GILLETTE, Wyo. — Aquatic and terrestrial habitat project investments topped $13 million by 2023, funding efforts essential for conserving and growing populations of more than 800 Wyoming species, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department .
In 2023, Game and Fish allocated more than $4.6 million for habitat projects and was able to leverage that with more than $8.6 million from the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust Fund, government funds, state funds, private landowners and local conservation partners, the department said. in a July 8 release.
Funds raised in 2023 equate to $2.86 coming from external partners for every Game and Fish Dollar allocated, according to the release, which says the department used the funds to implement 237 projects last year.
“Habitat quality is critical for effective wildlife management,” Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik said in a statement. “The department is deeply committed to maintaining healthy populations of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.”
According to Nesvik, Wyoming’s habitat investment creates resilient landscapes, allowing wildlife to withstand changes in water availability and extreme winters.
By 2023, the Statewide Habitat Plan, or SHP, guided numerous aquatic habitat efforts that improved over 155 stream miles, per Game and Fish.
“Improving and restoring stream miles is important for aquatic habitat. It improves water quality, increases biodiversity, and ensures the viability of fish and other aquatic species,” said Paul Dey, Statewide Aquatic Habitat Manager in a statement. “Healthy streams provide important resources such as clean water, food, and habitat for aquatic species and also support a balanced and thriving ecosystem.”
Outside of aquatic habitat work, the department collaborated on projects leading to the management of more than 935,000 acres of terrestrial habitat and implemented herbicide treatments to control invasive weeds across 80,704 acres, the release said. .
“Reducing the spread of cheatgrass and other invasive weeds to benefit wildlife is a priority for the department,” Statewide Terrestrial Habitat Manager Ian Tator said in a statement. “We will continue to focus energy on this important work, so species like mule deer and sage grouse have access to the resources they need.”
In line with the release, SHP’s annual report will be available on the Game and Fish website, highlighting achievements achieved through the partnership. This year, the report profiles the Muley Fanatic Foundation for its collaboration and contributions to habitat restoration, wildlife crossing and conservation education.
“We cannot accomplish our goals or achieve the same level of impact without our partners, and in 2023, the Muley Fanatic Foundation showed what is possible when we have strong partnerships in place,” Nesvik said in a statement.
