Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Adopts 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan

Wyoming Adopts 10-Year Wildlife Roadmap, Balancing Conservation and Community

Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission has approved the final draft of the 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan, a sweeping 10-year blueprint for conserving the state’s most vulnerable species. The plan, which has directed $13 million to 185 conservation projects since 2002, serves as a roadmap for conserving Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitats. The Game and Fish Commission reported that this new version was forged through unprecedented cooperation between state agencies, conservation partners, and the public, culminating in a roadmap designed to guide wildlife management for the next decade.

A Decade of Data and Dollars

The State Wildlife Action Plan, or SWAP, is the engine behind Wyoming’s ability to secure federal grants for on-the-ground conservation. It’s a comprehensive strategy that identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need and maps out the actions needed to protect them and their habitats. The plan is updated every 10 years to stay effective, and this revision wasn’t just an internal affair. Wyoming Untrapped reported that the process kicked off in 2024 with a call for public feedback. The first round of public comment closed on June 6, 2025, and the finalized plan was submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by June 30, 2026.

“The goal of Wyoming’s SWAP is to proactively conserve our species and their habitats,” said Rhiannon Jakopak, the Game and Fish Department’s State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator. “By identifying conservation priorities, it allows us to coordinate our efforts for the greatest impact.” This coordination has tangible results. Since the program’s inception in 2002, the SWAP has helped Wyoming put $13 million on the ground, funding everything from habitat restoration to species monitoring. The 2027 plan is poised to build on that legacy, focusing on adaptive strategies and long-term monitoring to keep pace with a changing environment.

From Seminoe Storage to Coffee Chats

The Commission’s meeting wasn’t just about looking ahead; it was also about navigating immediate and complex challenges. Interim Director Eric Wiltanger highlighted the department’s active participation in the federal review of the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, a massive energy development that could have significant impacts on local wildlife and fisheries. We are actively participating in the federal review process with the Bureau of Land Management, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage project to ensure Wyoming’s wildlife and fisheries aren’t sidelined, Wiltanger said.

Real service means sitting down at the table and having honest conversations with the public about wildlife management challenges in Wyoming.

Eric Wiltanger, Interim Director, Wyoming Game and Fish Department

In a move to bridge the gap between agency decisions and public perception, Wiltanger also announced a new initiative called “Coffee and Conversations,” set to begin in early 2027.

Beavers, Barriers, and a 3-Year Hunting Plan

The meeting was also a showcase for specific, science-driven projects. Adam Stephens, a terrestrial habitat biologist in the Cody Region, presented an update on the beaver translocation program.

Elsewhere, Erin Leonetti, a statewide fish passage biologist, detailed the completion of the Dick Creek Barrier and Diversion project. Finished in October 2025, the project provides a reliable water source for the Sunshine Wildlife Habitat Management Area while acting as a crucial barrier to prevent invasive brook trout from upstream migration. This protects the state’s second-largest population of genetically pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout, a conservation success story built on targeted, strategic infrastructure.

On the regulatory front, Justin Binfet, deputy chief of the Wildlife Division, presented a proposal to overhaul how hunting seasons are set. The department is recommending a shift from annual to a 3-year season-setting cycle, starting in 2027. This change would affect all big game, small game, migratory birds, and turkey seasons. Binfet argued that this multi-year approach would provide much-needed consistency for hunters and free up department resources to focus on other pressing conservation issues. The pledge to the Commission and the public is that in no way, shape or form is this going to diminish our engagement with the sportspeople and all of our stakeholder groups in Wyoming, Binfet emphasized. We are looking for ways to improve our current process and create new and improved opportunities for the public to engage with us. The Commission is scheduled to vote on this proposal during its April 2027 meeting.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

The Cody meeting also served as a moment to reflect on the people behind the plans. Several Game and Fish employees were recognized for their long-standing dedication. Craig Smith, Interim Chief of Wildlife, was honored for 25 years of service, as were Jason Burckhardt, Cody Region fish biologist, and Stan Harter, Lander Region wildlife biologist. Eric Shorma (Cody Region habitat and access biologist), Derek Lemon (Jackson Region habitat and access biologist), and Jake Kettley (East Casper senior game warden) were all recognized for 20 years of commitment. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, along with Governor Mark Gordon, also received a special award for their award-winning efforts in conserving the Sublette Pronghorn Herd Migration Corridor.

Individual acts of compassion were also celebrated. Pam Bechtoldt, a license sales clerk, received an award from The Outdoor Dream Foundation, a non-profit that grants hunting and fishing adventures to children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. In a similar vein, Chris McBarnes was recognized for his instrumental role in building The WYldlife Fund, a partner foundation formed in 2018 to support Game and Fish initiatives.