Wyldlife for Tomorrow Archives

Back on Tap: A Conservation Collaboration Returns!

Few things bring us more joy than raising a cold beer in support of conservation—and as of this April, we’re thrilled to have another brew to toast with again. Our longtime friends and partners at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery are back on board with WYldlife for Tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue this meaningful collaboration!

A Bit About Altitude

Altitude Chophouse and Brewery has been a beloved Laramie staple since 1999, founded by Karen Robillard and Greg Smith with a vision of blending a relaxed Western vibe with elevated food and drink. Over the past 25 years, Altitude has earned dozens of local, regional, and national awards for its expertly crafted beers. With head brewer Sean Minichiello at the helm, Karen and her team have built a reputation for brewing clean, consistent, and creative beers—and now, once again, we can add conservation-minded to that list.

WYldlife for Tomorrow and Altitude

Our partnership with Altitude began in 2023, when Karen and Sean launched the WYld Amber Ale in honor of WYldlife for Tomorrow. The label, designed by University of Wyoming graduate student Inna Willis, marked the start of a creative collaboration that not only celebrated local talent but also deepened our connection with UW. In many ways, that first beer helped spark our growing series of cobranded conservation products—from coffee and ice cream to hotel rooms and, yes, more beer.

Fast forward two years, and we’re thrilled to build on that momentum with some familiar faces. On April 25th, Karen unveiled a brand-new conservation-minded brew: the WYld Blonde Ale. Sean is still leading the brewing efforts with the help of Assistant Brewer Jovi Inman, and Inna returned to design another stunning label—this time featuring a striking fox illustration. Light, crisp, and perfect for summer, the WYld Blonde Ale is a refreshing addition to our shared mission.

Drink Beer, Support Wildlife

If you missed the launch party, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the WYld Blonde Ale on tap or in a to-go crowler at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in Laramie. Just like the WYld Amber Ale before it, $1 from every pint sold supports WYldlife for Tomorrow and our on-the-ground efforts to protect Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places.

So here’s to great beer, great people, and an even greater cause. Join us in raising a glass to this renewed partnership—and to the animals and landscapes that make Wyoming wild.

Unwired Documentary Highlights Collaboration as a Cornerstone of Conservation

For those following recent conservation successes in Wyoming, the Red Desert likely rings a bell.

At the heart of Wyoming’s legendary pronghorn migration route and home to vital winter range, the Red Desert has long captured the attention of biologists seeking to safeguard the future of this iconic species.

Last year marked a major conservation milestone for Wyoming’s pronghorn, and the University of Wyoming’s new documentary, Unwired—released on April 30—tells the story of how collaboration drove a groundbreaking achievement for the species.

For more than 70 years, biologists have documented the hardships pronghorn face during winter migration, especially in severe winters. Highways and fences pose major threats, with exclusionary fencing proving particularly deadly during brutal winter seasons like 2022–23.

The Sublette pronghorn herd lost 43% of its population – or roughly 4,000 animals – during that notably harsh winter. A major factor? Inaccessible winter habitat in the Red Desert due to fencing that blocks critical winter range. Unwired focuses on a partnership between local rancher Tom Chant and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to find a solution to allow for his ranch to fully operate while promoting pronghorn winter survival.

Last summer, boots hit the ground and shovels hit the dirt as a diverse coalition of partners worked side by side to remove exclusionary fencing and replace it with a wildlife-friendly alternative. These new fences allow pronghorn—poor jumpers—to crawl underneath, while still containing cattle and horses. In just 45 days, 23 miles of fencing were replaced, reconnecting 18,000 acres of prime winter range that had been inaccessible to pronghorn for 75 years.

This story, so beautifully outlined in Unwired, was largely funded by The Knobloch Family Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and The WYldlife Fund. The short film itself – winner of The Best Film about Wyoming Award at the Wild and Working Lands Film Festival – can be viewed here.

While the 18,000 acres celebrated in Unwired is a huge success, at least 94,000 acres of critical habitat in the Red Desert remain inaccessible due to more than 50 miles of exclusionary fencing. WYldlife for Tomorrow and WYldlife Fund are actively raising support to continue this important work through the Red Desert Fence Initiative, with phase two set to begin this summer with the additional 15 miles of fence conversion.

March Madness at WYldlife for Tomorrow!

March brought more than just NCAA tournament excitement this year – it was a thrilling month for WYldlife for Tomorrow as well, with events spanning much of Wyoming. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, each of these field days provided valuable opportunities to connect individuals and businesses with impactful conservation projects in the state. Take a look at some of the highlights from our busy month!

Skijoring in Bondurant

Over the weekend of March 15, we made our way up HWY191 for an annual skijoring event nestled in the mountains of Bondurant.We cheered from the sidelines as skiers were pulled by horses through an adrenaline-fueled course at the Little Jennie Ranch. Falling snow added to the stunning beauty of the ranch, and tabling at the event gave us a fun opportunity to engage with a diverse group of individuals interested

in learning more about WYldlife for Tomorrow’s missionand how they could get involved.

Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame

Never ones to slow down, our Program Director – Breanna Ball – traveled to Cody for this year’s Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was a true honor to hear the stories of the 2025 inducteesand to celebrate their significant contributions to our state’s wildlife heritage. Wyoming has an outdoor legacy like no other, and we were proud to stand alongside some of the state’s most renown outdoor industry leaders to further speak to the importance of wildlife and wildland conservation.

Mule Deer Days

The month’s final major highlight was Mule Deer Days in Rock Springs – an annual celebration of the iconic species hosted by the Muley Fanatic Foundation in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Mule deer conservation is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts, and presenting at an event dedicated to the conservation of this species was a privilege. We were excited to connect with fellow advocates and spread the word about our shared commitment to preserving Wyoming’s wildlife.

While the NCAA basketball tournaments captured the attention of many, WYldlife for Tomorrow also had its share of memorable moments this March. The time between these bigger events proved equally valuable for networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals motivated by conservation through collaboration. We are eagerly gearing up for an even busier summer ahead, and we look forward to seeing you at our table during the next event. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

A Brief Yet Impactful Month at WYldlife for Tomorrow

Despite its brevity of just 28 days, February has proven to be an incredibly busy and impactful month for WYldlife for Tomorrow, a program of The WYldlife Fund. After a successful weekend at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality & Tourism Convention in Cheyenne at the end of January, we dove into a month filled with fundraising, unique partnerships, events, and exciting plans for upcoming projects and collaborations soon to be revealed.

In early February, WYldlife for Tomorrow received a Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioner’s License, which was then put to auction. This coveted “golden ticket” of Wyoming hunting licenses grants the holder the ability to harvest an elk, deer, or pronghorn in the hunting area of their choice. Hunters and anglers have long been the primary funding source for conservation in Wyoming, and the Commissioner’s License auction continues this storied and invaluable tradition. On February 10th, the license was auctioned off at a winning bid of $35,500. We would like to thank Game and Fish Commissioner Ken Roberts for his license donation and support of our program.

On the tourism front, the Riviera Motor Lodge hosted its inaugural WYld Room sweepstakes in honor of Valentine’s Day. Participants from across the state entered for a chance to win a two-night stay in the cobranded WYld Room, dinner at Saratoga’s Bella’s Bistro, and two tickets to the Frozen Fore winter classic “golf” tournament over Valentine’s weekend. Tickets were sold for $20 each, with proceeds benefiting both WYldlife for Tomorrow and The Saratoga Historical & Cultural Association.

During the snowiest week of the year in Northwest Wyoming, our Program Director and the Wind River Brewing team traveled to Yellowstone to promote WYldlife for Tomorrow, Pronghorn Pilsner, and the power of partnership at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. They made valuable connections with visitors of the Park. A highlight of this weekend was spending time with our friends from Xanterra, the primary concessionaire in Yellowstone. We’re excited by the possibility of further partnering with Xanterra to showcase co-branded items in the many Yellowstone gift shops. If you or any fellow business owners have ideas for a co-branded product that celebrates Yellowstone’s wildlife and habitat while supporting WYldlife for Tomorrow, we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeing significant momentum as we continue to build partnerships and campaigns for the months ahead, and we will be thrilled to share these exciting developments as winter melts away and the warm embrace of spring engulfs all corners of Wyoming. Stay tuned!

Responsible Winter Wildlife Viewing

Tips and Techniques for Responsible Winter Wildlife Viewing

Winter presents a unique challenge for all of us, with its short days and biting cold temperatures posing a seasonal obstacle unlike any other. While we can rely on store-bought adaptations to help us through, our wildlife coinhabitants in Wyoming aren’t so fortunate. Day after day, animals of all shapes and sizes endure the harsh realities of our tough winters. These same challenging months also offer incredible opportunities to witness the resiliency of wildlife— animals that survive, and in some cases thrive, amidst the deep snow, frigid temperatures, and howling winds of winter in Wyoming. If you venture into the field this season, keep these tips and techniques in mind to observe wildlife responsibly and ensure that your experience benefits both you and the animals you encounter.

Give them space

Responsible wildlife viewing is about respecting animals’ space and allowing them to act naturally, as they would if you weren’t there. If an animal alters its behavior in your presence, you’re likely too close. To minimize disturbance, it’s generally advised to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from prey species and 100 yards from predators. During winter, these distances should be increased even further to account for the added strain of cold and snow. Stressed animals may be forced to flee, expending valuable energy during the most challenging time of year.

Drive slower than usual

Driving responsibly through Wyoming’s wildlife corridors is crucial year-round, but it’s especially important during the winter months. Wildlife-vehicle collisions tend to increase in winter, partly because animals move closer to roadways where the deep snow is more easily navigable. As you hit the road in search of wildlife, consider easing off the gas to both improve your chances of spotting animals and reduce the risk of collisions.

Leave pets at home

Winter adventures are a great way to shake off cabin fever, but when it comes to wildlife viewing, it’s best to leave your pets at home. Wild animals already face enough challenges, and the presence of a dog—who might be perceived as a predator—can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt their natural behavior. For a more peaceful experience for both you and the wildlife, it’s important to approach these outings with respect, giving the animals the space and calm they need.

Resist the urge to feed

Winter can be especially tough on Wyoming’s wildlife, but feeding them, though well-intentioned, often does more harm than good. Feeding wildlife can promote disease transmission and increase conflicts with people, pets, and vehicles by habituating them to the human environment. If you live on a farm or ranch, it’s essential to securely store hay—especially alfalfa—in places where wildlife can’t access it. Some game animals struggle to properly metabolize this type of feed, and consuming it can lead to fatal consequences.

Follow all regulations

Before visiting a designated wildlife viewing area or a state or national park with known wildlife inhabitants, take the time to do your research and familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the area. These guidelines are set by wildlife professionals and designed to protect both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. By following these regulations, you help ensure a safe, respectful, and sustainable experience for everyone involved, preserving the natural balance for future generations.

While winter can be long and cold, it doesn’t have to feel dreary. This season, take the opportunity to witness Wyoming’s cherished wildlife in its most resilient form, surviving the harsh conditions in ways only they know how. Wildlife is deeply woven into our culture and heritage here in Wyoming, and experiencing these animals during the toughest time of year offers a truly unique and meaningful connection. As you observe them, remember to appreciate what you have—a heated car, a warm winter coat—and honor the strength and adaptability of the creatures that call this rugged landscape home.

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.

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.