The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met last week in Buffalo. The seven-member board approved the annual Wyoming Game and Fish Department budget — a regular task at July meetings. The standard operational budget, which supports the day-to-day work of the department, was approved at $102 million. Game and Fish doesn’t receive state general fund dollars. The bulk of the budget comes from sportspeople.

The Commission also voted to approve the projects presented by the Animal Damage Management Board. The department allocates $200,000 annually toward predator control projects for wildlife protection. 

The Commission approved changes to a series of regulations after considering public comment: 

• Chapter 46, Fishing Regulations. 
• Chapter 47, Gray Wolf Hunting Regulations.

Approved changes to Chapter 46 will address declines in kokanee salmon in Flaming Gorge Reservoir as a result of predation by overabundant lake trout. 

The Commission received numerous informational presentations and updates on grizzly bear populations and fish-hooking injury prevalence on the North Platte River in the Casper Region. 

Each July the department regularly presents its annual awards. Director Brian Nesvik recognized Jason Edwards, chief technology officer, with the Outstanding Leadership award. Additionally, Game and Fish recognized divisional employee of the year awards:

• Shelby Bostrom, Senior Programmer Analyst, Cheyenne  — Services Division

• Jerry Altermatt, Habitat Biologist, Cody — Wildlife Division 

• Emily Langer, Senior Purchasing Accountant, Cheyenne – Fiscal Division

• Brad Hughes, Hatchery Superintendent, Dubois — Fish Division 

A full recording of the Commission meeting is available online. The next meeting is Sept. 10-11 in Douglas.