Partnership to Conserve Big Game Habitat in Wyoming
December 31st, 2024
The Pooled Migration Fund and USDA-State of Wyoming Big Game Program in Wyoming
2024_Partnership_to_Conserve_Big Game Habitat
As we close out the year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significant progress made for big game conservation in key migration corridors across Wyoming. This achievement is thanks to the USDA-State of Wyoming’s Big Game Program and the support provided by our Pooled Migration Fund (PMF).
In October 2022, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed an agreement that uses diverse Farm Bill programs and state expertise and resources to support voluntary conservation of private working lands, Tribal lands, and migratory big game populations in Wyoming.
The program emphasizes a commitment to voluntary, incentive-based approaches; identifies and elevates the critical role of private, working lands; and stresses the importance of supporting state, Tribal, and landowners to advance their conservation priorities.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, BAND Foundation, The Volgenau Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Knobloch Family Foundation, NextEra Energy Foundation, and Dominion Energy have all made significant investments to establish and sustain the PMF. The PMF operates under The WYldlife Fund and aims to support and enhance the Big Game Program initiated by the USDA and the State of Wyoming.
The PMF has invested over $1.5 million to directly support the USDA-State of Wyoming Big Game Program. These investments have strengthened critical capacity-building roles with partner NGOs, facilitating connections between producers, Tribal partners, and conservation funding opportunities. Additionally, these funds have been used to implement impactful on-the-ground conservation projects, including invasive annual grass treatments and wildlife-friendly fence modifications.
The WYldlife Fund is excited to report significant progress through this program, with the PMF playing a key role in its successful implementation. Click the link below to learn more about the advancements made for Wyoming’s wildlife.
Building on success: WYldlife for Tomorrow’s vision for the new year
As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that WYldlife for Tomorrow, a program of The WYldlife Fund, has made significant strides toward achieving its mission. With a dedicated team, growing visibility, and expanding partnerships, we are excited to leverage this momentum and build on the successes of the past year. As we approach 2025, we are committed to setting ambitious goals that will help us continue to conserve Wyoming’s wildlife and their habitats. The beginning of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on our priorities, plan for the future, and renew our dedication to the conservation of Wyoming’s invaluable wildlife. Here’s a glimpse into our key goals for the year ahead!
Promote Sustainable Ecotourism
Wyoming’s wildlife brings in thousands of visitors each year — visitors who explore our parks, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, enjoy our recreation services and shop in our communities. The state’s economy depends on tourism, and tourism depends on our wildlife. In 2025, WYldlife for Tomorrow will continue to inspire businesses that rely on Wyoming’s natural beauty to invest in meaningful conservation initiatives. Our goal is to foster partnerships that encourage businesses to give back to the land and wildlife that support their success, ultimately promoting sustainable ecotourism practices that protect Wyoming’s wildlife for generations to come.
Strengthen Community Engagement
As we move into 2025, our team will continue to focus on building relationships with Wyoming businesses, communities, foundations and other conservation organizations to make a difference for wildlife. Together, we can create lasting, positive change for wildlife and help fund priority conservation projects across the state. Our work will focus on increasing awareness while ensuring that local communities and businesses have an avenue to become actively engaged in the process. When we unite as a state, we can amplify our impact and achieve real, tangible benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation.
Expand Representation Across the State
WYldlife for Tomorrow is a statewide initiative and, as such, we aim to ensure that all corners of Wyoming are represented in our efforts. Our wildlife is a shared resource, and everyone across the state has a stake in conservation. In 2025, we plan to broaden our outreach and aim to build more cobranded partnerships with local businesses. These partnerships will strengthen our program’s visibility and demonstrate how businesses, large and small, can benefit from supporting wildlife conservation efforts. If you know of a business in your area that could align with our mission, we invite you to get in touch. Together, we can forge new collaborations that will help cement WYldlife for Tomorrow as a statewide initiative.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, there is much to be thankful for at WYldlife for Tomorrow. However, our focus is always forward. With the new year on the horizon, we are excited to dive into the work that will help us reach our 2025 goals. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, donors, and community members, and we look forward to continuing this important journey together. Through collaboration and dedication, we will ensure that Wyoming’s wildlife and habitats remain healthy, thriving, and protected for generations to come.
Let’s make 2025 the year we take our efforts to new heights, together!
The WYld Room: A First-of-its-Kind Partnership with the Riviera Motor Lodge
The idea started just a couple of years ago at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality and Tourism Conference in Cheyenne. Kim Hytrek, General Manager of the Riviera Motor Lodge, stumbled upon the booth for WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund – and struck up a conversation with President Chris McBarnes. After learning about the program’s mission to pair business and tourism partners with wildlife conservation efforts, Kim left the conference with one thought: “This is something I really want to do.”
A champion of new and innovative ideas, Kim saw the opportunity to help protect the state she loves while promoting local business. A partnership with WYldlife for Tomorrow felt like a no brainer.
The Birth of an Idea
Upon returning to Saratoga, Kim began brainstorming with Riviera Motor Lodge Owner John Evans about creative ways to support wildlife conservation through WYldlife for Tomorrow. Shortly thereafter, the idea for The WYld Room was born.
John wanted to showcase the seasons, landscape, and wildlife of the Platte Valley, and what better way to do so than with a mural in one of the Riviera Motor Lodge rooms? The idea quickly took shape, and Kim and John reached out to local artist Lori Kostur to bring it to life.
Lori, a Wyoming resident for over thirty years and a Saratoga local for the past decade, was the perfect fit. She was eager to accept the challenge: “Wyoming is all about the wildlife and the landscape. People come for that reason, and if you’re not promoting that or preserving it you’re going to lose it. It’s the most important thing we have going in Wyoming.
Execution of the Plan
The vision for The WYld Room was simple: create a mural that would cover an entire wall, celebrating Wyoming’s wildlife and natural beauty. After three weeks of hard work Lori’s stunning wildlife mural was complete, transforming the room into an immersive experience. Now, it’s all about bringing in the visitors. For Kim, “It’s important to create a transformational experience for the guests. They could walk into this room and stare at the mural all night.”
More than that, however, “It’s important to educate about natural resources. Of course we want to drive reservations and support funding for The WYldlife Fund as well,” says Hytrek.
Through this innovative partnership, guests who reserve The WYld Room at the Riviera Motor Lodge can feel good knowing that a percentage of their room fee will be donated to WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund – and directly support conservation efforts in Wyoming.
Chris McBarnes, President of The WYldlife Fund, is quick to acknowledge the significance of the partnership: “Businesses like the Riviera Motor Lodge stepping forward to support sustainable wildlife conservation is a really big deal.”
About the Riviera Motor Lodge
The Riviera Motor Lodge was purchased by the Evans family in 2022. Born and raised in Saratoga, the Evans siblings are passionate about showcasing everything this beautiful region of Wyoming has to offer. Since acquiring the property, they have been busy remodeling each of their 40 guest rooms with the final renovations scheduled for completion this winter. The WYld Room, which features a comfortable king bed and scenic views of the North Platte River, is one of many highlights of the newly refurbished lodge.
In addition to room upgrades, the Riviera has invested in one of its most popular features – the Riverfront Lawn. “As we’ve grown, we’ve come to learn that the backyard is one of guests’ most favorite parts of staying with us,” notes General Manager Kim Hytrek. Located on the banks of the North Platte River, the lawn is the perfect spot to host a wedding, event, or simply enjoy a sunset by the campfire. As an added bonus, complimentary bicycles and snowshoes are available for all guests to use during their stay.
DSC of Wyoming Contributes $41,000 to The Pronghorn Fund
Dallas Safari Club of Wyoming Contributes $41,000 to The Pronghorn Fund
Hunting and Conservation Group Augments The WYldLife Fund’s Latest Initiative
Casper, Wyoming, November 2024 — DSC of Wyoming, a 501(c)3 Wyoming nonprofit and chapter of the Dallas Safari Club, has added over forty thousand dollars to The Pronghorn Fund, a growing endowment inspired by the extraordinary contributions of Rich and Mary Guenzel.
“DSC of Wyoming board members Patrick Ginder and Jamie Moralez immediately understood the purpose and importance of The Pronghorn Fund,” says President Geoffrey Smith. “Our entire board agreed that the new endowment was a leap forward in further understanding, conservation, and support of this western icon.” “Moreover,” states Smith, “parent foundation The WYldLife Fund has wisely constructed The Pronghorn Fund as a restricted endowment. This means its resources will be focused on the Pronghorn, and administered to be a persistent asset for the species.”
The WYldLife Fund President Chris McBarnes comments, “The Pronghorn is a Wyoming crown jewel. We are sothankful for the trailblazers who have established and support The Pronghorn Fund.” Smith adds, “How often have we heard ‘just out for an antelope’? Turns out, the pronghorn isn’t actually an antelope, nor is it ‘just a’. I’ll save the surprise, but the reader will be a bit aghast when exploring the phrase ‘Pronghorn taxonomy’ through any Internet search.”
DSC of Wyoming is a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate and state chapter of Dallas Safari Club. The Mission of DSC of Wyoming is to advocate for hunting and fishing rights in the state of Wyoming, to support and encourage the engagement and education of youth, sportsmen and sportswomen, and to foster the conservation of our outdoor heritage for future generations.
To learn more about The Pronghorn Fund and how you can help support this iconic species in Wyoming, click here!
Wyoming summer camp tackles “brain drain” with nature
At the base of the Gros Ventre Mountains in western Wyoming, 17 boys recently spent a week immersed in nature, honing their outdoor skills and building leadership abilities. Part of the Inspire a Kid initiative, this free summer camp is designed for youth who might not otherwise have access to Wyoming’s wild spaces. Over the course of a week, campers engage in fly fishing, horseback riding, and even hauling hay bales—all while learning the importance of conservation.
For kids like 13-year-old Colten Christianson and 12-year-old Zach Cortez, the camp provides a thrilling blend of adventure and outdoor learning. Whether taking a dip in the icy sluice box to wake up or bonding over early-morning hot chocolate, their days are filled with teamwork and exploration. “It’s way better than coffee,” Cortez quips after an invigorating sluice shower.
But it’s not all fun and games. As the campers move hay bales or gather around the campfire, they also gain a deeper appreciation for Wyoming’s public lands, which cover more than half of the state. Many, like 15-year-old William Johnston from Newark, New Jersey, leave the camp with a newfound love for the outdoors—and some even consider future careers in conservation.
Chris McBarnes, who leads the camp, hopes this experience helps keep Wyoming’s youth connected to the state. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Wyoming needs the next generation of leaders to safeguard its natural beauty and tackle ongoing conservation challenges.
To listen to the full story or read a transcript of the story, please click here.
University of Wyoming Recognizes Taylor Phillips – WYldlife Fund Board Member – with Conservation Award
In a state full of passionate conservationists and wildlife lovers, two were individually honored on the evening of Friday September 13th in Laramie. With the sun shining down on the University of Wyoming’s Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, supporters gathered inside to celebrate Charles Preston and Taylor Phillips as they each received recognition for their work in supporting biodiversity conservation, appreciation, and understanding in The Cowboy State.
UW’s Biodiversity Institute proudly presented Phillips with the Contributions to Biodiversity Conservation Award in large part due to his work establishing WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund which, in turn, is the nonprofit partner to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Taylor started WYldlife for Tomorrow in 2021 with the goal of inspiring all that benefit from Wyoming’s recreation and travel and tourism economy – largely driven by the state’s public lands and abundant wildlife – to get involved in supporting wildlife conservation efforts statewide. To date, WYldlife For Tomorrow has raised more than $400,000 through private donations and business partnerships and collaborations. This money has gone on to support wildlife highway crossings, habitat restoration, and research through management by the WYldlife Fund and in support of Wyoming Game and Fish. As Phillips’ initiative continues to grow, state conservation and biodiversity research projects are sure to grow right along with it.
However, Taylor will be the first to tell you that this award would not be possible without the support of WYldlife For Tomorrow’s many generous donors. It takes a village to achieve ambitious statewide conservation goals, and the organization’s partners are an absolutely critical piece of the puzzle.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected for this award. The work of WYldlife For Tomorrow would not have been possible without all of the support that the program and I have received from across the state,” says Phillips. “I feel like we are just getting started with the work of developing an additional funding mechanism to support wildlife.”
The Biodiversity Science and Conservation Awards are meant to “honor Wyoming-ites who have changed the landscape of conservation biology and biodiversity science,” notes Brett Addis – Associate Director of UW’s Biodiversity Institute.
In choosing Phillips from a large pool of other nominees Addis adds that “Taylor stood out because his approach to conservation is so innovative. Blending tourism with conservation is not like anything we’ve seen or awarded before.”
Collaboration and innovation will surely be critical for the future of conservation in The Cowboy State. However, with the dedicated work being led by folks like Phillips – and support from donors and partners alike – the future looks bright for wild Wyoming.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the WYldlife Fund Partner to Raise $2.7 Million for Wyoming’s Highway 26 Wildlife Crossing Project
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the WYldlife Fund have teamed up to raise $2.7 million in donations to contribute to the non-federal, match requirement for the state’s application requesting more than $17 million in federal Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program dollars to keep people safe and wildlife alive along U.S. Highway 26 in Wyoming. This substantial fundraising effort will strengthen the state’s application as it competes for these highly competitive federal grant funds.
U.S. Highway 26 from Stoney Point to the Wind River Indian Reservation is the state of Wyoming’s top priority for wildlife crossings, with the wildlife crossing project location accounting for nearly three in four wildlife-vehicle collisions.
“Thousands of mule deer migrate between summer range near Grand Teton National Park and winter range at the Wind River Reservation each year. This project will make the highway safer for both wildlife and people, while allowing animals to reach their summer and winter ranges,” said Greater Yellowstone Coalition Executive Director Scott Christensen. “The support for this wildlife highway crossing project has been tremendous. I am thrilled at the way Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s supporters and partners stepped up to help fund an effort that will benefit wildlife and communities for years to come.”
The project partners for this new wildlife highway crossing infrastructure project are the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wind River Tribes (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho), WYldlife Fund, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust. The project is contingent upon a successful application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If awarded, the project will entail designing and building one wildlife overpass and four wildlife underpasses, enhancing five existing structures to improve wildlife movement, and installing about 18 miles of big game fencing as well as jump-outs and cattle guards in strategic locations.
“Wildlife crossings bring together those who are passionate about protecting wildlife,” said WYldlife Fund President Chris McBarnes. “In Wyoming, there are approximately 21 big-game collisions every day, totaling more than 7,656 wildlife vehicle collisions each year. More than 70 percent of these incidents involve mule deer. This pressing issue is why the WYldlife Fund is dedicated to securing crucial funding for the development of the Wind River to Grand Tetons Wildlife Crossing.”
The nonprofit partners had just 90 days to raise the matching funds required to submit a competitive application.
“The money raised for this project through partnerships reflects Wyoming’s passion for conserving our world-class wildlife,” said Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director. “This project is an investment that helps to preserve big game movement and save lives.”
“I’m hoping for a successful outcome for this worthy project,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “This project is a win-win for highway safety and safe wildlife movement that will benefit our state and those who travel through it. This is also an exciting opportunity for WYDOT to work with our state and private partners on a project that has a lot of public support, and we are grateful to be a part of it.”
Wyoming has become a national leader in building wildlife crossings that keep people safe and wildlife alive. The state of Wyoming has committed over $5 million for the project should it be awarded the federal Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program dollars, along with the $2.7 raised by GYC and the WYldlife Fund.
In addition to the state of Wyoming, financial supporters of the project include: Anna Moscicki and Michael Kenney, Blue Ridge Chapter of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Cook Family Giving Fund, Dubois Anglers & Wildlife Group, Dubois Outfitters Association, Ed and Estela Kynoch, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Knobloch Family Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, National Bighorn Sheep Center, Steve and Kathy Cooper, Steve Meadows: 49er Inn and Suites, Ten Country Chapter of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, The BAND Foundation, The Donald Slavik Family Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, The WYldlife Fund and Muley Fanatic Foundation’s Golf for Wildlife Outing, Tory and Meredith Taylor, Wilburforce Foundation, Wildlife Barrier Breakers, William Adam Sedlacek, WOW Weekend, WYldlife For Tomorrow, a signature program of The WYldlife Fund, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation.
WYldlife For Tomorrow Job Posting
Job Posting
The WYldlife Fund’s (The Fund) signature program WYldlife for Tomorrow (WFT) is complimenting the conservation funding paradigm with a new funding mechanism that allows businesses that depend on wildlife and Wyoming lands to contribute to a sustainable future for wildlife – and ourselves.
Title: Program Director (PD), WFT
Position structure (contractual or full-time) and compensation are negotiable based on individual qualifications.
Reports to: President
Location: Wyoming; office location to be approved by the President
Anticipated Start Date: November 1, 2024
Job Summary:
The PD will help oversee daily operations and provide strategic and tactical leadership for The Fund’s signature program WFT. The PD will consistently evaluate the landscape to find opportunities which will advance WFT. Primary duties will include strategic marketing and public awareness of WFT, donor (investor) cultivation and grant writing/reporting, investor management, managing WFT co-branded products, and overseeing all aspects of the WFT grants process which includes evaluating potential conservation projects to support. The PD will be expected to establish a self-sustaining position over time. Potential for professional growth to a higher level position as WFT and The Fund mature.
Reporting Responsibilities:
The PD will report to the President and maintain a close reporting relationship, enabling the President to lead The Fund and stay abreast of developments, problems, concerns, and successes.
Job Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the President and Operations Manager to develop strategic and tactical goals for WYldlife For Tomorrow.
- Work closely with the President and Operations Manager to handle and oversee daily administrative needs for WYldlife For Tomorrow.
- Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with investors.
- Help develop annual marketing strategy and maintain strong online and social media presence for WYldlife For Tomorrow.
- Help plan and implement special events for WYldlife For Tomorrow
- Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
Job Requirements:
- A proven leader with strong strategic and tactical abilities who excels in program management, administrative skills, donor relationships and working cooperatively with a non-profit organization. Requires excellent verbal communication skills, strong writing skills, and exceptional self-presentation skills. A general knowledge of fish and wildlife conservation in Wyoming is important. Some travel required; drivers license and clean driving record required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, public policy, environmental science, wildlife management, or related field is preferred
- Working knowledge of non-profit administration and fundraising
- Demonstrated success leading an issue-based program or campaign
- Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently on a daily basis
About The Fund and WFT:
The Fund was founded in 2019 by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission with a vision of working closely with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and stakeholders to conserve and enhance Wyoming’s wildlife resources. The Fund unites people to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education. WFT has created an additional funding mechanism to support Wyoming’s wildlife by engaging businesses within Wyoming’s travel and tourism industry. Monies that are collected by WFT support common sense projects across Wyoming that benefit game and nongame species. We are seeking an energetic, motivated, self-starting leader who is passionate about Wyoming’s wildlife resources to take this signature program to the next level for current and future generations.
To learn more about the signature program and our organization, go to: thewyldlifefund.org and https://thewyldlifefund.org/wyldlife-for-tomorrow/.
To Apply: Email letter of interest, resume, and three references that are former employers, college professors, or prominent community citizens to: Chris McBarnes, President, The WYldlife Fund, at chris@thewyldlifefund.org. This vacancy announcement is open until filled. Please check in with Chris to get an update on the status of the process before submitting your application.
The WYldlife Fund provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.