Feds ask for funding from PVHP

In what might seem like a twist of fate to some, a private non-profit is looking at providing more funding for federal agencies in the Valley.

The Platte Valley Habitat Partnership (PVHP) listened to proposals requesting funds for six new projects focused on improving mule deer and sage grouse habitat.

Three federal agencies, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests (MBRNF), and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) are applying for matching funds for five of the proposed projects. The Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District (SERCD) is applying for funds for one project.

The PVHP received $500,000 in seed money from the WGFD in order to provide matching funds, primarily for mule deer habitat improvements in the Platte River Valley. PVHP has a goal of providing from a 1:5 to a 1:7 ratio of approved projects. According to Katie Cheesbrough, with the PVHP, they awarded about $90,000 in 2014 and are looking at providing $80,000 in the upcoming year. At this rate, the initial seed money should last about five years.

Because PVHP only provides matching funds, "It really helps the people who are applying to search for funds from other places and bring parties in that will really bring interest to the Valley," Cheesbrough said, "It makes sure that everybody has got skin the game and we are working to a mutual goal."

The BLM is proposing to treat 480 acres in three areas by removing invasive conifers in riparian and upland aspen habitat. The treatments would include a mixture of mechanical and manual tree felling, and future burning of slash piles. Invasive noxious weeds would be treated with chemical herbicides. The BLM is asking for $25,000 from the PVHP for operation funding. The BLM has already contributed $60,000 to the project and intends to contribute $43,000 in 2015.

Other entities working in cooperation for this habitat improvement include the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust (WWNRT), Local Sage-Grouse Working Group (LSGWG), Conoco-Phillips, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Southeast Wyoming Chapter (MFFSWC). The projects would be in three areas, one on Barrett Ridge, one along Big Creek and on along Methodist Creek.

WGFD is proposing two projects. One would decommission and reseed 10 miles of roads in the Pennock Wildlife Habitat Management Area (PWHMA). The other project would spray herbicide to kill cheatgrass in 785 acres near Spring Creek. Both actions are intended to improve big game and grouse forage and mule deer brood rearing habitat.

WGFD is asking for a total of $40,600 from PVHP for the two projects. Other sources of funding expected from the WGFD include WWNRT, BLM, LSGWG, Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), RMEF and MFFSWC. The WGFD projects are expected to cost $263,150. The funds requested from PVHP will be used for materials, contractor services and compliance and permitting requirements.

The MBRNF is also asking for funding for two projects. The Forest Service is hoping PVHP will provide $8,000 for staff salaries in order to implement 451 acres of prescribed burns near Divide Peak. The prescribed burns are estimated to cost $45,000 and the MBRNF is expecting an additional $12,000 from sources outside of the PVHP.

The MBRNF would also like to "apply herbicide and release biological controls for invasive species across 1,000 acres of mule deer habitat on the National Forest in the Platte Valley," according to one funding application.

These treatments would be in several areas in the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Mountains. For this, the MBRNF is asking PVHP for $4,120 to purchase additional herbicide supplies and biological controls. The Forest Service is planning to provide $19,218, Carbon County Weed and Pest will contribute $4,310, and the RMEF will fund $7,506 of the estimated $34,704 weed control project.

Control of noxious weeds is intended to "promote the re-establishment and productivity of native grasses, forbs, and shrubs on stopover areas and concentrated use areas in mule deer transition, winter, and parturition ranges by treating invasive weed infestations."

One non-federal entity, the SERCD, is asking PVHPO for $7,000 to convert 4.5 miles of fence near Barcus Peak. The replacement fence allows wildlife to pass through more easily and can be laid down during seasons where livestock separation is not necessary. The project is expected to cost $51,000 and the WWNRT, MFFSWC, RMEF, Bowhunters of Wyoming and the landowner of the project area are expected to contribute.