2022 WYldlife Fund Impact Report - Click here to view!
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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. Funds raised from WTFT will go directly to critical on-the-ground projects that benefit Wyoming’s wildlife and ecotourism across the state, including Wildlife Crossings, Wildlife Friendly Fencing, Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitat improvements.

The initiative was launched yesterday April 20th during an EcoTour of Grand Teton National Park with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and leadership including Director Brian Nesvik, National Elk Refuge Manager Frank Durbian, GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkens, local media, and our partners. During the tour our naturalists shared the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, articulating the importance of wildlife tourism to our community and state, and the opportunities to help contribute to the conservation of our shared wildlife legacy.

At the famous Snake River Overlook, we took in views of the Teton range with migrating elk below, and were amazed to also spot four gray wolves traveling along the river terrace. In the spring of every year, thousands of elk leave winter range on the National Elk Refuge and migrate across a complex network of state, federal, and private lands. In NW Wyoming, we have a full complement of native species that support our wildlife-watching economy. It was an honor to be able to share this experience, watching wolves and elk share the landscape, with the wildlife decision-makers and federal land decision-makers at the same time, exposing them to the wildlife that attracts millions of people to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

“There is great potential to build partnerships with businesses in the tourism sector to help fund critical on-the-ground wildlife projects,” said Pete Dube, Game and Fish Commission president, who serves on The WYldlife Fund board. “I was able to see first-hand today on a Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow tour, with EcoTour Adventures and The WYldlife Fund. This initiative will be an advantageous avenue for all businesses to make donations to support Wyoming’s wildlife.” -Pete Dube, President, 2020-2021, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission

EcoTour Adventures owner Taylor Phillips and Wyoming Game and Fish Commission President Pete Dube discuss Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow during the April 20th 2021 Commission Tour of Grand Teton Natonal Park. Photo: Taylor Glenn

How Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow Works

A 2017 economic analysis of the Wyoming Wildlife Recreation Economy found that hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching in Wyoming generates over a billion dollars in economic activity for the state each year. Wildlife Watching alone is responsible for over half a billion dollars, and employs over 5000 people in the state.

Wildlife Tourism receives all the benefits of Wyoming’s wildlife but currently contributes very little to the conservation of this critical resource. Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow aims to change this, creating a funding mechanism that will allow the businesses and individuals who depend upon wildlife to contribute to their sustainable future via our partner The WYldlife Fund. Supporters of WTFT make restricted, tax-deductible donations to one or more of our carefully selected projects.

Projects We Support

We’ve carefully selected a suite of projects to support across the State of Wyoming which maximize the conservation value of donations to WTFT. In Teton area, our projects include improving fish passage on Spread Creek for cutthroat trout and native fish, and wetland improvements which will benefit migratory birds and waterfowl in the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area.

Wildlife Vehicle collisions kill over 6,000 large mammals on Wyoming’s roadways each year, costing the state and public $50 million annually. Completion of the Dry Piney and I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Wildlife Crossings Projects will dramatically improve safety for both wildlife and people alike in these high-priority areas of the state.

Funding can also support the work of our partners the Absaroka Fence Initiative who are working to modify and remove fences that impede wildlife migrations and movements in the wild country east of Yellowstone National Park.

GTNP Superintendant Chip Jenkins, EcoTour Adventures Owner Taylor Phillips, and WGFD Director Brian Nesvik.  Photo: Taylor Glenn

Businesses and Individuals are Encouraged to Join Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow

WTFT already has the support of the following businesses who have pledged donations to this initiative and are in discussions with others: Town Square Inns, Team 399, Buffalo Roam Tours, and EcoTour Adventures. We encourage interested businesses to reach out to chris@thewyldlifefund.org or sign up here for more information.

“Spectacular wildlife is one of the main reasons people visit or live in Wyoming, and businesses here know everyone has a role in the state’s wildlife conservation efforts. That’s why Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow is important — it unites businesses that are as diverse as Wyoming’s wildlife.

Whether your business is helping people see unforgettable animals and landscapes or filling up their bellies and gas tanks to get here, the investment is the same. Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow demonstrates how all types of Wyoming businesses are deeply invested in conservation. These businesses know the value of showing people why wildlife conservation is so important, and their contributions make a difference on the ground for all species of wildlife.”

-Brian Nesvik, Director, Wyoming Game and Fish Department

-Pete Dube, President, 2020-2021, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission

Learn more about the Wyldlife Fund: www.thewyldlifefund.org

See more photos from the day below.
Wyldlife fund Executive Director Chris McBarnes and ETA Guide Mark Byall glassing for wildlife
Wyldlife fund Executive Director Chris McBarnes and ETA Guide Mark Byall glassing for wildlife
April 20 2021 Commission Tour with EcoTour Adventures, the Wyldlife Fund, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the Cougar Fund.
EcoTour Adventures owner Taylor Phillips watches wolves with Commissioner Ashlee Lundovall and Naturalist Sarah Ernst
4-20-2021 Commission Tour @taylorglenn-2.jpg
Greater Yellowstone Coalition Executive Director Scott Christensen and National Elk Refuge Manager Frank Durbian
Wyldlife fund Executive Director Chris McBarnes and ETA Guide Mark Byall glassing for wildlife April 20 2021 Commission Tour with EcoTour Adventures, the Wyldlife Fund, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the Cougar Fund. EcoTour Adventures owner Taylor Phillips watches wolves with Commissioner Ashlee Lundovall and Naturalist Sarah Ernst 4-20-2021 Commission Tour @taylorglenn-2.jpg Greater Yellowstone Coalition Executive Director Scott Christensen and National Elk Refuge Manager Frank Durbian

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Wildlife has captivated mankind for thousands of y Wildlife has captivated mankind for thousands of years! Here, @thewyldlifefund, we are uniting people to advance Wyoming wildlife habitat, research, and education! We aim to protect and conserve wildlife for generations to come! 

#wyoming #wildlifeconservation #ancientart #huntingislife #huntingisconservation
The WYldlife Fund is happy to announce the winner The WYldlife Fund is happy to announce the winner of our Kifaru pack. Ron Orr of Rock Springs was the lucky winner at Mule Deer Days! Congratulations Ron!
We are PUMPED to announce $77,500 in funding for w We are PUMPED to announce $77,500 in funding for wildlife-friendly crossings in southwest Wyoming from some incredible industry partners:

@williamsenergy 
Next Era Energy Resources
Project West
@rockymountainpower 
@spireenergy 
TerraPower

have combined forces to keep wildlife safe and drivers on the go. These generous donations will be directed to the South Kemmerer HWY189 Project. 5 new underpasses, 1 new overpass and 56 miles of big game fencing will be installed to positively impact the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Herd, Uinta Mule Deer Herd and Carter Lease Pronghorn Herd. THANK YOU!

🦌Check out the link in our BIO for the full story🦌

A BIG thank you to our friends at the @wyomingwildlife and @jesscjohnson_ for helping with conversations that led to support for this important crossing project! 👏🏻 

#wyomingwildlife #thatswy #wyominggameandfishdepartment #wildlifecrossings #wildlifecrossingstructures #migration #muledeer #pronghorn
🦌🚨The WYldlife Fund is proud to announce ove 🦌🚨The WYldlife Fund is proud to announce over $900,000 in grants to strengthen Wyoming's wildlife through enhancing voluntary conservation of private, working lands and Tribal lands within big game migration corridors.🚨🦌

Recipients of the first round of the Pooled Migration Fund grant are the @greateryellowstone: $175,000, @jhlandtrust: $200,000, @nature_org: $112,156, @westernlandowners: $200,000 and @wyomingstockgrowersassn Land Trust: $228,350. 

🚨Head to link in BIO to read our full press release and details on this initiative🚨

#migration #thatswy #usda #wgfd #wyoming #wyomingwildlife
If you know a Wyoming kid that shows promise and c If you know a Wyoming kid that shows promise and could use a little inspiration, please share the 🔥LINK IN BIO🔥

This camp is a life-changing, monumental opportunity for young boys and girls! The Fund is working hard to grow and inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists.

We are excited to partner with our friends at @littlejennieranch , @sportingleadfree , @joeysflyfishing , @first_hunt_foundation , @wyo4h and the @wygameandfish to make this camp a reality again this year!

#inspireakid #itsforlife #littlejennieranch
Do you know a Wyoming kiddo who would be the perfe Do you know a Wyoming kiddo who would be the perfect applicant for this year's Inspire a Kid Camps? If so, check out the 🚨LINK IN BIO🚨 and share out this opportunity. This year, with the leadership of @fhammz @hamlinpops and the @littlejennieranch we will be hosting TWO camps, one for boys and one for girls in June. This is a one of a kind, immersive western experience for the leaders of the future! Application deadline is March 13th at 4pm.

Reach out to us at (307)316-3863 or chris@thewyldlifefund.org for more details.

Additional partners who make this camp possible include: @joeysflyfishing , @sportingleadfree , @wyo4h , and @first_hunt_foundation 

#inspireakid #littlejennieranch #wyominggameandfishdepartment #thatswy #wyomingwildlife #leadershipdevelopment #conservation
Thank you @yourjacksonagent for your incredible gi Thank you @yourjacksonagent for your incredible gift to our signature initiative WYldlife For Tomorrow! WFT allows a channel for our partners in the tourism sector to contribute to on the ground wildlife projects!

Here’s what Austin has to say about the initiative!

Wyldlife for Tomorrow is my favorite initiative of @thewyldlifefund . With projects underway in the South Park wetlands and Grand Teton National Park, I’m proud to support their cause and I’m excited to see what @tetontay and @dawsonksmith have in store for years to come. If you are looking to give back to the Wyldlife community, consider this amazing initiative! 

#wyldlifefortomorrow #thewyldfund #yourjacksonagent #austinobryhimsf #jacksonwyoming #jacksonwy #wyoming #jacksonhole
#inspireakid #wyomingwildlife #keepitwyld #thewyldlifefund #jointhepack #keepwywild #wyominggameandfishdepartment
The My Wild Land showing in Sheridan on Wednesday The My Wild Land showing in Sheridan on Wednesday evening was a huge success! A big thank you to @sheridanclt and @tnc_wyoming for their partnership in making this event possible. Wildlife conservation in Wyoming is truly a dynamic team effort. Wyoming's ranchers who keep working lands; 'working', are truly all-stars who do so much for the wildlife we love.

My Wild Land is presented by @muleyfanaticfoundation with support from @mavenbuilt 

📸 Photos of showing by Meghan Kent, SCLT.
Bighorn sheep 📸 photo credit, Emily Reed, Wyoming Migration Initiative at the University of Wyoming
Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners Gay Lynn Byrd Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners Gay Lynn Byrd and Peter Dube completed their final Game and Fish Commission meeting this week in Cheyenne. They have served our state in this capacity for the last 6 years. We are unable to thank them enough for their constant efforts and dedication to the people and wildlife of Wyoming. In addition, without their visionary leadership and guidance @thewyldlifefund would not be here today. Thank you Commissioners Byrd and Dube! We appreciate all you have done.
@thewyldlifefund was proud to attend this great ev @thewyldlifefund was proud to attend this great event celebrating 35 years of wildlife art at the @wildlifeartjh . Thanks to Board Member @tetontay of @jacksonholeecotours for co-sponsoring this event with the @wygameandfish and The Fund.

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THE WYLDLIFE FUND
PO Box 890
Buffalo, WY 82834

The WYldlife Fund is a non-profit 501(c)3.
EIN: 83-2290091

© Copyright 2022 The WYldlife Fund

PRIVACY POLICY | TAX DOCUMENTS

Wildlife Crossings
Education
Habitat
Our Story
Contact

THE WYLDLIFE FUND
PO Box 890, Buffalo, WY 82834

The WYldlife Fund is a non-profit 501(c)3.
EIN: 83-2290091

© Copyright 2021 The WYldlife Fund
PRIVACY POLICY | TAX DOCUMENTS

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