wildlife species the Big Horn Basin has to offer. “I grew up around hunting and being in the mountains and always wanted to play a role in conserving wild places and wildlife populations for people to enjoy well into the future,” Rhea said. “I look forward to meeting and working with people in the community.”

Andy Roosa has been selected as the new Thermopolis game warden, replacing Heather Sterling, who transferred to Evanston. 

Roosa previously served as a game warden in Torrington, Rock Springs and Green River, and most recently trained new game wardens in his role as a recruitment, retention and training officer for Game and Fish.  Roosa holds a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and management from the University of Wyoming, and prior to employment with Game and Fish, served in the U.S. Army for seven years. 

Roosa is a Wyoming native from Rock Springs and looks forward to the opportunity to work in the community of Thermopolis. “I am excited to be here,” Roosa said. “Everyone I have met so far has been friendly and welcoming. I have enjoyed getting to know people and learning the country.” 

The Thermopolis game warden district encompasses most of Hot Springs County and includes the Bighorn River, one of Wyoming’s premier trout fisheries. The Worland/Thermopolis biologist district spans the southern portion of the Big Horn Basin and includes Washakie and Hot Springs Counties and small portions of south Bighorn and Park Counties. 

Roosa can be reached by phone at 307-480-1015 and Rhea can be reached at 307-323-8243.