CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission voted to identify the Upper Wind River migration corridor at its recent meeting in Douglas. With the identification of the corridor, additional funding opportunities become available for conservation-based projects on private and public lands to treat invasive annual grasses, improve range fences to wildlife-friendly standards and other proactive management actions.
“Identifying corridors allows us to use science to highlight some of the most important mule deer movements and habitats so that all users can implement practices to conserve these areas,” Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said. “Our Commission continues to lead the nation in the recognition of these important movements.”
The Commission also approved the allocation of $250,000 to combat annual invasive grasses after the recent fires in northeast Wyoming.
In an effort to increase access for hunters and anglers, the Commission voted to approve a public access road and parking easement along the Popo Agie River and permanent access easements for the Laramie Peak Wildlife Habitat Management Area and Pinto Creek Hunter Management Area.
The Commission was presented with changes to five big game herd units and a proposed amendment to the Wyoming Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan. Both proposals were approved.
The Commission approved changes to a series of regulations after considering public comment:
- Chapter 44, Regulation for Issuance of Licenses, Permits, Stamps, Tags, Preference Points and Competitive Raffle Chances.
- Chapter 28, Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims.
The Commission received numerous informational presentations and updates on the department’s partnership with the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Collaboration, education programs, Speas cool/warm-water facility, Auburn Fish Hatchery housing and the employee housing project in Jackson.
Additionally, Game and Fish presented department employees with awards. The following Game and Fish employees received years of service awards:
- Brian Olsen, Casper Region, 35 years.
- Rod Lebert, Casper Region, 35 years.
- Larissa Voss, Cheyenne Headquarters, 20 years.
Ashley Leonard, Game and Fish education supervisor, was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award and Regina Dickson, Game and Fish Green River Information and Education Specialist, was presented with the Communications and Education Division Employee of the Year Award. Additionally, Brian Nesvik presented the prestigious Director’s Award to Game and Fish, Communications and Education Chief Nish Goicolea.
A full recording of the Commission meeting is available online. The next Commission meeting is Nov. 14-15 in Saratoga.
