Residents placed on wildlife group

A new task force focused on Wyoming’s wildlife will feature a familiar face as part of the group.

Josh Coursey, cofounder of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, was one of 18 people appointed to the task force to study wildlife policy issues impacting Wyoming.

The task force will investigate various topics over the next 18 months, with the end goal being to present conclusions based on the data the group analyzes, as well as make recommendations to the Wyoming Legislature based on those conclusions.

“I am encouraged by this effort as the specific topics revealed at the Game Commission meeting in November includes content that I have long thought was in need of further discussion, understanding and consideration,” Coursey said.

Coursey plans to represent the state’s sportsmen and sportswomen and said some of the topics the task force will examine are contentious and warrant the kind examination being proposed. He said the topics include issues around limited quota hunt areas, preference points, resident versus nonresident considerations and landlocked public lands issues, among others.

“To spend a year on a deep dive on these topics will be a heavy lift and one that I believe requires significant public input to be measured a success,” he said. “My priorities are to be accessible, mindful and considerate to what I know will be sensitive subject matter.”

Coursey’s nonprofit organization has been involved in several initiatives focused on wildlife, especially the state’s muledeer populations. The MFF has helped fund research into muledeer migration and habitat, as well as wildlife crossings along sections of state highways.

“This group of individuals appointed to the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce reflects a collective of perspectives and expertise from citizens and leaders that will be valuable to our work on licensing and public access and other issues identified by the committee. Topics will require ingenuity, research and deep discussions,” Commission President Pete Dube said in a press release.

Coursey won’t be the sole voice from Sweetwater County on the task force. Former state senator Liisa Anselmi-Dalton of Rock Springs was also appointed. She said she found a notice seeking applicants for the task force. Wanting to stay involved in state issues and continue public service and having enjoyed her work on the legislature’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, she decided to apply.

Anselmi-Dalton said she will represent and protect tourism as a member of the task force as the state’s wildlife is one of the major draws to Wyoming. One of the top concerns she has is making Wyoming’s highways safer for tourists and wildlife, saying she’s a supporter of wildlife crossings.

“Wildlife crossings have been a big success, but they’re expensive,” she said.

She said tourist get excited when they see the state’s wildlife, regardless of if it’s wild horses, antelope or bears. She said visitors from larger cities also don’t have the opportunity to see wildlife in their native habitats and often seek information about local wildlife when in the area.

“If they see any animal ... they love it,” Anselmi-Dalton said.

According to information from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the task force was formed by a group consisting of Gov. Mark Gordon, Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives, the President of the state’s Senate, the president of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and the WGFD’s director.