May 2023 - 2

FROM THE
DIRECTOR
A unique funding model
By Brian Nesvik
S
ince the establishment of the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department, those most interested
in wildlife conservation have contributed millions
of dollars in Wyoming to conserve more than
800 species and the habitat they depend on. Individual
sportspersons and wildlife-focused, nongovernmental
organizations have provided the lion's share
of these funds. The millions of dollars raised for onthe-ground
projects would not be possible without
valued partners who care deeply about wildlife. This
passion for wildlife is exhibited in the Wyoming Governor's
Big Game License Coalition, which showcases
an effective, Wyomingesque approach to funding
wildlife work through a partnership between government
and conservation groups.
In the early 2000s, then-Gov. Dave Freudenthal envisioned a conservation
funding model in which the big game licenses allocated to
governors by Wyoming law would be sold with the proceeds directed
back to wildlife projects. His vision sparked the creation of the Governor's
Big Game License Coalition and laid the foundation for the
governors who followed him. When Gov. Mark Gordon took office in
2018, he recognized the need to modify the process and eliminated half
of the administrative overhead costs. This strategic approach meant even
more of the dollars raised would go directly to wildlife conservation.
In 2022, the coalition raised nearly $1.7 million, a record-breaking
year. Each year the coalition, made up of members from Wyoming-based
wildlife conservation organizations and the Wyoming
Game and Fish Department, is tasked with marketing and selling the
governor's complimentary big game licenses as authorized by state
statute. These include five bighorn sheep, five moose, 10 deer/elk/
antelope and five wild bison licenses.
My hat goes off to the participating conservation organizations who
work hard throughout the year to plan events and banquets aimed at
raising conservation funds. The Muley Fanatic Foundation, Rocky
2 | May 2023
Five bighorn sheep licenses are allocated for sale each year as part of the Governor's Big Game
License Coalition. Proceeds from those licenses go to on-the-ground projects for wildlife and
habitat. (Photo by Mark Gocke/WGFD)
Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation and
the Mule Deer Foundation all invest significant time and energy to
make this model of project funding work effectively.
Each year the coalition receives dozens of project-funding requests.
The group analyzes those requests and allocates funding to the highest-priority
projects. Nearly all large-scale habitat projects in the state
are funded in part by funds generated and allocated by the coalition.
The coalition has species-specific committees focused on wildlife initiatives
for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose and other wildlife.
This year about $1.8 million will help fund 78 projects in the Cowboy
State. These diverse projects are aimed at habitat improvement,
public access, research and projects to facilitate the movement of big
game animals.
The coalition is truly remarkable and a model of conservation
funding we can be proud of. I sincerely appreciate all who chose to
support those in the coalition and any other conservation organization.
These groups truly make a difference. Their work is a clear reflection
of the value our state places on our tremendous wildlife and the wild
places they live.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Apply-or-Buy/Commissioner-and-Governor-Licenses/Governors-Big-Game-License

May 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2023