CHEYENNE. – State-backed grant funding to aid in landscape-scale wildfire restoration and recovery efforts is nearing deployment. The effort, undertaken by Governor Mark Gordon, will deliver nearly $50 million in legislatively-allocated funds for on-the-ground projects to prevent the spread of invasive annual grasses and restore resilient grass and rangelands.
The support for the wildfire restoration grants came through Senate Enrolled Act 62, which appropriated $49,479,564 to the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust (WWNRT) account. The funds were authorized to provide grants to conservation districts, weed and pest districts, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for projects that directly address restoration of habitats on both state and private lands. Funded projects must be habitat restoration-focused related to wildfire response – no funding may be used for equipment or structures. 

“Wyoming’s landscapes are our livelihood. Wildfires present a tremendous threat, and recovery must be approached thoughtfully and in concert with private landowners,” Governor Gordon said. “I thank the Legislature for recognizing this need and for putting resources behind a grant program that can enable land managers to get to work on rehabilitation efforts quickly.”
WWNRT solicited grant applications beginning in mid-March from eligible entities. Applications were discussed regionally with meetings held in Wheatland, Gillette and Buffalo that included project proponents; state agency and Governor’ office representatives; and legislators. 
“Our grasses and natural resources are the underpinning of nearly all our state’s economic drivers. Time is of the essence – we cannot wait for these restoration projects, and we do not want to see a loss of habitat from lack of effort. We have an opportunity to treat those areas impacted by wildfire today to circumvent a less than desirable future,” Bob Budd, WWNRT director said.  
In the coming weeks, a multi-agency committee will convene to review proposals and make final award recommendations. Announcements are projected for mid-May. 
Grant funding for wildfire recovery was one of the Governor’s top priorities during the 68th Legislature. In addition to grants, the Legislature also made $25 million available in a loan program through Senate Enrolled Act 50 - Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.