Wyoming Game & Fish Department Grant for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

This award will allow Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) to implement the State of Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan along roadways that lead to water bodies owned by Reclamation.  The plan will aid fish and bird species that are threanted and endangered in or around the water bodies and on all outflow rivers.  This award will provide funding to WGFD to staff an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Wildlife Technician at each of three roadways leading to the Reclamation (public) owned reservoirs and lakes during the boating season, (Memorial Day through Labor Day) providing prevention activities to protect these important habitats.  The WGFD shall station at least one AIS Technician at Reclamation reservoir access points in the three following locations:

Evanston, Wyoming

Anvil Draw

Highway 191 East of Flaming Gorge Reservoir

These Specialists will provide interdicting pre-launch and exiting inspection services on watercraft to prevent the spreading of AIS.  In addition, the AIS Wildlife Technicians will provide outreach and education to the public on the prevention and dangers of spreading AIS, along with teaching self-decontamination of boats and equipment using the Clean, Drain and Dry protocol defined in the Wyoming AIS Management Plan.  All of these activities directly serve to minimize the damages caused by species overabundance within the State of Wyoming, and protect the threatened and endangered species habitat.