AP 8-11,2016
The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust named Jill Randall, Pinedale, their 2016 Partner of the Year on Tuesday. The award is given annually to one group or individual for exemplary conservation work in Wyoming.
“Jill Randall is the epitome of conservation in western Wyoming,” Board Chair Kim Floyd, Cheyenne, said in presenting the award. “She has been a consistent partner of ours since the inception of the trust, and the footprint of her work covers hundreds of thousands of acres, with dozens of different partners.”
Randall, who is a regional habitat specialist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Departmernt, was cited for her work in the Wyoming Range, particularly prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, research, and invasive species control to enhance habitat for mule deer. In addition, the WWNRT recognized her efforts to enhance and conserve habitat for Greater Sage-grouse, elk, moose, and other iconic species in western Wyoming.
Board Vice-Chair Steve Meadows, Jackson, said, “Jill’s enthusiasm and energy is infectious. You get out in the field with her, and you see so much potential and so much accomplishment that you want to turn her loose on the rest of the world.”
Meadows also lauded her ability to bring diverse groups together for a common cause. “She works well with everyone,” he said. “You’ll have landowners, conservation groups, state and federal agencies all sharing in the effort and the results, and that is exactly the kind of energy we need to get things done in Wyoming.”
Predictably, Randall gave credit for the many successes in the area to her many partners.
“I have the great fortune to work with so many great landowners, biologists, habitat ecologiest and others that this stuff is really fun.” she said.
Randall began her career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 2003, working as a feedground biologist in Jackson. She has spent the last nine years as a terrestrial habitat biologist in Pinedale.
The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is a statewide program that improves and restores wildlife habitat and enhances the natural resource values of the state. Since its inception in 2005, the WWNRT has funded more than 700 projects with nearly 120 different partners. The program has contributed to more than $300 million in improvements on private, state and federal lands and waterways.