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.

WYldlife for Tomorrow Continues to Grow with Addition of Program Director Breanna Ball

WYldlife for Tomorrow, a proud signature program of The WYldlife Fund, was started in 2021, and the program’s steady growth has continued since day one. Now, deep into its fourth year of operation, WYldlife for Tomorrow is thrilled to announce the onboarding of its first full-time, paid employee – Program Director Breanna Ball. Following a highly competitive hiring process, Breanna was selected to join the team this October and will begin her meaningful work with the program in early December.

As an avid angler and hunter, Breanna draws inspiration from the outdoors and understands the importance of conserving our wildlife and their habitats. She previously served as the Public Information Officer for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department where she was responsible for leading statewide communication efforts and developing strategic communication plans. Her passion for Wyoming’s wildlife and dedication to responsible stewardship drives her mission to inspire others to appreciate and conserve our state’s natural resources. Whether she’s riding through the mountains or casting a line in the Wyoming Range, Breanna’s love for the outdoors fuels her mission to promote conservation and connect people with the beauty of Wyoming’s landscapes.

In her new role as Program Director for WYldlife for Tomorrow, Breanna will be charged with helping advance statewide fundraising and conservation efforts by fostering relationships with business partners around Wyoming. Her experience in building public support for wildlife conservation initiatives will be invaluable as WYldlife for Tomorrow continues to grow and expand its impact.

As the program enters this exciting new chapter, Breanna’s leadership will play a pivotal role in strengthening its mission to ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for Wyoming’s wildlife. She will work closely with local communities, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts to create opportunities for engagement and education, empowering the next generation of conservationists.

WYldlife for Tomorrow and The WYldlife Fund would like to publicly thank the Storer and Hughes Charitable Foundation for making this hire possible. Their generous support helps ensure that the program can continue its critical work promoting wildlife conservation across the state.

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.

The WYld Showdown Has Launched

The WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, and University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources Team Up For WYld Showdown

Beer Coaster Game Aims to Raise Money for Wildlife Conservation

With the launch of the WYLD Showdown, consumers in breweries across Wyoming can participate in a bracket-style competition via a QR code found on beer coasters to raise awareness and funds that support wildlife conservation. Consumers will vote on their favorite wild animal by making small donations to participate. The WYLD Showdown is a partnership among The WYldlife Fund’s signature initiative WYldlife for Tomorrow, the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. Through this initiative, The WYldlife Fund aims to create new ways to help all people take an active part in conservation funding.

“As a home for all people, The WYldlife Fund is proud to partner with The Craft Brewers Guild and the Haub School to showcase the commitment that Wyoming breweries have to the state’s wildlife resources” says Nate Brown, Operations Manager of The WYldlife Fund. “Great beer, made by great people, in great places across our state!”

Through the support of the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, these coasters will be available at breweries across Wyoming, giving those who enjoy the great beer that Wyoming breweries produce the opportunity to support wildlife conservation while enjoying their favorite beverages and supporting local businesses.

“Engaging in this program is a great chance for Wyoming breweries to showcase their commitment to their communities and wildlife conservation,” said Michelle Forster, Executive Director of the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild. “We’re excited to see Wyomingites show their love for craft beer and wildlife all at once.”

By choosing their champion through these donations, consumers across the state can make a collective impact on wildlife conservation by helping fund on-the-ground projects. The idea for the WYLD Showdown came from Haub School graduate student Tyler Shreve’s thesis project that examines strategies to promote charitable giving in support of Wyoming conservation projects. College of Business economists, Todd Cherry and Alex James, were also instrumental in the project design.

Inna Willis, a former graphic design student at the University of Wyoming, designed the coasters for the WYld Showdown. As stated by Inna Willis, who is now working alongside Haub School graphic design and economics faculty Kayla Clark and Jacob Hochard in support of the initiative, “Anyone can support wildlife conservation, one beer at a time!”.

The WYLD Showdown coasters are now out at breweries across the state. The competition will last for several months. The WYldlife Fund’s signature initiative, WYldlife For Tomorrow is moving the needle for Wyoming’s wildlife conservation. Wyoming’s wildlife has suffered greatly due to several factors including habitat encroachment, invasive species, wildlife vehicle collisions, and most recently, the worst winter in modern history.

South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area Dedicated with Partners and Local Officials.

In late July, The WYldlife Fund and WYldlife for Tomorrow gathered with partners, elected officials, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel to dedicate the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) Wetland Restoration and Enhancement Project south of Jackson, Wyoming.

This project was one of the first to receive funding from WYldlife for Tomorrow, and we are thrilled to see it completed. The goal of this project was to improve wetland connectivity. The WHMA had been cut off from its natural connection to seasonal floods, which trigger important ecosystem restoration processes. To maintain a healthy wetlands ecosystem, this project enhanced the WHMA by converting fields into shallow-water wetlands and reconnecting old channel scars in the cottonwood galleries to the Snake River. These efforts raised the water table and provided more habitat for migrating waterbirds. The project also installed new infrastructure in the wetland ponds, which filter water from the Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant before the water reaches Flat Creek. Now, discharges from this plant provide cleaner water into the enhanced wetland and help sustain the trout fisheries in Flat Creek and the Snake River. Collectively, this work restores habitat for a wide variety of species, including birds, large ungulates and small mammals, while simultaneously providing an educational and recreation area close to town for all to enjoy!

WYldlife for Tomorrow is proud to have donated $25,000 to this project, which had a total budget of $1 million, and we are even prouder to see it completed. We were honored to join in the project dedication last month, alongside the numerous project partners: Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Environmental Protection Agency, Friends of Jackson Hole, North American Wetland Conservation Act, Teton County Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, Water For Wildlife Foundation, Town of Jackson, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Water Development Commission, and Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust.

Please visit the WHMA to enjoy its wonderful trail system, countless bird species, and stunning views! You’ll find a plaque dedicating the project. Interested in learning more about The WYldlife Fund and WYldlife for Tomorrow? We hope you’ll consider becoming a donor and contributing to future projects like this one! Head to our website (link) to learn more.

Kelly Hayfield Sagebrush Restoration

Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) protects large expanses of high elevation, mesic sagebrush-steppe grasslands that support many species of mammals and birds. These resources also connect similar habitats in a large portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Jackson Elk Collaring Project

Elk are a primary prey species for grizzly bears and wolves, two animals that are highly sought after for wildlife-viewing and ecotourism in the Jackson area. Elk also provide hunters with a sustainable food source and outdoor experience, as well as support local hunting outfitters, hotels, and other businesses during the fall.

Torrey Rim Prescribed Fire

The Whiskey Mountain herd was once the largest wintering herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the US, but in the early ‘90s, a catastrophic pneumonia-related die-off occurred and reduced the population from approximately 2,000 individuals to ~630 individuals in 2005.