WY Game and Fish Commission to discuss big game migration corridors at meeting Nov. 5 in Laramie
Topics: No Surface Occupancy in corridors, State Wildlife Action Plan, chronic wasting disease some of topics to be discussed
by Wyoming Game & Fish
October 23, 2015
CHEYENNE – The big game migration corridors in Wyoming are some of the longest in North America and research continues to advance the understanding of their importance to the overall sustainability of wildlife. Over the past several years, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and researchers have studied the migration of big game animals and, with its Commission and partners, Game and Fish has highlighted the need to conserve the documented routes.
At its November meeting, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will hear more about migration corridors and several other topics. The Commission meets November 5-6 in Laramie at the Holiday Inn. The meeting will also be live-streamed on the internet. Learn more and watch here: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/Game-and-Fish-Commission
Related to big game migration corridors, Game and Fish is not a regulatory entity, but can make wildlife habitat related recommendations to land management agencies. The Commission approves policies for the Department on recommendations the Department makes. The Commission already has a policy in place stating the importance of migration corridors and asking for no surface occupancy of oil and gas development in corridors narrower than a half mile and for wider corridors it asks for not more than four well pads per square mile. The discussion in November will help shape future recommendations and policies.
"Recent research is revealing new information related to migrations in Wyoming. We want to move forward with some additional recommendations for migration corridors and the discussion in November will allow us to engage the public and come back to the Commission with more public feedback and some specific proposals," said Game and Fish Deputy Director John Kennedy. "There is still more research to be done, but we know the value of migration corridors to conserving wildlife and want to actively pursue management actions and solutions."
Other agenda topics at the November Commission meeting include an update on the State Wildlife Action Plan, chronic wasting disease, education materials, and proposed changes to the regulations of the late migratory game bird hunting season, aquatic invasive species and the issuance of licenses, fees and other items.
The State of Wyoming supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone needing auxiliary aids should contact the Game and Fish at (307) 777-4501. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.
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