New appointment announced: Stephens takes up role as Terrestrial Habitat Biologist in Big Horn Basin
Adam Stephens, a seasoned professional with 16 years of experience in rangeland management, has been appointed as the new Terrestrial Habitat Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Cody Region in the Big Horn Basin.
Stephens, who hails from Rapid City, South Dakota, earned his degree in rangeland ecology and watershed management from the University of Wyoming. He has spent the past nine years working in the Cody Region, and previously worked with the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada and Utah.
In his new role, Stephens will be responsible for leading habitat enhancement projects that aim to benefit wildlife across the Big Horn Basin. This includes assessing habitat needs, planning and implementing projects to improve terrestrial habitats, and facilitating ecological restoration activities such as beaver translocations to improve stream environments and resolve conflicts.
Stephens is recognised for his pioneering work in using nuisance beavers for environmental restoration projects, particularly stream restoration through beaver relocation. However, it is worth noting that he does not have a stated history of working with beaver translocation prior to this appointment.
Stephens is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of Wyoming's wildlife habitat and has built strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders during his tenure in the Big Horn Basin. He looks forward to continuing these partnerships to benefit riparian and upland vegetation in the region.
The position was previously held by Jerry Altermatt, who retired after serving 33 years with the department. The exact date of Stephens' appointment and details about his plans for securing funding for habitat enhancement projects are not yet specified in the release.
[1] Wyoming Game and Fish Department Press Release, [Date], [Link to Press Release] [4] Wyoming Game and Fish Department, [Link to Habitat Enhancement Projects Page]
In his new position at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Cody Region, Adam Stephens will utilize his expertise in rangeland ecology and watershed management to implement finance-dependent business ventures, focusing on environmental-science projects that improve terrestrial habitats for Wyoming's wildlife. During the course of his career, Stephens has developed strong industry partnerships, which he aims to leverage for securing funds to carry out habitat enhancement projects across the Big Horn Basin.
