Study: Wyoming Wildlife Trust Creates 500 Jobs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An economic analysis estimates the relatively young Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust has created more than 500 jobs a year and about $21 million in worker income in the state since 2006.

It also estimates that every dollar invested in conservation easements returns $4 in economic value.

The trust is an independent state agency that was created in 2005. It funds projects that enhance and conserve wildlife habitat and natural resource values throughout the state. It has allocated more than $35 million to more than 320 projects across the state.

More than 200 separate entities have contributed money to help fund the projects.

The economic analysis of the state's investment in the trust was done by the University of Wyoming's Ruckelshaus Institute and The Trust for Public Land.