WYG&F: Pronghorn Fund Helps Establish Conservation Easement

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports the Pronghorn Fund, established in 2024, is already yielding significant, on-the-ground conservation results across the Cowboy State. 

Created as a dedicated funding source to safeguard one of the state’s most iconic species, the fund is turning its mission into action by helping protect critical habitats and movement corridors. 

According to the department, the Pronghorn Fund recently helped secure a prioritized migration bottleneck on the Wild Horse Ranch near Boulder. As detailed in an announcement regarding the project earlier this month, the 233-acre permanent conservation easement protects a narrow, high-volume passage within the newly designated Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor.

This conservation milestone is a testament to the voluntary commitment of the Looney family. Through their partnership with the Jackson Hole Land Trust’s Green River Valley Program (GRVP) and collaborative funding partners, the Looney family has ensured their working agricultural land remains intact, protecting the landscape from future subdivision and habitat fragmentation while preserving vital passage for western Wyoming’s wildlife.

“It makes a difference when funding sources are dedicated to supporting a species, to which the Pronghorn Fund was established to do,” GRVP Director Kerry Schultz said.   

Housed as a restricted endowment under The WYldlife Fund, the Pronghorn Fund was created to bolster species-specific habitat restoration, corridor protection and scientific research. It was founded by retired Wyoming Game and Fish Department wildlife biologist Rich Guenzel and his wife, Mary. Their initial $500,000 commitment was fulfilled late last year through a legacy gift from the estate of Rich’s sister, Susan Guenzel. Today, those resources are actively being used to support projects like wildlife-friendly fencing and crucial easements.

“We are fortunate to partner with individuals and organizations who share a deep appreciation for Wyoming’s wildlife and are dedicated to protecting their habitat and critical migration corridors,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Deputy Chief of the Wildlife Division Martin Hicks said.

To learn more about the Pronghorn Fund, or to make a gift in support of pronghorn conservation efforts across the state of Wyoming, visit The WYldlife Fund’s Pronghorn Fund page.