At this week’s Wyoming Game and Fish Commission meeting in Rock Springs, the acquisition of the Ellis Ranch Property in Johnson and Washakie counties was approved. The 2,680 deeded acreage, with additional access to 1,280 acres of Bureau of Land Management land, will be managed by the Game and Fish Department as a wildlife habitat management area.
“Maintaining and expanding access for hunting and fishing is a top priority for Game and Fish,” Brian Nesvik, Game and Fish director said. “This property not only provides the public with access to previously landlocked, federal land, but it also allows us to effectively manage big game in the area.”
The WYldlife Fund updated the commissioners about their work, including the establishment of the Judith A. Hosafros Memorial Fund, an annual endowment that will support educational efforts and the department’s youth summer camp.
President Chris McBarnes also announced funding for several new conservation projects including $25,000 each to Grand Teton National Park’s Kelly Hayfields Restoration Project, the South Park Wetlands Enhancement Project and the New Fork River Restoration Project. An additional $19,805 was allocated for a beaver holding facility at the new Cody Regional Office. He also updated the Commission on private donations to help landowners start wildlife conservation projects using a pilot program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Game and Fish.
A full recording of the Commission meeting is available online. The next commission meeting is Jan. 11-12 in Cheyenne.
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