The Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Buffalo received three new seating benches this summer thanks to the work of Sheridan resident Ian Gale.
Gale constructed and installed three wooden benches for the WHMA in August as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Gale initially proposed the project to Game and Fish Sheridan Region personnel in April 2024. He spent the next several months planning and fundraising to complete his leadership project.
“The most difficult part of leadership for me was learning to adapt and overcome,” said Gale. “Before installation, I realized I lacked experience with concrete. To prepare, I researched the process, asked questions, and worked closely with Mr. Pedroza to grow my knowledge. On installation day, I explained the plan, demonstrated how to set the forms, and guided the team as they dug the hole, leveled the frames, placed the rebar frames, mixed the concrete, and screeded the pad. With Mr. Pedroza’s support, I was able to lead the group successfully through the concrete work.”
Between Aug. 13 and 15, Gale and 14 other youth and adults assembled and installed the benches, taking 151 hours of work to complete.
Funding for the benches was provided by Buckingham Lumber, Kelly and Michael Buckingham and monies raised by Gale during earlier Scout fundraising activities.
“It has been a valuable learning experience, and I am proud to have contributed something meaningful to our community and to the conservation efforts of Wyoming Game and Fish,” said Gale.
Bud Love WHMA is one of the oldest Game and Fish Commission properties in the Sheridan Region, having been purchased as big game winter range in 1970. The 7,900-acre property boasts populations of big game such as elk and mule deer, as well as dozens of species of upland birds, waterfowl and songbirds. Three ponds and North Sayles Creek offer anglers great fishing opportunities. Photography, horseback riding and hiking are also popular recreation activities on the property.
