The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has released a new section of its website devoted to wetlands. Information has long been sprinkled around the website, but until now there has never been a one-stop shop to learn about the ecosystem. A team has been working on putting together the webpage for about a year.
Ian Tator, statewide terrestrial habitat manager for the Game and Fish Department, said wetlands are critical to Wyoming’s wildlife even though they only comprise 2 percent of the state.
“Ninety percent of the species found here, at one point or another in their lifecycle, rely on wetlands and so [it's] really a critical ecological component of the landscape,” he said.
Tator added that the website is a helpful resource for educators building a curriculum, landowners who want to support the ecosystem themselves, and other groups.
“Certainly, there’s components of the website that would appeal to hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who have a general appreciation for wetlands, and then people who might be curious and want to know more about the ecology of wetlands, how to conserve wetlands,” Tator said.
Tator added that the new online section is an outreach effort to help anyone learn more about wetlands.