CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be hosting a virtual public comment opportunity for the revision of Wyoming’s State Wildlife Action Plan — also known as SWAP. This virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom from 1-2 p.m. June 30. The meeting link is available on the Game and Fish SWAP page.
The virtual public comment opportunity will start with a brief presentation on the SWAP, followed by an opportunity for the public to provide comments on the draft plan.
The public also can provide written feedback on the draft version of the SWAP before the comment period closes July 27. Information on how to submit a public comment is available on the Game and Fish SWAP page.
“The goal of Wyoming's SWAP is to proactively conserve our species and their habitats,” said Rhiannon Jakopak, Game and Fish State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator. “By identifying conservation priorities, it allows us to coordinate our collective efforts across the state for the greatest impact.”
Each state develops and maintains a SWAP, which contributes to a nation-wide strategy for conserving at-risk species and habitats. These plans are created through partnerships with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders who work on conservation efforts in Wyoming. Through this collaboration, SWAPs identify priority actions for groups throughout the state and unlock funding to be used for projects.
Wyoming’s first SWAP was created in 2005. Updates to incorporate new information and consider emerging challenges were conducted in 2010 and 2017.
After the public comment period closes, the Game and Fish will integrate public feedback into a revised version of the SWAP. This final version will be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission this fall for approval. Following Commission approval, the SWAP will be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for additional review and final approval.
The draft plan, as well as information to provide feedback, can be accessed on the Game and Fish SWAP page.
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