The state's population density is 5 people per square mile. Population density has decreased 9 percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 8 percent between 1982 and 1992. The overall risk to ecosystems is moderate. The state has 11 federally listed threatened and endangered species.
Biological Diversity Policy
Wyoming does not have a formal biodiversity policy. However, by statute, the policy of the state is to provide for the conservation of lands, protection of natural resources and wildlife and public lands. (Wyo. Stat. 11-16-103) In addition, the legislature finds that wetlands protection and preservation are important for wildlife habitat. (Wyo. Stat. 35-11-309) An instream flow statute recognizes the value of water flows in protecting fish and wildlife resources. (Wyo. Stat. 41-3-1001)
Status of Biodiversity Science
Wyoming does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. However, the state utilizes GAP and the Natural Heritage database. Started in 1991, mapping under GAP includes land ownership, land cover, elevation/contours, and animals. The state also has a Wildlife Observation System, a planning database that includes non-game inventories and avian and mammal atlas surveys of species.
Endangered Species
Wyoming does not have an endangered species act for either plants or animals. Instead, the state simply abides by the federal act.
State Agency Management for Biodiversity
State-owned Lands
State natural resource agencies are required by statute to plan and manage their lands in a biologically sustainable manner. State-owned land in Wyoming must be managed to permit the conservation and protection of watersheds and wildlife habitat, and historic, scenic, fish and wildlife, recreational and natural values. (Wyo. Stat. 36-12-102)
Cooperative Efforts
Cooperative efforts include the joint management of many state lands. (Wyo. Stat. 23-1302) For example, Glendo State Park is managed by the Game and Fish Department for hunting and fishing, the Recreation Department manages the land for recreation use by boaters and campers, and the federal Bureau of Reclamation oversees the management.
State Agency Training
Wyoming does not have identified programs of agency personnel training for biodiversity. The Department of Game and Fish conducts in-service training for general conservation and ecosystem management.
Impact Assessment
Wyoming does not have a "little NEPA." However, since about 1975, the Game and Fish Department has informally reviewed various projects for impacts on the environment.
Habitat Acquisition
Wyoming has few land acquisition programs. However, two examples include the Wyoming Land Use Management Planning program (WLUMP) and the Wildlife Trust Fund. WLUMP factors in different kinds of habitat, mapping out ranges and overlapping them to determine the "hotspots" or land most valuable for multiple use. Property is ranked according to its highest use, with only the top one-third slated for purchase. The program lacks sufficient funding, however, relying on monies from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. The account currently has $500,000. The Wildlife Trust Fund receives monies from licenses, application fees and excess from the Game and Fish Department, used in part to purchase land for wildlife habitat. There is approximately $14 million in the fund, which generates about $1.1 million in interest per year.
Private Land Conservation
Wyoming has some private land conservation programs. The Habitat Extension Program works with private landowners, offering incentives and advice for preventing damage from wildliEc and enhancillg habitat. In addition, some tax credits are given for habitat protection.
Exotic Species
Wyoming has a law designed to control some exotic animal species. (Wyo. Stat. 23-1-101; 23-3-301 et seq.; 11-5-116) The law defines an exotic as any animal, including amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, crustaceans or birds not found in a wild, free or unconfined status in Wyoming. Under the law, thc importation of all living wildlife is prohibited except as expressly authorized. Regulations provide for permitting and inspection procedures. Wyoming encourages the biocontrol of exotic pests and the introduction of exotic species such as pheasant and trout for hunting and fishing purposes.
Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities
Wyoming has an animal damage control program that is run primarily by the federal government. (Wyo. Stat. 11-6-101 et seq.; 11-6-201 et seq.) The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has efforts underway to take over the federal program, however. County animal control districts have the ultimate control over the protection of livestock. In addition, landowners may make claims for property damage by big or trophy animals or game birds. (Wyo. Stat. 23-1-901)
Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity
Wyoming statutes allow "affected" persons to sue for violations of environmental quality rules or regulations. (Wyo. Stat. 35-11-902)
Related Issues
Wyoming has a comprehensive environmental education curriculum, and participates in Project WILD. The state published a wildlife viewing guide, although it is not part of the Watchable Wildlife series. The state also has developed "Wild Wonderful Wyoming: Choices for the Future," which is a comprehensive environmental education curriculum for grades K-12.
Wyoming passed a takings law in 1995. The Wyoming Regulatory Takings Act requires the attorney general to develop guidelines and a checklist to determine whether proposed regulatory or administrative actions will result in the taking of private property. (Wyo. Stat. 9-5-301 et seq.)
Contacts:
Department of Agriculture
2219 Carey Ave.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7321
Game and Fish Department
5400 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82006
307-777-4600
State Board of Land Commissioners
Herschler Bldg.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7331
State Forestry Division
1100 West 22nd St.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7586
Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites
2301 Central Ave.
Barrett Bldg.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-6323
Wyoming ADC State Director
P.O. Box 59
Casper, WY 82602
307-261-5336
Wyoming Natural Diversity Database
1604 Grand Avenue, Suite 2
Laramic, WY 82070
307-745-5026 x22
New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu