Pronghorn Antelope Photo by Mark Gocke

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust

I am very pleased that the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust finally is bearing fruit, with more than $1.3 million awarded this week for habitat projects around the state.

These projects will benefit Wyoming in many ways, such as distributing water for wildlife and livestock in Albany County, improving waterfowl habitat in Park County and preserving ranches and open space in Sublette, Natrona and Washakie counties.

The idea of investing some of the state's mineral wealth in wildlife and habitat had been discussed since the 1970s. I campaigned on this idea in 2002, and by working together with legislators and citizens across Wyoming, we were able to get the fund created during the 2005 legislative session. So far the state has invested nearly $45 million, and I would like to see us continue to build on that figure in coming years.

The creation of this wildlife trust was a tremendous commitment to securing wildlife habitat for generations of Wyoming residents and visitors. The actions this week by the trust's governing board translate a grand idea into on-the-ground action.

Many of these projects recognize the large role Wyoming's agricultural heritage is playing is preserving wildlife habitat. My thanks go to board members for the careful consideration -- and hard work -- they have given these applications.

The 31 grants, approved Thursday in Gillette, ranged from $750 for water development at Curt Gowdy State Park near Cheyenne to $190,000 for securing a conservation easement and public access agreement on the 3,000-acre Flying A Ranch northwest of Casper. A second round of grants will be awarded in September.

These are the types of goals we can achieve by working together to do what's best for Wyoming.

Click here for a list of projects