Senate file 88 advances after trust outlines $29 million in 2024 projects, proposes targeted invasive-species spending

Lawmakers moved Senate File 88 out of the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee after hearing a presentation on large-project grants administered by the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust.

The trust presented its 2024 activity and this year's large-project slate, saying it awarded $29,000,000 in grants across 77 projects last year, the largest total since 2012. "We had 77 projects in 2024, which was the most we've had, since 2012," said Bob Budd, director of the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust. Budd said $9,600,000 of last year's funding was dedicated to invasive annual-grass control and $6,200,000 to migration and crossing projects; both lines have since been fully allocated.

The committee heard detailed descriptions of the large projects the trust recommends for this funding cycle, including:

- Thunder Basin Habitat Project: a landscape-scale effort covering roughly 50,000 acres (not all treated) including fence modifications, gully restoration with Z-dyke structures, invasive-conifer removal and annual-grass treatments; total project cost $2,100,000 with a $620,000 trust request. Budd and reviewer JD Williams recommended full funding.

- Baggs Valley Headwaters (Phase 4): approximately 6,000 acres within a larger landscape, aimed at shrubland restoration to support mule deer and other species; described as a continuation of prior phases.

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