The lakes in the alpine areas of the Wind River Range have historically been fishless - that is, until humans started stocking them for recreational use. The introduction of these fish changed the ecosystems of the lakes, and specifically, the microscopic animals that float through the water, known as zooplankton. Now, University of Wyoming researchers want to know if the change in zooplankton has influenced a change in the fish.
On a pond in a top-secret spot on the Laramie plains, I take my first steps out onto the ice behind Fisherman Larry Fioanini. He tells me to walk right behind him, pointing out some open water in the middle where a spring percolates, keeping it from freezing.
Wildlife based recreation in Wyoming increased by three percent in 2017 from the year before. That's according to a new analysis by the University of Wyoming. This is the second time the University of Wyoming analyzed the economic contribution of big game hunting, fishing and wildlife watching in the state.
Some fishing and hunting licenses will now be valid for 12 months after the date of purchase. Previously, all licenses from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department expired January 1, even if the license was only bought a week earlier.
