WHALES of Teton Valley • Entered by Liz McCane on January 26, 2024
Path of the Pronghorn advocacy
January 1, 2024 – January 5, 2024
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | |
| Post Admin hours | |
| Activity Hours | 0.5 |
| Participants | 5 |
| Total Hours | 2.5 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Wyoming Game and Fish
Short Description of Activity
The Sublette herd of Pronghorn Antelope is historically one of the largest in the world, but after last winter’s deep snow and cold, that may not be true anymore. Up to 75% of the collared animals perished. This is the herd that migrates between the Green River Basin north of Rock Springs, WY and Grand Teton N.P.; their migration is so famous it has a name – the Path of the Pronghorn. Gas drilling, ranch fencing, highways and other types of development pose significant challenges to their migration. From Wyoming Public Media:
“Prior to this past winter, there were 40,000 animals in the herd. The devastation is because of a harsh winter and a rare bacterial pneumonia disease coupled together last winter. The department estimates the death toll for the entire herd is closer to 50 percent. To try to help the herd’s numbers, Wyoming Game and Fish is considering adding protections to its historic migration route. This would mean a formal designation of their migration corridor, which is a lengthy process ultimately ending with the Governor’s signature. It could take years. But first, the department wants to hear from the public…Public comment on the proposal is open through Jan. 5.”
Reflection/Evaluation
In my weekly email I asked WHALES members to submit comments to WYF&G in support of designation of the antelope migration corridor. Oil and gas drilling and other types of development take place along the route and could be restricted, if official designation is successful.