http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/board/index/ en info@jhwildlife.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-04T16:34:49+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/moose_vehicle_collisions_on_hwy_390/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/moose_vehicle_collisions_on_hwy_390/#When:16:34:49Z 2012-01-04T16:34:49+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/no_more_dead_moose_on_highway_390/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/no_more_dead_moose_on_highway_390/#When:16:24:29Z JHWF was featured in the "Guest Shot" section of this week's Jackson Hole News & Guide (1/4/12). Lowering your speed on Highway 390 by 10 mph at night, dawn and dusk when wildlife are hardest to see will add less than two minutes to drive the busiest 6.5 mile section of Highway 390 from the junction of Highway 22. Lower speeds increase driver reaction time and prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. What do you value more, reaching your destination with two minutes to spare or sustaining our moose population? Click on the title above to read the entire Guest Shot piece.On December 16, a vehicle hit a healthy cow moose which then required a Wyoming Game & Fish warden to put the suffering moose out of her misery beside her traumatized calf. This has understandably spurred heartbreak and outrage in our community. This tragedy marks the 4th moose that we have lost to wildlife vehicle collisions on Highway 390 in 2011 with the real number perhaps being higher. Are you willing to lose one more magnificent moose? We, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, are not. We are ready to take the lead in the effort to end wildlife vehicle collisions on Highway 390. For starters, voluntarily lower your speed on Highway 390 by 10 mph at night, dawn and dusk when wildlife are hardest to see. This will add less than two minutes to drive the busiest 6.5 mile section of Highway 390 from the junction of Highway 22. Lower speeds increase driver reaction time and prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. What do you value more? Reaching your destination with two minutes to spare or sustaining our moose population? The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation has funded the portable flashing signs that warn of wildlife on roadways in Teton County. From the beginning, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has been a key and valued partner in our road kill reduction efforts. In 1994, we launched a multi-faceted road kill reduction campaign, “Give Wildlife a Brake”, designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and promote safe wildlife movement.  In 2003, the JHWF completed a comprehensive study of the impact of roadways in Teton County on wildlife. The study identified wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots, mapped critical habitat, migration corridors, highlighted characteristics of crossing areas, estimated costs of WVCs, and recommended mitigation options. Consequently we chose dynamic message signs to provide the best mitigation value in preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Informing a driver of hazards improves their reaction time, giving them a significantly better chance of avoiding a wildlife collision. From 2006 to 2008, the JHWF purchased and placed five portable message signs to mitigate road kill in Jackson.  These signs are moved around the valley by WYDOT to alert drivers of wildlife hotspots.  Two of these signs were donated to Grand Teton NP where, according to park officials they saw a marked decrease in WVCs during the initial years the signs were in use. Three signs were donated to WYDOT and are in use around Jackson.  The JHWF purchased the message signs through generous donations from valley residents and wildlife advocates. A portable message sign costs approximately $15,000. The average cost of vehicle damage following a deer collision is approximately $3,353; a collision with an adult moose is much higher. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation operates a dedicated road kill hotline (307-734-9454) so people can notify us of road kill. We enter this information into our database and share the data with the agencies making difficult wildlife and roadway decisions. Earlier in 2011 we supported the initiative of Grand Teton National Park to lower the night time speed limit to 45 miles per hour. We just received a grant from the Community Foundation to support our road kill reduction efforts in 2012. Despite these many efforts, road kill remains a major problem in Teton County. In a report recently published by the Western Transportation Institute, the segment of Highway 390 where this moose was killed ranked as the highest value location of the 22 sites studied for mitigation action within Teton County. Here at the start of 2012 is a good time to make a concerted effort to stop the killing of wildlife on the valley’s roads. Let’s aim to go one full year without another moose dying on Highway 390. We are willing to do everything within the means of our organization to make this goal become reality. We already have a tentative commitment from one local forward-thinking business to support our efforts to end wildlife vehicle collisions on Highway 390. We applaud Grand Teton National Park, WYDOT, Wyoming Game and Fish, Teton County, the Town of Jackson, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Safe Wildlife Crossings, the Conservation Research Center of Teton Science Schools, the Bridger-Teton NF and the National Elk Refuge for their efforts to protect wildlife. This is an issue we can all rally around.  Are you in?  Visit http://www.jhwildlife.org to get involved. Can you envision a collaborative effort of citizens, organizations, and agencies focused on road kill reduction that establishes Jackson Hole as a community that demonstratively protects our extraordinary wildlife? Will you commit to taking two extra minutes to get to your destinations on Highway 390 to save a moose? Wouldn’t we all be proud if at the end of 2012 there were no moose killed by vehicles on Highway 390? Let’s make 2012 the year the slaughter ends on Teton County roadways. Leigh Work Executive Director Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation 2012-01-04T16:24:29+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/give_a_gift_for_jh_wildlife_this_season/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/give_a_gift_for_jh_wildlife_this_season/#When:20:26:52Z Season’s Greetings from the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, I am so honored to have been selected as the Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. As I settle into my new position, I want to share some information about the work we are doing and also about my background. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) has been making a tangible difference for wildlife throughout Jackson Hole for almost twenty years. With your support, we have worked to promote ways for our community to live compatibly with wildlife through partnerships, education and on the ground projects. Our work has become increasingly critical during the last two decades as both our human populations and our wildlife populations have expanded their ranges. Wildlife and human interactions have in turn increased in frequency and intensity. It is no longer uncommon to see grizzly bears in Grand Teton National Park and adjacent private lands. Unfortunately, it is also not uncommon to see mule deer killed on Broadway, right in the heart of Jackson Hole. In the past year, your support helped make our priority projects strong and successful. Some highlights from 2011 include the following: 1. In partnership with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, JHWF has helped to minimize human-bear interactions through our Bear Wise Jackson Hole Program, keeping bears wild and people safe. 2. To date, JHWF has removed over 150 miles of wildlife unfriendly fence. Your support will help ensure that our volunteers are able to continue to remove or modify many more miles of fence to help wildlife move safely through our beautiful valley. 3. In partnership with the Meg and Bert Raynes Wildlife Fund, the highly successful Nature Mapping Jackson Hole program worked to collect and disseminate meaningful wildlife data. These data are collected entirely by citizen scientist volunteers and aid a multitude of agencies and homeowners to make scientifically based wildlife management decisions. 4. With a primary goal of reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions in Jackson Hole, JHWF funds a diverse wildlife education program. Through our signature program, “Give Wildlife a Brake”, we have partnered with the Wyoming Department of Transportation on the moveable flashing signs you see on our roadways to reduce wildlife deaths. While I am new to the JHWF, I have a long history of living and working in this valley. For four summers as a college student, I worked in Yellowstone National Park; as a graduate student at the Yale School of Forestry, I studied the ecology of the region;  as a biologist for Biota Research and Consulting Inc., I worked to enhance many of the private lands in this valley; and as a wildlife researcher for both the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Conservation Research Center of Teton Science Schools, I tracked and studied pronghorn and mule deer from here to the Upper Green River Valley. This background allows me to understand this land from a biological perspective. I also have deep personal ties. Many of my closest friendships were forged in the Tetons more than a decade ago; I met my husband here and we were married at the base of the Grand; my children were born in the Jackson hospital and are growing up too quickly in the shadow of these mountains. The key reason I chose to join this organization is the incredible effectiveness that the JHWF has had in protecting our valley’s wildlife. Our success is a direct result of the volunteer and financial support many friends and neighbors, like yourself, offer to the foundation. My passion is wildlife conservation and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is the organization that “gets it done” in the valley. I hope we can count on your continued support for our work. Your investment truly makes a difference for our valley’s wildlife. Thank you for your energy, ideas, personal dedication and generous financial support. I look forward to meeting and working with you in the coming year. Happy Holidays! Sincerely, Leigh Work Executive Director Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation 2011-12-22T20:26:52+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/leigh_work_named_executive_director_of_the_jackson_hole_wildlife_foundation/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/leigh_work_named_executive_director_of_the_jackson_hole_wildlife_foundation/#When:22:26:46Z The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce their selection of Leigh Baker Work, as the new Executive Director for the Foundation. Ms. Work joined the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation at the end of October. Please join the JHWF in welcoming Leigh at a Community Open House on Thursday, November 17, 2011, 3-6 PM at JHWF Board Member, Henry Holdsworth's Wild By Nature Gallery.The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce their selection of Leigh Baker Work, as the new Executive Director for the Foundation. Ms. Work joined the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation at the end of October. Leigh moved to the region in 1991 and since then has worked as an environmental educator, wildlife biologist, and conservationist. Leigh has a great depth of experience in working with local landowners, conservation non-profits, local, state, and federal agencies. She respects the spectrum of opinions found within the region and its communities, especially in regards to wildlife. She looks forward to using her skills and expertise to assist the JHWF in making a positive and lasting impact to benefit our region’s wildlife. Leigh completed her Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies with a focus in international wildlife conservation and protected areas management. Leigh then worked as a field biologist for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and spent 3 years studying the impacts of natural gas development on pronghorn antelope working around the oil and gas fields of Pinedale, Wyoming. Most recently Leigh has worked as an ecologist with the Conservation Research Center of the Teton Science Schools on a project to assess mule deer and road crossings in Teton County. Her passions lay in wildlife conservation and, most importantly, her husband Chet and their twin daughters and son. Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board President, Bob Kopp, said “the board is very excited to welcome Leigh as the executive director. Leigh brings a great depth of skills, knowledge of the ecosystem and the community. We can’t wait for her to join us.” Leigh expressed her own enthusiasm about her new position and said “I believe in the words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead in that small efforts by committed citizens can change the world and that this effort exemplifies the work of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. I am thrilled to be coming on board as the new executive director. I look forward to connecting with the Jackson community soon from my new position and continuing the Foundation’s work of helping our community to live compatibly with our amazing wildlife.” Ms. Work can be reached c/o the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation beginning on October 31. The Foundation’s office number is 307-739-0968. General e-mail can be sent to the following e-mail: info@jhwildlife.org Nancy Shea had been serving as the Acting Executive Director for the Foundation throughout the summer. Nancy is also on the move and was recently selected as the Director of Education for Nature Bridge at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, formerly called Headlands Institute in Sausalito, California. Congratulations to Nancy! 2011-11-10T22:26:46+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/2_for_1_dinner_to_help_wildlife/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/2_for_1_dinner_to_help_wildlife/#When:00:35:59Z From October 31, through November 6, thanks to the generosity of the Fine Dining Group, when you eat at any of the following three restaurants and order two entrees – your second entrée is just $2.00. That $2.00 will be donated from every second entrée to the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. Are You Hungry?  Two for One Dinners to Help Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Eat, Drink, and Be Merry this week while giving wildlife a helping hand. From October 31, through November 6, thanks to the generosity of the Fine Dining Group, when you eat at any of the following three restaurants and order two entrees – your second entrée is just $2.00. That $2.00 will be donated from every second entrée to the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. So what are you waiting for! Go grab your friends and head out to dinner at any of the following restaurants. And remember when you’re on your way there - slow down and give wildlife a brake! Links to menus and reservations are below: The Q Roadhouse – Open 7 days a week Osteria – Open Tuesday through Saturday The Kitchen – Open Thursday through Monday 2011-10-28T00:35:59+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/wildlife_on_the_road_at_night/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/wildlife_on_the_road_at_night/#When:20:48:44Z 70 % of all deer, elk and moose are hit by vehicles at nightIn Teton County, 70% of all deer, elk and moose are hit on our highways between dusk and dawn.  1 out of every 9 of these accidents result in human injury.  To avoid a sudden collision with an animal at night, please drive slower, stay alert and pay attention to what might be standing on the roadside up ahead. 2011-08-30T20:48:44+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/vehicle-wildlife_collision_awareness_flier/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/vehicle-wildlife_collision_awareness_flier/#When:19:38:58Z Awareness Flier distributed to Jackson Hole Airport Rental Car Companies. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board of Director President, Bob Kopp, announced that Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation in collaboration with Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation has published a Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Awareness Flier to alert drivers to the potential hazards of driving in wildlife country. 40,000 copies of the flier have been printed – 20,000 to be distributed with rental cars at the Jackson Hole Airport and the rest to be distributed at various Jackson Area locations. Each year, more than 300 elk, deer and moose are killed by vehicles on Teton County and Grand Teton National Park roads.  Vehicle collisions also kill foxes, coyotes, bears, and birds.  Increases in traffic volume mean wildlife are faced with increasingly daunting challenges as they traverse the valley and park landscape, cross roadways or simply try to meet their daily needs for food, water, and space.  The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation sponsors two important projects to address wildlife mortality. JHWF prints and distributes the Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Awareness Flier. Through radio and print media, JHWF with our partners Community Foundation of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, alert the travelling public to the realities of the alarming number of vehicle-wildlife collisions. JHWF suggests simple changes in behavior:  slow down; pay attention to the sides of the road; don’t phone or text when driving.  These are smart and safe ways to drive and these behaviors result in dramatically less wildlife killed on our roads! Anyone can report wildlife mortality sightings by phone or email:  Roadkill Hotline: 734-9454 or info@jhwildlife.org.  Callers are encouraged to include:  the animal species with specifics if possible (age, gender); an accurate location (UTM coordinates are an added benefit); and the date and time of the encounter.  The wildlife mortality database is an effective tool in mitigating our negative impact on local wildlife.  2011-08-23T19:38:58+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/summer_edition_of_community_wildlife_just_released/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/summer_edition_of_community_wildlife_just_released/#When:15:41:03Z Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation has realized some significant accomplishments and experienced some major changes. The summer edition of Community Wildlife, JHWF's newsletter, provides details on our four core programs — Nature Mapping, Bearwise, Wildlife Friendly Fencing and Roadkill Prevention. Click here to open.Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation has realized some significant accomplishments and experienced some major changes. The summer edition of Community Wildlife, JHWF’s newsletter, provides details on our four core programs — Nature Mapping, Bearwise, Wildlife Friendly Fencing and Roadkill Prevention. Click here to open. 2011-08-16T15:41:03+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/jhwf_hiring_new_executive_director/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/jhwf_hiring_new_executive_director/#When:19:12:02Z Executive Director needed for the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote ways for our community to live compatibly with wildlife. Our mission is accomplished through educational and on the ground projects. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is a grass-roots organization with a working board, volunteer network and small staff. Candidate should be self-motivated with excellent organizational, project management, fundraising and communication skills.  A more detailed job description may be found below. Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to jhwildlife@gmail.com. JHWF_EXECUTIVE_DIRECTOR.doc 2011-08-02T19:12:02+00:00 http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/fence_pull_season_is_here/ http://www.jhwildlife.org/index.php/archive/comments/fence_pull_season_is_here/#When:20:59:35Z Fence pull season is here! This year we're hoping to reach 150 miles of fence PULLED! That's quite a milestone. Please come join in the fun and help us achieve this goal. Fence pull dates are: June 25, July 16, August 6, August 27, September 17 and October 1. Details (location, logistics, etc.) will be sent out a week before each date. If interested in helping out with this volunteer effort, please email JHWFfencepull AT gmail.com for more information. We hope to see you there!Fence pull season is here! This year we’re hoping to reach 150 miles of fence PULLED! That’s quite a milestone. Please come join in the fun and help us achieve this goal. Fence pull dates and locations are listed below. Details (meeting place and time, project duration, logistics, etc. will be posted on the JHWF website (here) at least 1 week prior to each event. If interested in helping out with this volunteer effort, please email JHWFfencepull@gmail.com for more information. We hope to see you there! Schedule June 25 (Spread Creek) July 16 (Cache Creek and Game Creek) August 6 (GTNP site TBD) August 27 (Slate Creek) September 17 (Slate Creek) October 1 (Site TBD) 2011-06-02T20:59:35+00:00