University of Wyoming Partners with Jackson Fork Ranch to Preserve Yellowstone Ecosystem

Strategic Insights -

Faculty members and students from the University of Wyoming's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources recently joined researchers and conservation leaders at the inaugural Saving Yellowstone Conservation Summit at the Jackson Fork Ranch near Bondurant. The summit marked the first significant milestone of a multiyear research partnership between UW and the Jackson Fork Ranch, made possible through a grant from Joe Ricketts. The partnership supports Haub School-led studies on species connectivity, wildlife behavior, and landscape resilience, which are projects designed to guide real-world conservation policy across the Yellowstone ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Wyoming's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources partnered with the Jackson Fork Ranch to preserve the Yellowstone ecosystem through a multiyear research partnership.
  • The partnership was made possible through a grant from Joe Ricketts, founder of Saving Yellowstone.
  • The research partnership focuses on species connectivity, wildlife behavior, and landscape resilience.
  • UW researchers presented new studies on golden eagle migration, beaver-driven habitat restoration for moose, and the interactions of large and medium-sized carnivores.
  • Haub School faculty members joined panels alongside researchers from other universities, highlighting the importance of research collaboration for long-term ecosystem health.
  • The Saving Yellowstone Conservation Summit aims to turn research into action, ensuring that today's lessons shape tomorrow's resilience.
  • The partnership will continue to be held annually at Jackson Fork Ranch to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and conservation leaders.

Statistics:

  • The Yellowstone ecosystem is one of the last nearly intact temperate ecosystems on Earth.
  • The partnership will support Haub School-led studies on species connectivity, wildlife behavior, and landscape resilience across the Yellowstone ecosystem.
  • The research partnership includes projects on golden eagle migration, beaver-driven habitat restoration for moose, and the interactions of large and medium-sized carnivores.
  • The University of Wyoming's partnership with the Jackson Fork Ranch empowers students to study real-world conservation policy and applies that knowledge in collaborations.
  • The Saving Yellowstone Conservation Summit will be held annually at Jackson Fork Ranch to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and conservation leaders.

Sources:

  • University of Wyoming news release
  • Joe Ricketts, founder of Saving Yellowstone
  • John Koprowski, dean of the Haub School
  • University of Montana
  • Montana State University
  • University of Idaho
  • University of Colorado Denver