2020 Accomplishments – Success for WYO’s Wildlife
Because of partners and ardent supporters like YOU, The WYldlife Fund deems 2020 a success!
This year has been anything but normal. However, the spirit of America and Wyoming will never be broken. In the face of tremendous trials and tribulations the citizens of Wyoming kept moving forward, never batting an eye at the odds before us. Our thoughts and prayers are with every individual, couple, and family who have been impacted by COVID-19. Our love and support will always be with you.
This was the first year “on the ground” for The WYldlife Fund. Our Board of Directors, volunteers and supporters stepped up and helped advance Wyoming’s wildlife in a big way. We are a small organization but mighty in our passion and drive for wildlife.
Not only have individuals stepped up to support The WYldlife Fund but several of our fellow not for profits have partnered with us to help the wildlife we all hold dear. The WYldlife Fund is simply unable to express enough gratitude for these individuals and organizations.
So, what has been accomplished? The following grants and sponsorships were proudly approved by The WYldlife Fund in 2020.
| Grant or Sponsorship | Amount |
| Red Rim Grizzly WHMA Fence Conversion | $10,000 |
| Access YES | $10,000 |
| Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing | $49,500 |
| I-25 Buffalo to Kaycee Wildlife Crossing | $135,000 |
| Land Owners Awards Banquet | $394 |
| Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet | $7,850 (held in reserve until event is rescheduled due to COVID-19) |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness | $2,500 |
| Governor’s 2020 Wildlife Conversation License Plate Initiative | $2,500 |
| Absaroka Fence Initiative | $150 |
| Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Trail Camera Project | $4,676.06 |
| Total: | $222,570.06 |
These gifts were made possible by several partners who include the Knobloch Family Foundation, the Muley Fanatic Foundation, the Mule Deer Foundation, and the Williams Foundation. Along with these amazing foundations there have been countless organizations who have stepped forward to chip in anywhere from $5 to $1,000. We thank each and every one of these selfless individuals.
On top of these grants and sponsorships The WYldlife Fund worked with the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust to generate $885,000 in matching dollars to advance the the I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo wildlife crossing project. We thank WWNRT and Executive Director Bob Budd for their tireless efforts and support.
Thanks to Commissioner Mike Schmid and Commissioner Gay Lynn Byrd The WYldlife Fund was the recipient of two Wyoming Commissioner Licenses which were raffled off and auctioned for $24,016.20 and $22,000 respectively. All of these funds were committed to on the ground wildlife projects.
The Wyldlife Fund also held our first virtual auction. We had several donors step forward and donate amazing experiences. Everything from a Belize beach vacation to a world class pheasant hunt in Cowley, Wyoming were donated for auction. The auction generated $8,396.70. Just as our Commissioner License revenues all of these funds were committed to on the ground projects throughout Wyoming.
COVID-19 obviously impacted fundraising events across the spectrum for all nonprofits. We were saddened to cancel a joint golf outing scheduled to be held on September 12th in memory of September 11th, 2001 with our good friends at Hunting with Heroes. We hope to join back together with Hunting with Heroes for a golf outing next September.
The year 2020 also provided the jumpstart of Wyldlife Art.
Jessie Dube of Buffalo created our very first WYldlife art print. Staring Contest is inspired by the majestic moose. We thank Jessie for lending her incredible talents to the creation of this world class painting. All prints come framed, matted, and ready for display! The outside measurements of the frame are approximately 16X13 inches and you may choose from two different frame colors and three different matte colors. Every print is numbered, signed by the artist, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. A big thank you to Prosinski Custom Framing and Fine Art in Buffalo for helping bring this idea to life!
Donations are the engine which keeps our mission churning forward but we see our organization as being much more than this. We are also rolling up our sleeves to give back to the great state of Wyoming and its wildlife.
The year 2020 saw The WYldlife Fund taking part in volunteer projects which included adopting a stretch of Highway 789 outside of Lander! Our cleanup took place in the baking sun but it didn’t stop the heart of our volunteers.
The WYldlife Fund was also thrilled to join with the Absaroka Fence Initiative in Cody. We took part in helping convert one mile of 4 barbed wire fencing into smooth wire wildlife friendly fencing! This conversion will help the passage of antelope, elk, and mule deer for the years to come.
The WYldlife Fund will continue to unite people to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education. Remember, this mission isn’t possible without YOU.
Although 2020 has been a trying time, just as in the enduring spirit of America, The WYldlife Fund perservered. We will continue to push forward to help the wildlife we all know and love. This will be achieved through a tireless work ethic, collaboration, partnerships, and holding the values of Wyoming close to heart.
We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. The best is yet to come.
See you in the field,
Chris McBarnes
President
The WYldlife Fund