Project Title: Teton Bighorn Sheep Communication/Public Outreach Plan

Project Type: conservation education and outreach

Waterhole/Transplant/Habitat/Research/Education/Other (Explain)

Affiliate:Wy Wild Sheep Foundation

OutfitterOrganization/BLM/Game Fish/ForestService/Other(Explain)

Location ofProject: Targhee BHS Herd Unit - Tetons and surrounding area

State/Territory/Area

DescriptionOfProject:

A small core native BHS herd resides in the Tetons. This herd appears to have declined over the last decade. WGFDhistoric estimates were 100-125 sheep, while current estimates are less than 80. The cause of the decline is unknownbut coincides with increase in winter backcountry recreation and an increase in mountain goat numbers. Goat numbers are estimated at 80-100 goats. The presence of non-native mountain goats presents habitat competition and disease transmission concerns.Wy-WSF has invested over $450k in allotment buyouts, monitoring and research on the Teton herd.

Grand Teton National Park is currently preparing a mountain goat management plan, which will likely call for reductions/removal of mountain goats, and managers are recommending additional winter closures to address winter recreation disturbance of wintering wild sheep. The Teton BHS Working Group anticipates considerable push back from stakeholders on both of these issues. Therefore, we recommend contracting with professionals media/outreach resources to inform and increase public awareness of these issues.

Problem to be Solved:

The challenge is providing effective messaging relative to the needs of the Teton BHS to a diverse and abundant stakeholder group. Backcountry recreation in the Tetons has grown considerably in recent years and wildlife viewing of mountain goats has become more popular with an increasing population. The recommended addition of winter closures and removal of mountain goats is anticipated to be met with considerable resistance.

The Teton BHS Working Group is recommending seasonal closures be implemented this winter and the mountain goat management plan be presented to the public this fall/winter. Thus, professional messaging is needed quickly to gain public acceptance of management strategy implementation.

Describe HowYouPropose Solving Problem:

The Teton BHS Working Group recommends contracting with a proven professional outreach/media entity to develop and direct messaging. Professional messaging will increase the odds of stakeholder acceptance and allow implementation of management strategies. The Working Group has identified a company called Resource Media which has a proven reputation in dealing with wildlife and natural resource issues.

BIOGRAPHY OFAPPLICANT

Name: Steve Kilpatrick

Address: P.O Box 12, Moose Wy. 83012

DaytimePhone Number: 307-413-7249

E-mail:

Fax:NA

Are you a currentmember ofWY-WSF?X YesNo

Cost to befundedCost to befunded

by WY-WSF Grantby other cooperators

Equipment...... …..$$

Services...... …….$ 3,000 $6,000

Permanent, full timesalaries will notbe considered

Publishing...... …$$

Monitoring...... ….$$

Supplies...... ….$$Please itemize then total

(Handheld receiver)

Other (Specify)...... $$

Totals$3,000$ 6,000

OTHER ORGANIZATIONSPROVIDINGFINANCIALAID OR SUPPORTOFTHE

PROJECT(Include any pendingamountsappliedfor.):

Brainerd Foundation - $3,000

Wilburforce Foundation - $3,000

Teton BHS Working Group (in kind) - $ 5,000

Note : Teton BHS Working Group contacts:

  • Sarah Dewey, Wildlife Biologist, Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3488
  • Aly Courtemanch, Wildlife Biologist, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (307) 733-2383 x227
  • Michael Whitfield, Research Associate, Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, (208) 520-6117
  • Kerry Murphy, Wildlife Biologist, Bridger-Teton National Forest (307) 739-5411
  • Steve Kilpatrick, Executive Director, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, (307) 413-7249
  • Nate Yorgason, Forest Wildlife Biologist, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, (208) 557-5785
  • Jason Wilmot, Biological Science Technician, Bridger-Teton National Forest (307) 739-5442

ENDORSEMENT: I hereby agree to abideby the statedrequirementsofa WY-WSFgrant. Ialsounderstand all WY-WSFfunding stipulationsandwillprovide all necessaryreports ifI receiveagrant fromWY-WSF.

Signature ofApplicant Steve Kilpatrick

TitleEx Dr. Wy. Wild Sheep Foundation.

Date9/14/2017

MEDIA CONTACTS: Please listoneormoremediasources in your areathat wemaycontactwith detailsofyour project:

1) Wyoming Wildlife Magazine

2) Local Newspapers – Jackson Hole News and Guide

3) WGFD, USFS, GTNP, WY-WSF websites

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