We know that thinning undergrowth and some trees in dense forests can reduce the risk of severe wildfires in those forests later. If that work is done well, are controlled burns also necessary to substantially reduce wildfire risk? New research conducted in Montana and 10 other western states shows the answer is yes. The combination of forest thinning and controlled burns can reduce future wildfire severity by more than 60% relative to untreated areas. When not done in combination, thinning or burning were each less effective at reducing the risk of subsequent severe wildfire. The study also underscored the importance of conducting controlled burns at regular intervals rather than a once-and-done approach: ten years after a forest was treated through thinning and/or fire, those treatments were less than half as effective at preventing severe fire than more recent treatments. The Nature Conservancy partners with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Bureau of Land Management, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, USDA Forest Service and other agencies to keep our forests healthier for nature and safer for firefighters and local communities. Our fire crews conduct controlled burns in spring and fall and forest thinning projects throughout the year. We are a proud partner in the study, which was done in partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the Forest Service Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. Read more about the study at https://nature.ly/3Y5sUDM.
The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming
Non-profit Organizations
Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends – in Wyoming and across the globe.
About us
For more than three decades, The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect and restore Wyoming's wild and working lands. Our goals are to secure water for people and nature, ensure Wyoming's lands support whole and functioning migration routes and habitats, and reduce emissions fueling hotter and drier conditions. We achieve these goals by developing breakthrough tools and ideas, amplifying local knowledge, influencing decision-making, and forging new paths to fund conservation efforts.
- Website
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https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/wyoming/
External link for The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 5,001-10,000 employees
Updates
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Job alert! Join our Wyoming team in a position that gets you out on the land for the benefit of nature and people. From the description: The WY Conservation Coordinator provides administrative, research, project management and other general assistance to the Wyoming Protection & Stewardship Team. The WY Conservation Coordinator may manage conservation data, conduct due diligence, administer contracts, develop project packages, respond to landowner and partner inquiries, maintain project records and monitor conservation easements. Work may be done in the field and in an office setting, compiling information collected by others. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Position location is flexible within Wyoming, with Lander preferred. The full job posting can be found online at https://nature.ly/3xYRBqE. Search for Job ID 55391. Deadline to apply is 11:59PM EST, August 1, 2024. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. 📸 Michaela Owens/TNC
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Those are some BIG babies! Four golden eagle fledglings were tagged by Teton Raptor Center biologists at our Heart Mountain Ranch Preserve last week. The young birds, just a couple of months old, were fitted with GPS tracking devices as part of an effort to learn about golden eagle movements and behavior. The scientists cover the birds’ eyes to keep them calm while they take measurements to gauge the eagles’ development, then attach the solar-powered tracking devices to their backs. The lightweight devices don’t inhibit the birds’ range of movement or ability to fly. And fly they do! Golden eagles have extraordinary speed and maneuverability, powered by a wingspan that can reach more than 6 ½ feet. They have been clocked at speeds of almost 200 miles per hour as they dive to attack prey or perform elaborate courtship rituals called “sky dancing.” Heart Mountain Ranch Preserve had three active golden eagle nests this year–a healthy population on prime habitat for this iconic raptor. Image © Emily Buckles/TNC
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Want a great (and interactive!) read for your holiday weekend? Scroll through our new Wildflower Watch Story Map! It's chock full of interesting maps and photos illustrating how our changing climate is altering the bloom times of Wyoming's native plants, with cascading impacts on animals ranging from bees to bears. Surprising but true: early spring flowers are blooming a whopping 17 days earlier on average. Check out the Story Map at https://nature.ly/45OFgSp
Wildflower Watch
storymaps.arcgis.com
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Many of the best spots for new solar farms in Wyoming are former coal mine sites. That’s because these heavy-industry sites are tied into the energy grid, have communities nearby that could use new jobs and have disturbed land that’s not ideal for wildlife. In an Inside Climate News story, check out how a “mining the sun” effort is unfolding in Gillette. (Our Wyoming Energy Program Director, Justin Loyka, is featured.) The common-sense approach to repurposing coal infrastructure is a win-win for Wyoming’s economy and conservation, but obstacles remain. https://nature.ly/4cCBeyv
Mining the Sun: Some in the Wyoming Epicenter of the Coal Industry Hope to Sustain Its Economy With Renewables - Inside Climate News
https://insideclimatenews.org
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Don’t miss these two fun, free events in Lander this month! This Saturday, June 22 at 8 am, join a community hike at Red Canyon Ranch–an outdoor laboratory, nature preserve and working ranch rolled into one! And on Tuesday, June 25 at 6:30 pm at the Coalter Loft, catch two short films focused on nature in Wyoming. Both events are 100% free, open to all, and part of our celebration of Challenge for Charities, the Lander Community Foundation’s annual community giving event. All gifts made to The Nature Conservancy as part of Challenge for Charities stay in the Lander community, supporting conservation of the iconic Red Canyon Ranch and the Popo Agie River for agriculture, recreation and wildlife. Get details on these events and more at https://nature.ly/3VL6OVj 📸 Chip Carroon
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This Saturday, June 22, come explore the beautiful Red Canyon Ranch on a 4.5-mile community hike at Red Canyon Ranch just outside Lander. You’ll meet new friends and connect with neighbors on this moderate hike at the ranch, which is an outdoor laboratory, nature preserve and working ranch rolled into one. Learn more and get RSVP info at https://nature.ly/4b8WB9F This community hike is part of our celebration of Challenge for Charities, the Lander Community Foundation’s annual community giving event. All gifts made to The Nature Conservancy as part of Challenge for Charities stay in the Lander community, supporting conservation of the iconic Red Canyon Ranch and the Popo Agie River for agriculture, recreation and wildlife. A donation is not required to join the hike–everyone is welcome. 📸 Randy Craft/TNC
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Join us in Lander on June 25 for a screening of two short films about nature in Wyoming! The first, Building Like Beavers, is about how people can restore streams by replicating beaver dams. The second, For Everything There Was a Season, is about how our changing climate is impacting the seasonal rhythms of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Doors open at the Coalter Loft at 6:30 pm. Films start at 7 pm and a Q&A will follow. Get details on this and other events at https://nature.ly/3KLM1e3 This fun, free event is part of our celebration of the Lander Community Foundation’s Challenge for Charities community giving event. All gifts made to The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming as part of Challenge for Charities stay in the Lander community, supporting conservation of the iconic Red Canyon Ranch and the Popo Agie River for agriculture, recreation and wildlife. A donation is not required to attend the screening–everyone is welcome! 📸 Scott Copeland
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You’re invited! This month in Lander, join The Nature Conservancy for a community hike or a film screening—or both! On Saturday, June 22, lace up your hiking boots and meet new friends on a 4.5-mile hike at Red Canyon Ranch—an outdoor laboratory, nature preserve and working ranch where we’re testing innovative grazing practices that benefit both people and nature. On Tuesday, June 25 at the Coalter Loft, catch two short films about nature in Wyoming. The first, Building Like Beavers, is about how human-made beaver dams can restore streams for wildlife and people. The second, For Everything There Was a Season, is about how our changing climate is affecting nature in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Both events are 100% free, open to all, and part of our celebration of Challenge for Charities, the Lander Community Foundation’s annual community giving event. All gifts made to The Nature Conservancy as part of Challenge for Charities stay in the Lander community, supporting conservation of the iconic Red Canyon Ranch and the Popo Agie River for agriculture, recreation and wildlife. Get details on these events and more at https://nature.ly/4bWIPYR 📸 Scott Copeland
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You’re invited! Join us Saturday, June 22 for a free, fun community hike at our beautiful Red Canyon Ranch near Lander! On this moderate 4.5-mile hike, you’ll meet new friends and discover how we’re conserving this iconic ranch as an outdoor laboratory, nature preserve and working ranch rolled into one. Learn more and get RSVP info at https://nature.ly/45p4Lt9 This community hike is part of our celebration of Challenge for Charities, the Lander Community Foundation's annual community giving event. © Timothy Rockhold
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