The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met in Cheyenne January 16-17.
First Lady Jennie Gordon presented on her initiative, Food from the Field, and expressed gratitude to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the many community partners that make the program possible. In 2019, Food from the Field was started as a part of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to facilitate the donation, processing and distribution of wild game to feed Wyoming families in need.
Commissioner Ralph Brokaw of District 2 and Commissioner Richard Ladwig of District 6, finished their six-year terms on the Game and Fish Commission. Both served as president, and the constituents of Wyoming. As appointed by the governor, new commissioners from districts 2 and 6 will be in place for the next Commission meeting in March. Sincere thanks was extended by all to Commissioner Ladwig and Commissioner Brokaw on their final Commission meeting.
Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce provided the commissioners with an update, including a reiteration of the department’s position regarding the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision concerning grizzly bears. The commissioners also were updated by staff on the current legislative session and numerous informative presentations on department programs.
The Commission voted to hold on revisions of Chapter 66, the Wyoming Bighorn and Domestic Sheep Plan Revision Rules, and voted to approve the renewal of a fishing easement and the sale of a game warden station. They also voted to approve policies regarding data and response to data breaches.
Game and Fish staff gave presentations on mule deer habitat improvement, the recent community mule deer conversations, the Downar Bird Farm, the Speas Fish Hatchery cool and warm-water facility project and the aquatic habitat program. The Commission approved the reallocation of $588,000 toward mule deer habitat improvement projects across the state.
The WYldlife Fund and WYldlife for Tomorrow presented updates on several collaborative programs including the conclusion of a fencing project in the Red Desert and a new children’s book focused on mule deer. They also announced a $1million gift from the Knobloch Family Foundation to fund wildlife-friendly fencing projects over the next three years. First Interstate Bank presented a $10,000 donation to the WYldlife Fund and expressed its commitment to the future of Wyoming’s wildlife.
Additionally, Game and Fish employees Scot Kofron and Margaret James were presented service awards for 25 and 20 years, respectively, of dedicated service.
A full recording of the Commission meeting is available online.
The next Commission meeting is March 18-20 in Cody and will coincide with the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame held at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West on March 19.
– WGFD –
