Blog Archives - Page 5 of 6 - The WYldlife Fund

Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow – LAUNCHES

A groundbreaking funding model is born

Taylor Phillips, owner of Eco Tour Adventures vision comes to life and will leave a great legacy for Wyoming’s wildlife

Impact! How often do we think of it in terms that are mind boggling in their extremes? Take tourism, for example, in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, sometimes known as the Serengeti of North America for its easily visible charismatic wildlife. The annual pilgrimage of millions of visitors has perhaps become synonymous with frustrations and infrastructure challenges but not for Taylor Phillips, owner and operator of EcoTour Adventures. ‘Impact’ for Taylor means opportunity. As someone whose livelihood depends on wildlife, he knows that the future of wildlife is made brighter by conservation.

Taylor has long explored the idea that while most of his vans follow prescribed routes, the animals that so lure and delight his clients are completely unaware of jurisdictional boundaries and nuanced policy. Without going into too much of a history lesson, Taylor’s inner compass for opportunity set him on a course to see how revenue might be integrated into the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, traditionally supported-up to 90%-by hunters and anglers.

Impact! President of the WYldlife Fund, Chris McBarnes, knows a little about it. If you read his bio here, you will see he came into his present position with the idea of positive impact as his NorthStar.

Chris’ mission from the Board was to ‘make a home for everyone who loves wildlife’…

This portal to contribute to projects that directly benefit wildlife, was exactly what Taylor was looking for when Chris accepted his position in March of 2020, but of course, the events that stalled a nation, kept them waiting too.

The wait was worth it. Over the year, ideas surged, and the delay gave them time to pitch and refine, adapt, discard, and start again! Taylor and Chris formed a strong bond through their commitment to the goal of opening doors for businesses that depend on Wyoming’s wildlife for their livelihood. Promoting the idea, to tourism-based establishments, that they would now be able to support projects that enhance wildlife, became the rallying cry and Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow was born.

On April 20^th, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners, together with the Grand Teton National Park Superintendent and the Manager of the National Elk Refuge, and their key senior staff, graciously accepted an invitation to take a tour with Taylor to enjoy what watchers come from all over the world to experience.

Wyoming is the least populated state in the lower 48, so ‘day-tripping’ is a small portion of the 4-4.5 MILLION people that come every year, specifically to see landscapes and wildlife. Those far-flung visitors depend on Wyoming hospitality. They eat, rent rooms, houses, campsites, buy souvenirs, clothes, entertainment, and then return home with precious memories, which they cherish, and share, and maybe even renew as they are able. In fact, Taylor’s Ecotour Adventures is one of 50 road-based wildlife watching businesses in Jackson alone that collect toward an estimated $377M that wildlife watchers spend and the total $511M added annually to Wyoming’s economy, providing 5,184 jobs. (UW 2017)

Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow has already become the ‘Ah-ha’ moment for at least 28 businesses in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in just the last few weeks.

Although the wildlife itself remains blissfully unaware of the effort and collaboration that Chris, Taylor, and Wyoming’s business leaders are spearheading, the projects that the businesses select and make a tax-deductible contribution to-and you will know them by the beautiful plaque they display-will positively support and sustain the wildlife for generations to come.

Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow Initiative Launches to Support Conservation

Along with our partners The WYldlife Fund, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the Cougar Fund, Ecotour Adventures is proud to announce the launch of Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow, an initiative that inspires the businesses and individuals who depend upon Wyoming’s Wildlife to give back.

Critical wildlife crossing project receives another impactful donation!

Thanks to our friends at the Muley Fanatic Foundation another $10,000 is headed towards I-25 (Kaycee to Buffalo).

Muley Fanatics are making a difference!

A 15-18 mile span of road on I-25 starting just south of Kaycee and north towards Buffalo is a high priority wildlife crossing project for the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

This is the second most deadly section of interstate in Wyoming for wildlife. On average, 1,841 vehicles traveled this section of interstate daily in 2018. Mule deer are heavily impacted along this stretch of roadway.

Deer currently use the interstate right-of-way and median areas for forage, creating an unsafe environment for deer and vehicles.

This generous gift will help fund fencing to funnel wildlife movements under the interstate using existing structures.

Once completed, this project will allow for safe deer movements across the interstate, increase habitat connectivity and maintain populations and improve traveler safety.

The project is one of the most cost effective in the state, especially considering an interstate crossing, and still boasts long-term solutions for mule deer.

The project is a top five public concern for the Upper Powder River Mule Deer Initiative.

There is buy-in and support for this project by WYDOT, BLM, landowners, Johnson County and numerous stakeholders. To date, 7 agencies and partners, plus multiple landowners, have contributed to this project.

The Muley Fanatic Foundation has made this project one step closer to reality!

The WYldlife Fund Announces New Grant Awards

Funds Will Combat Aquatic Invasive Species in Laramie Region and Support Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Camp WILD

Grant awards benefit key initiatives in Wyoming!

The Wyldlife Fund is committed to putting money on the ground to advance key wildlife initiatives across Wyoming. We are pleased to announce the following gifts!

The Fisheries Division in the Laramie Region of Wyoming Game and Fish are working hard to keep aquatic invasive species (AIS) from infiltrating our pristine waters.

New Zealand Mudsnails (NZMS) are AIS that pose a significant risk to the blue ribbon fisheries of the Laramie Region. Game and Fish Laramie Region fisheries biologist will erect 10 boot cleaning stations with educational signs about the biology of NZMS and the risk of transporting them via gear. These stations will be located at high risk high use areas in the Laramie fisheries management area such as the Upper North Platte River, Diamond Lake, the Big Laramie River, Twin Buttes Reservoir, and Wheatland Reservoir #3. The signs and stations will be designed in the spring of 2021 and installed in the fall of 2021.

New Zealand Mudsnails are currently in the North Park and Front Range of Colorado and the Casper Region in the North Platte River. Mudsnails are thought to be moved to different locations via fishing gear in particular waders and boots. The goal of the NZMS informational signs and boot cleaning stations is to educate and engage anglers on the importance of cleaning gear and to also provide a tool for the public to use to help stop the spread of AIS. The WYldlife Fund is pleased to grant $1,250 to this important initiative.

The second initiative being awarded grant funds is Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Camp WILD. Wyoming Game and Fish does an excellent job of putting together camps which engage families with young children and high school youth!

Some of the main activities included at family camps are:

flycasting/fly fishing
bear safety & biology
canoeing
geocaching
outdoor survival skills
air rifle
archery
birdwatching
intro to wildlife management
nature hike to torrey creek falls
petroglyph hike / history of the Whiskey Basin WHMA

High school youth camps include many of the same activities, including:

inquiry-based research projects
hike to lake louise
intro to wildlife management (including radio telemetry and sampling)
intro to fisheries management (hands-on sampling)
bear safety & biology
intro to birdwatching
air rifle
archery
canoeing
flycasting
-GPS/geocaching

Thanks to the Williams Foundation we are pleased to announce a gift of $2,500 to support Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Camp WILD. The WYldlife Fund is committed to supporting the Department’s Inspire a Kid program and we will continue to invest in the future of conservation through these great young people!

Thank YOU for your continued support.

All the best,

Chris

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

$100,000 gift announced to I-25 Buffalo-Kaycee Wildlife Crossing project

The WYldlife Fund Announces $100,000 Gift to Kaycee-Buffalo Wildlife Crossing Project

Gift from Knobloch Family Foundation makes safe crossings possible.

Buffalo, WY – November 18, 2020 – A generous gift from the Knobloch Family Foundation means another $100,000 is going to the I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo wildlife crossing project. This lower cost transportation project will save wildlife and keep our drivers on the go.

In announcing this gift, The WYldlife Fund President Mike Schmid expressed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Wyoming’s wildlife and promoting safety on roadways for all drivers.

“We thank the Knobloch Family Foundation for their generous gift and know that crossings are an effective way to make a positive and direct impact on our wildlife across Wyoming as well as keeping our drivers safe,” Schmid said.

The I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Project, mileposts 255-270, has the second highest rate of collisions with deer on a Wyoming interstate. The interstate currently limits the safe movement of mule deer seeking additional habitat. This shovel-ready project will utilize exclusionary fencing to funnel wildlife to six existing crossing structures, such as underpasses, bridges and culverts. This project will also add deer ramps, gates, and cattle guards, as needed.

Statewide, over 6,000 animals like deer, pronghorn, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats die each year from collisions. This number may even be larger due to underreported crashes.

In affirming this gift, the Knobloch Family Foundation Executive Director Nicole Korfanta explains how this gift furthers the Foundation’s mission.

“The Knobloch Family Foundation recognizes the importance of landscape connectivity for wildlife, and one way to promote that is through crossing projects like this one. We’re excited to see agencies and other stakeholders come together to improve highway safety and allow mule deer and other animals to access both sides of I-25,” Korfanta said.

“The cost-effective approach of this project will save our wildlife and serve as a model for other projects like it throughout the west,” Schmid said.

The WYldlife Fund will route this generous gift by the Knobloch Family Foundation through the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust Fund to be matched dollar for dollar. This will result in a total project gift of $200,000.

“The attention to public health and safety, as well as the protection of mule deer in Wyoming is unparalleled, and The WYldlife Fund has been a major player in that regard. Governor Gordon, the Wyoming Legislature and the private sector have all stepped up to make these projects happen, and we appreciate the opportunity to make a difference for our wildlife and our people,” Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust Executive Director Bob Budd said.

Virtual auction a success!

$8,670 raise for Wyoming wildlife

Thank you to all of our supporters for helping make our virtual auction a success!

We had bidders from all over the country. The beautiful hand made WYldlife Fund quilt was shipped to a supporter all the way in Indiana. The winning bidder of the Belize beach vacation also calls Indiana home. The WYldlife Fund is excited that our passion for Wyoming’s wildlife is spreading across the country.

This of course would not be possible without donors providing these amazing experiences and items. We thank each of them.

This year is most definitely unique and organizations are adapting the best they can. Our first virtual auction was a step in the right direction and for this we are thankful.

The Wyldlife Fund is canvasing the state working hard to help strengthen and advance our great wildlife. We applaud the work of our fellow non-profits and stand ready to help do our part. As a young organization we are growing every single day and have formed a great team with impeccable leadership. If you would like to meet with us do not hesitate to reach out to me at chris@thewyldlifefund.org. I would love to visit with you and share more about our mission. We value relationships and look forward to getting to know you.

100% of funds raised from our first virtual auction will be going back on the ground to help save Wyoming’s wildlife! The stewardship of your donations is always top of mind here at The WYldlife Fund.

See you in the field!

Best regards,

Chris

$10,000 Headed to Buffalo-Kaycee I25 Wildlife Crossing Project

The WYldlife Fund Announces $10,000 Gift to Kaycee-Buffalo Wildlife Crossing Project.

Gift from Williams Foundation makes safe crossings possible.

A generous gift from the Williams Foundation means another $10,000 is going to the I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo wildlife crossing project. This lower cost transportation project will save wildlife and keep our drivers on the go.

In announcing this gift, The WYldlife Fund President Mike Schmid expressed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Wyoming’s wildlife and promoting safety on roadways for all drivers.

“We thank the Williams Foundation for their generous gift and know that crossings are an effective way to make a positive and direct impact on our wildlife across Wyoming as well as keeping our drivers safe,” Schmid said.

The I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Project, mileposts 255-270, boasts the second highest rate of collisions with deer on a Wyoming interstate. The interstate currently limits the safe movement of mule deer seeking additional habitat. This shovel-ready project will utilize exclusionary fencing to funnel wildlife to six existing crossing structures, such as underpasses, bridges and culverts. This project will also add deer ramps, gates, and cattle guards, as needed. The total project cost is estimated to be $2 million.

Statewide, over 6,000 animals like deer, pronghorn, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats die each year from collisions. This number may even be larger due to underreported crashes.

“We know 15% of all Wyoming crashes are with wildlife and that there is an average cost of $11,600 in injury and property damage per collision. The cost-effective approach of this project will save our wildlife and serve as a model for other projects like it throughout the west,” Schmid said.

The WYldlife Fund will route this generous gift by the Williams Foundation through the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust Fund to be matched dollar for dollar. This will result in a total project gift of $20,000.

My passion for WYldlife

Be inspired. I sure am by The WYldlife Fund.

Wildlife lovers,

My passion derives from what The WYldlife Fund stands for and represents. I am proud and honored to serve on this board for a number for reasons.

First, the diversity of our board makes me proud. It takes all kinds to be creative, our diversity allows us to serve and represent ALL users of wildlife in Wyoming. Everyone has a seat at the table and all voices deserve to be heard. This mindset allows us to provide diligence and a wholistic approach towards our mission of uniting people to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education. Second, the leadership of our President and Executive Director has been a driving force. We have come so far in such a short amount of and time and this is an indication that we will not fail.

I believe one day soon, we will join our fellow not for profit organizations throughout Wyoming and become a driving force and leader in advancing wildlife. The wildlife of Wyoming offers incredible opportunities for its citizens and we are working hard to do our part in helping to make this resource even better.

Lastly, The WYldlife Fund is a project driven organization and this excites me. We have issued $117,000 in grants since March of this year. We have supported critical projects such as wildlife crossings and aquatic invasive species prevention and detection measures. We are also fully supporting Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik’s Inspire a Kid program. Inspire a Kid is all about getting our youth into the great outdoors to become inspired and learn valuable life lessons which will stay with them. Getting our kids unplugged from their devices and plugged into Wyoming’s beautiful wild places is incredibly important to The WYldlife Fund.

It is an exciting time for our fund. Time and pressure are required to build anything that is great and we have the team to carry out the necessary work and accomplish this goal. The enthusiasm, knowledge, and unique dynamics of our Board of Directors poises us for success.

If you haven’t heard of The WYldlife Fund, you soon will. Please contact our Executive Director to be inspired by our mission.

Sincerely,

Mark K. Wilson

The WYldlife Fund-Charter Board Member

WY, The WYldlife Fund?

A message from Chairman of The WYldlife Fund, Mike Schmid.

I have loved critters of all shapes and sizes for as long as I can remember; except for snakes, not that I dislike them they are just a bit creepy. I mean, think about it. The snake is a critter that can move at lightning speed. The snake can swim, climb and strike with veracity. The snake can do all of this while having no arms, legs, claws, toes, hooves or any appendages whatsoever. That to me is, well, creepy.

Now, let us fast forward a few decades. I was sitting in a town meeting in La Barge, WY where then Governor Dave Freudenthal was addressing the crowd about issues of the day. When he finished speaking I asked, “What can a person like me do about any of this?” Governor Freudenthal pointed his finger at me and quickly said, “Get involved!” I was not in the position to do anything at that moment but the impression he made stuck with me.

A few years later my management team overseeing an oilfield business I had built was thriving and steady, I felt like now was my time to get involved. The Wyoming Game & Fish Commission seat for my district was soon to be vacant and needed filled. I decided to throw my name in the hat and low and behold Governor Matt Mead decided I was a good fit. I took my commission post in March of 2017.

As a new commissioner I tried to get to every meeting and event that I possibly could throughout the 4 counties I served. I met hunters, anglers, hikers, backpackers, rock climbers, mountaineers, bird watchers, photographers, dog walkers, horseback riders and every other walk of life at those meetings. They were male and female, young, old and middle aged. The one thing they all had in common was their love of Wyoming, its wild places and especially our amazing wildlife.

Everyone wanted to help in their own unique way and it became more and more apparent as I spoke with them that we needed somewhere for them to do that. Our dream was to build an organization where folks could get involved no matter what their personal beliefs were. The WYldlife Fund came to life in early 2020. It is a place for all people to come together as one to watch over, take care of and conserve our wildlife and wild places.

We plan to do this by uniting all people to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education.

As a young organization we have already put $107,750.00 right back on the ground this year alone throughout Wyoming to advance critical wildlife projects.

We would love for you to join us, get involved and give of your time or treasurers to help ensure that we leave Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places even better than we found them.

Warmly,
Mike Schmid
The WYldlife Fund, President