Our Vision

Photo by Josh Metten

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Wyoming’s Wildlife is as diverse as the people who come to see it. From the large carnivores to native fish species and all the majestic creatures between, such as Elk, Moose, Beaver, and our state animal the Bison, we are dedicated to nurturing and sustaining all of Wyoming’s wildlife, building on more than a century of dedicated conservation efforts and evolving the funding model to engage and include enthusiastic partners from the tourism sector that rely on this Wildlife and are proud to protect it.

Wyoming+Game+and+Fish+Annual+Revenue+2020

Graph Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Revenue, updated Sept 2020

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Graph Source: Taylor, David T. “Economic Importance of Big Game Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Watching to the Wyoming Economy in 2017.” University of Wyoming.

Wyoming’s Priceless Wildlife Resources

The rolling sagebrush flats, winding rivers, aspen and conifer forests, and rugged mountains of Wyoming have long provided critical habitat for hundreds of wildlife species both large and small. The longest pronghorn antelope and mule deer migrations in the world cross the state, wild bison roam in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and our elk have repopulated herds across the country. Grizzlies, wolves, mountain lions, and other predators thrive in this wild country. Residents and visitors alike enjoy spotting elk, antelope, moose, deer, sage grouse, eagles, and other animals, often daily.

Funding Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation in Wyoming is primarily funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, federal aid from the Pittman Robertson (PR) and Dingell Johnson (DJ) excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, and a few other small sources. Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) receives no property tax payment from the state of Wyoming or contributions from other recreational users.

Wyoming’s Wildlife Support a Billion Dollar Economy. Shouldn’t We Give Back?

A 2017 economic analysis of the Wyoming wildlife recreation economy found that hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching in Wyoming generates more than a billion dollars in economic activity for the state each year. Wildlife watching alone brings in half a billion dollars and employs more than 5,000 people in the state.

A 2020 analysis of national park visitors puts the value even higher: 11,300 thousand jobs and $1 billion in economic output in the Wyoming economy.

The wildlife tourism industry receives the benefits of Wyoming’s wildlife but contributes little to the conservation of this critical resource. WYldlife for Tomorrow aims to change this with a new funding mechanism that allows the businesses that depend on wildlife to contribute to a sustainable future for the animals and ourselves through a tax-deductible gift via our partner, The WYldlife Fund.

OUR STORY

Through a partnership with The WYldlife Fund and matching donation opportunities through the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust, WYldlife for Tomorrow provides a long-term and robust funding mechanism for critical conservation projects across the state.

Wyoming’s wildlife range widely across the state, crossing the invisible boundaries of private and public lands into the diverse habitats they need to thrive. Visitors and locals alike love them; so how do we inspire more partners to become involved in securing their future? It was this question that led EcoTour Adventures owner Taylor Phillips to launch WYldlife for Tomorrow, with the help and support of Chris McBarnes, president of The WYldlife Fund.

In 2019 the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission started The WYldlife Fund, a 501c3 organization that could create new partnerships and funnel donations to on-the-ground wildlife projects across the state. In 2020 The WYldlife Fund raised $268,000 and generated an additional $184,000 in matching funds for wildlife crossings, wildlife-friendly fence conversions, and youth education initiatives across the state.

In 2020, Chris and Taylor met to discuss their shared love of Wyoming wildlife. Jackson resident and WYldlife Fund board member Penelope Maldonado made the introduction that led to this mutually beneficial partnership for wildlife. Now WYldlife for Tomorrow brings the business perspective and valuable tourism resources to the table.

ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS

Founded in 2019, The WYldlife Fund works in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to fund critical habitat conservation projects, research, and education across the state. Contributions to the WYldlife for Tomorrow initiative pass through The WYldlife Fund directly to conservation projects on the ground.

Founded in 2005, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust (WWNRT) works with more than 140 partners to leverage funding of projects that enhance and conserve wildlife habitat and natural resource values statewide. To date, WWNRT has funded more than 900 projects across the state, with a total direct input of more than $750 million into local communities. Contributions to WYldlife for Tomorrow designated for eligible projects receive matching funds from WWNRT, doubling your impact!

WYldlife for Tomorrow works with WWNRT to define and support projects that align with WWNRT priorities in order to generate matching funds and multiply the positive impact for Wyoming’s wildlife. At the present time, WWNRT projects generate a cash match on-the-ground of approximately five-to-one.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is our state wildlife agency tasked with the conservation of Wyoming wildlife. The organization has the immense responsibility of managing more than 800 species of wildlife while respecting the diverse values and landscapes of our state. Currently, hunting and angling funds more than 80% of the WGFD budget. WYldlife for Tomorrow adds another voice and funding source to the shared future of Wyoming wildlife.

Through our partnership with WGFD, we identify critical projects across the state for funding consideration by our supporters.

“…visitors flock to Wyoming to witness wildlife in its natural spaces. As Wyoming’s second-largest industry, tourism relies heavily on wildlife experiences… [WYldlife for Tomorrow] is such a crucial initiative for generating resources and organizing programs that will conserve Wyoming’s wildlife.”

DIANE SHOBER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM

Wildlife Crossings
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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

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