Green River Valley Resource Hub

Weed and Pest Control

Invasive weeds and non-native plants are quick to establish and dominate a landscape, especially in areas of disturbance. Once they have a foothold, noxious weeds and non-native vegetation can run wild, causing cascading impacts that irreparably damage the ecosystem. With vigilance and a little help, we can keep these pesky intruders under control. To learn about available resources, click on one of the links below or contact stewardship staff.

Sublette County Weed and Pest
Sublette County Weed and Pest will coordinate with private landowners to treat invasive species and noxious weeds. Cost-share options range from 75-100% for county and state designated weeds. Services include on-site treatments, treatment plans, equipment loans, insect and plant identification, landowner permission forms, and education materials.
(307) 367-4728

USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife
US Fish and Wildlife Service program that provides assistance and cost-share on invasive species control on private lands.
Dave Kimble, Southwest WY PFW Biologist, (307) 413-7089, David_Kimble@fws.gov

Western Confluence: Invasive Species
A bi-annual magazine produced by the University of Wyoming Ruckelshaus Institute.

UWyo Barnyards & Backyards: Weeds
The University of Wyoming’s Backyards & Barnyards extension program provides tips, bulletins, and videos to assist in weed control.

Wildfire Mitigation

Wildfires are an undeniable reality for much of the western landscape. For landowners with conservation easements, striking a balance between home-protection and retaining the ecological integrity of their conservation properties can be challenging. If you’re interested in performing mitigation on your property or learning more about available resources, click on the links below and contact our stewardship staff when you’re ready to implement.

WY State Forestry
Private lands assistance on fuel reduction, wildfire mitigation grants, wildfire concerns, Forest Stewardship Plans, and more.
Nate Wilson, District 4 Assistant Forester, (307) 367-2119, nate.wilson@wyo.gov

Sublette County Unified Fire
Sublette County Wildfire Protection Plan, safety notices, and battalion information.

Teton Interagency Fire
US Forest Service recommended links and information for wildfire prevention and preparedness in Western Wyoming.

Roosevelt Fire
In the wake of the 2018 wildfire, the Sublette County Conservation District compiled wildfire recovery resources helpful for any landowner interested in learning more about recovering after and preparing for potential wildfires.

Cal Fire
Resources on wildfire preparedness, prevention, recovery, and resiliency.

Wildfire Risk to Communities
US Forest Service resources on wildfire resistant building and landscaping, land use planning, evacuation and readiness, and more.

Forestry

Forests are ecologically and culturally significant environments in the West. Keeping them in good health can involve managing disease, treating pests, and mitigating wildfires. Please visit the links below to learn more about available local and statewide resources or contact the stewardship team for help with conservation properties.

Wyoming State Forestry
Private lands assistance on fuel reduction, forest health management recommendations, wildfire concerns, Forest Stewardship Plans, and more.
Nate Wilson, District 4 Assistant Forester, (307) 367-2119, nate.wilson@wyo.gov

Firewood Bank Grant
If you distribute or are interested in distributing more than 5 cords of wood to community members, you may be eligible to receive $10,000-$15,000 in grants to help benefit your community. Learn more at firewoodbanks.org.

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
Funding for communities to acquire and establish community forests. Applications are due January 2025.

Beyond Bark Beetles
10 short films discussing the bark beetle outbreak produced as a collaboration by the University of Wyoming Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources and the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests.

Habitat Enhancement

Restoring degraded terrestrial or riparian environments create more resilient landscapes that many fish and wildlife species depend on and benefits agricultural uses and operations. A variety of agencies offer resources and cost-share programs for landowners interested in implementing habitat enhancements that also advance property conservation values. Visit the links below to learn more and contact the stewardship team for help understanding how proposed projects can interface with JHLT easements.

Farm Bill Programs

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
Conservation Technical Assistance (CTAs), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Emergency Watershed Program (EWP), and more.
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, Simon.Teaff@usda.gov

Local Grant Opportunities

The Sublette County Conservation District and its partners may have funds available to help private landowners and permittees with implementing conservation practices on land they own or manage. Explore grant opportunities for wet meadow restoration, wildlife friendly fencing, small water projects, and more.

Terrestrial Habitat

Wyoming Game and Fish
Habitat enhancement and management guidance, assistance, and cost-sharing.
Troy Fieseler, Terrestrial Habitat Biologist, (307) 367-4353, troy.fieseler@wyo.gov

Sublette County Conservation District
Great Conservation Idea & Habitat enhancement and management guidance, assistance, and cost-sharing.
Melanie Purcell, Wildlife & Habitat Program Manager, (307) 367-2364, mpurcell@sublettecd.com

USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife
Mechanical vegetation treatments and reseeding on private lands.
Dave Kimble, Southwest WY PFW Biologist, (307) 413-7089, David_Kimble@fws.gov

Intermountain West Joint Venture 
Scientific/technical guidance and resources for conserving western landscapes and habitats.
Teagan Hayes, Science to Implementation Specialist, teagan.hayes@iwjv.org

Dan Stroud – Private Consultant
Dan is a highly experienced retired biologist based in Pinedale with a B.S. in wildlife management and an M.A. in range management. He can provide insight and guidance on managing vegetation, rangelands, and wildlife habitat.
(307) 231-9167, dostrou@gmail.com

Aquatic Habitat

Wyoming Game and Fish
Aquatic habitat enhancement and management guidance, assistance, and cost-sharing.
Luke Schultz, Aquatic Habitat Biologist, (307) 367-4353, luke.schultz@wyo.gov

USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife
Private land natural wetland restoration, artificial wetland enhancement, in-stream habitat improvement, fish barrier removal/irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation, riparian fencing, and off-stream livestock water developments.
Dave Kimble, Southwest WY PFW Biologist, (307) 413-4992, David_Kimble@fws.gov

Trout Unlimited
Assistance and cost-share on stream, creek, river, and fisheries management and restoration.
Nick Walrath, (307) 532-0753, nick.walrath@tu.org

Ducks Unlimited
Restoration, development, and technical assistance on all wetland types, flood irrigation infrastructure maintenance, headgate work, and more.
Tom Peterson, (308) 218-8160, tpeterson@ducks.org

Intermountain West Joint Venture 
Scientific/technical guidance and resources for water challenges and aquatic habitats.
Mariah McIntosh, Science to Implementation Specialist, mariah.mcintosh@iwjv.org

Wet Meadow Restoration

Working Lands for Wildlife
NRCS Sage Grouse Initiative’s Mesic Habitat Conservation Strategy detailing wet meadow management practices and why mesic habitats are important for agriculture and wildlife.

Beaver Dam Analogs
Information from the Beaver Institute detailing how Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) are used for stream and wet meadow restoration.

Zeedyk Structure Workshop
Free workshop videos detailing Zeedyk rock structures; how they work, how to install them, and what their benefits are for rangelands. Also, see the Erosion Control Field Guide.

Wet Meadow Restoration Techniques
Short, easy-to-follow videos on the importance of mesic habitats, how erosion affects wet meadows, and how to install Zeedyk structures. Filmed at the Bar Cross Ranch conservation easement in Cora, WY.

Sublette County Conservation District
Mesic habitat restoration – Zeedyk structure assistance and cost-share.
Melanie Purcell, Wildlife & Habitat Program Manager, (307) 367-2364, mpurcell@sublettecd.com

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
Mesic Habitat Restoration – Zeedyk structure and BDA assistance and cost-share.
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, Simon.Teaff@usda.gov

Wyoming Game and Fish
Mesic Habitat Restoration – Zeedyk structure and BDA assistance and cost-share.
Luke Schultz, Aquatic Habitat Biologist, (307) 367-4353, luke.schultz@wyo.gov

Success Stories

Upper Green River Chapter of Trout Unlimited
In partnership with a local landowner, replaced a dysfunctional diversion dam and fish barrier in Pine Creek with a fish-friendly option that also meets the needs of the adjacent working lands.

Water Resources

Water conservation and management is a critical component of private lands stewardship in Northwest Wyoming with impacts rippling up and downstream. To learn more or find funding opportunities for irrigation infrastructure improvements or agricultural practices, please click below or contact our stewardship staff.

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
Conservation Technical Assistance (CTAs), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Emergency Watershed Program (EWP), and more.
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, Simon.Teaff@usda.gov

Sublette County Conservation District
Watershed studies, water rights inquiries, irrigation questions, and Water Resources Data System Library.
Explore grant opportunities with the Small Water Projects Program.
Adrienne Kirkwood, Water Resources Specialist, (307) 367-2364, akirkwood@sublettecd.com

Wyoming State Engineer’s Office – Green River Basin
Collection, analysis and maintenance of water-related information to ensure proper management and regulation of Wyoming’s water resources. Also, see the SEO’s Colorado River Working Group page.

Wyoming State Water Plan

Wyoming Water Association

“This Floating Armor Against Evaporation Can Reduce Water Loss by 90 Percent”
An article from On Land produced by the Western Landowners Alliance.

“Drying Out: Dealing with Megadrought in the West” 
A special issue of On Land, published by the Western Landowners Alliance.

Rangeland Management

Healthy rangelands are the foundation of Wyoming’s ranching tradition and are critical landscapes for many of our wildlife populations. Through dedicated partnerships and sustainable management, we can ensure their continued health into the future. For programs, resources, and financial assistance, please click on the links below or contact the stewardship team for more information.

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
Farm Bill Programs
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, Simon.Teaff@usda.gov

University of Wyoming Extension
One on one landowner guidance: grazing on private and public lands, land improvements, pasture reclamation, wildfire recovery, in-person programming and classes, invasive species management, larkspur poisoning.
Dagan Montgomery, Sublette County Extension Office, (307) 367-4380, dmontgo8@uwyo.edu

Sublette County Conservation District
Technical assistance, conservation plans, and equipment rentals including rangeland drill seeder, Lawson aerator, and portable livestock water trailer.
Shari Meeks, Range Program Manager, (307) 367-2364, smeeks@sublettecd.com

USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife
Special use pasture fencing, off-stream livestock water developments, fencing and water developments to control season and duration of livestock grazing.
Dave Kimble, Southwest WY PFW Biologist, (307) 413-7089, David_Kimble@fws.gov

Western Landowners Alliance
Shaleas Harrison, Wyoming Resource Coordinator, sharrison@westernlandowners.org

Dan Stroud – Private Consultant
Dan is a highly experienced retired biologist based in Pinedale with a B.S. in wildlife management and an M.A. in range management. He can provide insight and guidance on managing rangelands and outcome based grazing.
(307) 231-9167, dostrou@gmail.com

Intermountain West Joint Venture
Guidance and resources for conservation measures on working lands for ecosystem-wide benefits.

Global Rangelands YouTube Channel
Short videos covering a variety of land management topics and practices as they relate to rangelands.

Stock Tank Ladder Plans.
The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies provides free plans to construct a wildlife escape ladder specifically for stock tanks.

Gardening, Horticulture, and Clean Energy

Gardening in Northwest Wyoming is both a challenge and a rewarding way to connect with your property and community through local foodways and farmers markets. Whether your objective is food sovereignty, a side hustle at the local market, or a relaxing way to unwind outside, there are resources to help. Please visit one of our partner programs through the links below or contact the stewardship staff for more information.

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
EQIP high tunnel systems and hoop houses.
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, simon.teaff@usda.gov

Sublette County Conservation District Tree Program
Tree and seedling ordering program and planting guides.
Tracy Berg, (307) 367-2364, sccd@sublettecd.com

Sage and Snow Garden Club
An active local garden club offering resources, annual projects, and classes both to members and the community.
Arlinda McLaughlin, (307) 367-2791, sageandsnowclub@gmail.com

University of Wyoming Master Gardener Program
Additional resources from UWyo on gardening in Wyoming can be found here.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Climate-smart solutions that provide rural Wyoming small businesses and agricultural producers the opportunity to reduce their energy consumption and bolster their bottom line. Click the link above for the fact sheet or visit the Wyoming NRCS REAP website here.

Clean Energy Tax Credits for Homeowners
Information on tax credits and rebates for Wyoming homeowners interested in incorporating energy efficiency and clean energy into their homes, lowering monthly utility
bills and making it easier to manage volatile energy costs.

Smart Solar on Ranchlands
Information from the American Farmland Trust on strengthening farm viability and soil health while simultaneously growing renewable energy. Visit the AFT’s website with more information here.

Wildlife Friendly Fencing

Fencing is a necessary component of most properties in Northwest Wyoming and one that can pose a significant challenge to wildlife movements. Ongoing repairs from wildlife entanglements and attempted passage can be time consuming and costly. By modifying existing or constructing new fences to accommodate wildlife, landowners can reduce maintenance and upkeep while contributing to the health of wild game and bird populations. Certain properties may qualify for assistance, so please click on the links below or contact stewardship staff to learn more.

A Wyoming Landowner’s Handbook to Fences and Wildlife: Practical Tips for Fencing with Wildlife in Mind
Standards for wildlife friendly fence specifications. Produced by the Wyoming Wildlife Foundation.

Upper Green Fencing Initiative
A collaboration between the Sublette County Conservation District, Wyoming Game & Fish, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to identify and implement wildlife friendly fence conversion projects in crucial habitats or migration pathways. See the guide above for details on implementing two types of wildlife friendly fencing options.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation
Wildlife Friendlier Fences Program
Renee Seidler, (307) 739-0968, renee@jhwildlife.org

USDA NRCS – Pinedale Service Center
EQIP fence funding.
Simon Teaff, District Conservationist, (307) 367-2257, Simon.Teaff@usda.gov

Wyoming Game and Fish
Wildlife friendly fence planning and cost-share.
Troy Fieseler, Terrestrial Habitat Biologist, (307) 367-4353, troy.fieseler@wyo.gov

Sublette County Conservation District
Wildlife friendly fence planning and cost-share.
Melanie Purcell, Wildlife & Habitat Program Manager, (307) 367-2364, mpurcell@sublettecd.com

Livestock-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

Ranching and working in Northwest Wyoming means coexisting with wildlife when habitat and grazing lands intersect. While unarguably a difficult task, there are programs, resources, and cost-shares are available to landowners looking for assistance. Please click on the links below or connect with stewardship staff to learn more.

Wyoming Game and Fish
Information on large carnivore management in Wyoming and recommended safety practices.
Clint Atkinson, Large Carnivore Biologist, (307) 367-4353, clint.atkinson@wyo.gov
Ken Mills, Wolf Biologist, (307) 367-4353, kenneth.mills@wyo.gov

Guidance from Defenders of Wildlife on non-lethal coexistence with wildlife and electric fence incentives.

Western Landowners Alliance
Resources and guidance on livestock-wildlife conflicts and solutions for working lands.
Shaleas Harrison, WY Resources Coordinator, sharrison@westernlandowners.org

Reducing Conflict with Grizzly Bears, Wolves, and Elk: A Western Landowners’ Guide
Produced by the Western Landowners Alliance.

Livestock and Wolves: A Guide to Nonlethal Tools and Methods to Reduce Conflicts
Produced by Defenders for Wildlife.

Other Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

Wyoming Game and Fish
Guidance/assistance on beaver co-existence and resources including Best Management Practices for Flow Devices
Luke Schultz, Aquatic Habitat Biologist, (307) 367-4353, luke.schultz@wyo.gov

The Beaver Institute
Guidance and resources on beaver co-existence and damage mitigation including tree damage, flooding, blocked culverts, and stream damage.

Defenders of Wildlife brochure on beaver coexistence with easy-to-follow damage mitigation techniques and prairie dog co-existence strategies.

Community Stewardship, Science, and Education

Community engagement, education, and connection are vital for landscape-scale stewardship and can provide critical insight for relevant management and policies, especially when harnessed into citizen science initiatives. Please click on one of the links below or contact stewardship staff to find out how you can get involved.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation
Nature mapping & opportunities to volunteer on fence removal and wildlife habitat projects.
(307) 739-0968

Sublette Trails Association
Public trail maintenance volunteer opportunities.

Wyoming Wildlife Federation
Fence removal and wildlife habitat project volunteer opportunities in Western Wyoming.

Winter Range Foundation
Volunteer opportunities in Western Wyoming.

Wyoming BioBlitz
Amy Lorenz, Regional Coordinator
amy.lorenz@tetonscience.org

**Disclaimer – Please be aware of State laws (W.S 6-3-414, Trespassing to Unlawfully Collect Resource Data) as they pertain data collection on private property and always obtain landowner permission prior to entering, crossing, or collecting data from any private lands.

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

Northwest Wyoming has a rich, cultural landscape with significant ties to contemporary Native nations and the history of the American West. If you’re interested in learning more about the unique history of your property and the significance of potential archaeological sites, please visit the links below.

Upper Green River Valley Chapter
Wyoming Archaeological Society
Clint Gilchrist, Chapter President, (307) 367-4101, director@mmmuseum.com

Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist
Dr. Spencer Pelton, State Archaeologist

Wyoming State Archaeologist YouTube Channel
Educational and archaeological videos discussing Wyoming’s human past.

Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists YouTube Channel.
Recorded webinars of past invited WAPA speakers.