APRIL 25, 2025 |
Photo – A 2020 wildfire south of Saratoga – Bigfoot99 file photo
State-backed grant funding to help fund large-scale wildfire restoration and recovery efforts is nearing deployment.
The effort, undertaken by Governor Mark Gordon, will deliver nearly $50 million in state funding, allocated by the Wyoming Legislature, for on-the-ground projects to prevent the spread of invasive annual grasses and restore resilient grass and rangelands.
The support for the wildfire restoration grants came through Senate Enrolled Act 62, which appropriated nearly $49.5 million dollars to the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust account.
The funding will provide grants to conservation districts, weed and pest districts, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for projects that directly address restoration of habitats on both state and private lands. Funded projects must be habitat restoration-focused related to wildfire response – no funding may be used for equipment or structures.
“Wyoming’s landscapes are our livelihood. Wildfires present a tremendous threat, and recovery must be approached thoughtfully and in concert with private landowners,” Governor Gordon said.
The governor thanked the legislature in his statement for enabling land managers to develop rehabilitation efforts.
WWNRT solicited grant applications beginning in mid-March from eligible entities. Applications were discussed regionally with meetings held in Wheatland, Gillette and Buffalo.
In the coming weeks, a multi-agency committee will convene to review proposals and make final award recommendations. Announcements are projected for mid-May.
Grant funding for wildfire recovery was one of the Governor’s top priorities during the 68th Legislature.
