September 2021 - 11

MEET THE COMMISSIONERS
Lundvall vows to listen to
underrepresented
New Commissioner looks to bring unique perspective to group
CHEYENNE - The outdoors help people
find themselves. Ashlee Lundvall knows
that better than most. It's why she returns
to Wyoming's open spaces time and time
again - and the reason she advocates for
underrepresented groups to explore hunting,
fishing and wildlife.
Lundvall joined the Wyoming Game and
Fish Commission in March, bringing a history
of working with conservation groups
to help get more people outside - including
those with
disabilities. In
the summer of
1999 a ranching
accident left
her with a broken
back and
permanently
paralyzed. Recreating
in the
outdoors -
she said - was
something that helped her heal.
Ludvall has advocated for women and
equal access for all people to the outdoors for
more than two decades in Wyoming so others
can benefit from her experiences.
She hoped to eventually broaden that
involvement, and it happened sooner than
later when she was appointed to the Wyoming
Game and Fish Commission this year
by Gov. Mark Gordon.
" This appointment was a complete surprise, "
Lundvall said. " I was always looking
for opportunities to work on a large scale,
THE COMMISSION IS THE POLICYMAKING
BOARD FOR GAME AND FISH.
THE SEVEN-MEMBER COMMISSION IS
APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. EACH
MEMBER SERVES A SIX-YEAR TERM. NO
MORE THAN FIVE COMMISSIONERS CAN
BE OF THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY.
but this role wasn't on my radar yet. I have
learned there is a lot of healing to be found
in the outdoors, and I want to do what I can
to share that with others. "
Lundvall represents District 5, which
encompasses Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park
and Washakie counties. Lundvall is one of
three new commissioners this year. She said
the learning process has been like drinking
out of a fire hose, but also rewarding.
" There are so many moving parts working
for wildlife
and habitat in
Wyoming, "
Lundvall said.
" I constantly
remind myself
that I don't have
to have all of the
answers because
I can call on
our amazing
resources at the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department and
partnering organizations for information.
" It's overwhelming at times, but I am
thankful for the opportunity to do my part
to serve. "
Lundvall said being a woman with a disability
allows her to bring another perspective
to the Commission, and she hopes she brings
something " unique " to the group during
her time.
Lundvall said with many varying opinions
across the state about wildlife and habitat
management it is important the Commission
Ashlee Ludvall has served on the Wyoming Game and Fish
Commission since March 2021. Ludvall represents District 5.
(Photo by Mark Gocke/WGFD)
makes sure everyone feels heard and represented
- even if the outcomes don't make
everyone happy.
" Decisions aren't always popular, but when
you truly have Wyoming's best interests at
heart you can feel good about the calls you
have to make. "
- Robert Gagliardi, WGFD
Wyoming Wildlife | 11
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/Game-and-Fish-Commission/Meet-the-Commissioners
September 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2021
