University of Wyoming professor, Kevin Monteith, was named the 2022 Partner of the Year by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust on Tuesday in Thermopolis.  Monteith has worked with the WWNRT on numerous projects in Wyoming in the past decade, and was singled out for excellence in applied research that allows the board to more effectively improve habitats and conditions for wildlife.

Board Chair Kim Floyd, Cheyenne, presented the award, noting that Monteith’s work on mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and moose provided a roadmap to effective habitat improvements throughout the state.

“Kevin has taught us a lot, and through his work and insight, we have been able to make some massive strides in management and improvement of conditions for multiple species,” Floyd said.

WWNRT Director Bob Budd added that Monteith’s work “has real world applications – through the understanding we can gain from his work on nutrition, disease, and all other aspects of animal behavior, we are able to more effectively leverage the assets of the state.”

Budd and Floyd cited work in the Wyoming Range, Sweetwater County, the Wind River and Absaroka Mountains, and most recently, the Bighorn Basin and central Wyoming as examples of excellence.

David Kimble, Field Biologist with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Partners for Fish and Wildlife program was named the 2021 "Partner of the Year" by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust on Monday.  This is an annual honor bestowed on an individual or organization to recognize outstanding conservation achievement on the ground in Wyoming.  The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust has allocated more than $107 million to projects statewide in the past 15 years, with an actual on-the-ground cost of more than $750 million.

Kimble was recognized for his work in southwestern Wyoming, primarily in the areas of wetland development and river restoration.

"Dave Kimble has become one of the real leaders in our work in Wyoming," said Board Chair Kim Floyd.  "His fingerprints are on major rivers, small streams, wetlands and other areas, and dozens of wildlife species are the beneficiary of his commitment and dedication."

In addition, Board members cited his ability to work with people of highly diverse backgrounds and bring multiple interests together on large-scale, ecosystem-based conservation efforts.  These include local governments, conservation districts, state wildlife agencies, landowners, conservation organizations and others.

"Dave is easy-going and very, very knowledgable," said WWNRT Director Bob Budd.  "He brings a lot to the table for everyone, and he does it in a manner that is inclusive and non-confrontational.  He gets stuff done - done well and done fast."

Congratulations to Ian Tator, Statewide Habitat Manager for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.  Ian was named WWNRT's 2019 Partner of the Year at the August Board Meeting in Riverton on August 23.  Ian has been instrumental in assisting and organizing many WWNRT projects throughout the years and was recognized for his dedication.    Thank you, Ian!!

The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust named Jill Randall, Pinedale, their 2016 Partner of the Year on Tuesday.  The award is given annually to one group or individual for exemplary conservation work in Wyoming.

"Jill Randall is the epitome of conservation in western Wyoming," Board Chair Kim Floyd, Cheyenne, said in presenting the award. "She has been a consistent partner of ours since the inception of the trust, and the footprint of her work covers hundreds of thousands of acres, with dozens of different partners."

Randall, who is a regional habitat specialist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, was cited for her work in the Wyoming Range, particularly prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, research, and invasive species control to enhance habitat for mule deer.  In addition, the WWNRT recognized her efforts to enhance and conserve habitat for Greater Sage-grouse, elk, moose, and other iconic species in western Wyoming.

Board Vice-Chair Steve Meadows, Jackson, said, "Jill's enthusiasm and energy is infectious.  You get out in the field with her, and you see so much potential and so much accomplishment that you want to turn her loose on the rest of the world." Meadows also lauded her ability to bring diverse groups together for a common cause.  "She works well with everyone," he said. "You'll have landowners, conservation groups, state and federal agencies all sharing in the effort and the results, and that is exactly the kind of energy we need to get things done in Wyoming."

Predictably, Randall gave credit for the many successes in the area to her many partners.

"I have the great fortune to work with so many great landowners, biologists, habitat ecologist and others that this stuff is really fun." she said.

Randall began her career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 2003, working as a feedground biologist in Jackson.  She has spent the last nine years as a terrestrial habitat biologist in Pinedale.