the Star-Tribune staff | Posted: Friday, June 9, 2006 12:00 am
An agreement between The Nature Conservancy and the new Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Board will help conserve areas in the Shirley Basin and Thunder Basin areas of Wyoming, the groups said Thursday.
The conservancy has agreed to contribute $250,000, to be matched with proceeds from the state's $40 million wildlife trust fund, to help farmers, ranchers and other landowners "continue their tradition of conserving the natural resources and habitats that are vital for lasting and productive agricultural yields," a press release said.
The announcement came on the same day the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Board handed out its first round of grants for projects to improve and protect wildlife habitat around the state. The Legislature created the trust fund in 2005.
The combined effort with The Nature Conservancy is being called the Grasslands Conservation Fund.
"Creating this fund was a major step forward for Wyoming, a real commitment to maintaining the wildlife and habitat we have now for future generations to enjoy," Gov. Dave Freudenthal said in the press release. "My thanks go to The Nature Conservancy for being willing to step forward and set an example by joining with the state in this important effort."
The conservancy is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving habitat for rare plant and animal species. The wildlife trust fund board will select projects that are eligible for matching funds from the conservancy.
The Shirley Basin and Thunder Basin in south-central and northeast Wyoming include important habitat for sage grouse, mule deer, swift fox, migratory birds and other species, the conservancy says. Farming and livestock grazing also take place there.