WLCI UpdateWLCI Update

July 23, 2010July 23, 2010

Conserving World-class Wildlife Resources Facilitating Responsible Development

Energy source for U.S. - natural gas, oil, wind, coal, uranium

Minerals – trona, metals

Some of the highest quality habitats in the Intermountain West – Sagebrush

Over 1,400 family farms and ranches

72% public land

0400800120016002000240028003200360040004400

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

BILLION

CUBIC

FEET

WYOMING GAS PRODUCTIONWYOMING GAS PRODUCTION1950-2003 WITH PROJECTIONS TO 20351950-2003 WITH PROJECTIONS TO 2035

The WLCI has established a long-term science-based program to assess and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats at a landscape scale in Southwest Wyoming, while facilitating responsible development.•Design

•Landscape Scale •(Work across borders on public and private lands)

•Science Based•Partner Support & Collaboration via LPDT & Central Data Information Sharing •Leverage Resources •Adaptive Management

US Forest ServiceUS Geological SurveyWyoming Dept. of

AgricultureWyoming Game & Fish

Dept.

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of ReclamationConservation DistrictsCounty CommissionersNational Park ServiceNatural Resources

Conservation ServicesUS Fish &Wildlife

Service

Fragmented Habitat• Migration Corridors• Emphasis on WLCI identified

communities

• Consequences of development

Invasive Species• Loss of historic vegetation• Loss of critical forage• Changes/disturbances in cycles

Water Quality & Quantity• Livestock and wildlife access• Effect of changes on the landscape• Indigenous species concerns• Water health for fisheries

USGS Role in WLCIUSGS Role in WLCI

Integrated Research Integrated Research and Technical and Technical AssistanceAssistance

Why, Where, What, How… Is it working?

Addressing management needs

Advancing scientific understanding

Developing transferable methods

WLCI also participated with the Wyoming Basin Native Plant Development Program. This program’s intent is to provide a source of native seeds and plant materials for restoration and reclamation projects.

Scientific and technical support for WLCI includes evaluating the effectiveness of habitat treatments, assessing cumulative effects of development on important habitats and species, integrating science findings with on-the-ground actions, and promoting and integrating new methodologies and protocols.

Science Integration

1,364 acres of conifer removal through mechanical treatments and prescribed burns

27 miles of fence converted to wildlife friendly standards

Completion of a wildlife underpass

270 acres of shrub and grassland treatments

25,219 acres of habitat protected through conservation easements and exclosures

13 aquatic fish barriers removed

57 miles of native fish habitat protected

Combined WLCI/FWS Project FundingProject Type Project Funding Partner $ * # of Projects

Access $119,000.00 $1,071,737.00 1Aquatic $705,625.00 $1,732,754.00 13Aspen $701,000.00 $815,000.00 6Easement $560,000.00 $24,445,000.00 3Fencing $977,000.00 $3,099,190.00 12Invasives $685,000.00 $37,000.00 11Other $505,900.00 $222,000.00 7Research $57,000.00 $51,000.00 2Riparian $822,900.00 $433,800.00 10

Totals $5,133,425.00 $31,907,481.00 65

*Partner contributions are still being submitted. *Totals are not complete and do not reflect the value of in-kind services.

Wyoming Front Aspen Treatment ProjectContact:Justin CaudillWLCI Coordination Team MemberOffice: (307) 352-0378Cell: (307)350-5480E-mail: jcaudi@state.wy.usFor a list of projects please request a Facts and Projects handout or visit the WLCI website at wlci.gov