BLM Wyoming’s Jennifer Walker receives Wyoming Game and Fish Appreciation Award

Story by Tyson Finnicum, public affairs specialist. Photos by BLM Wyoming.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming High Plains District (HPD) Fire Ecologist Jennifer Walker recently received the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) Appreciation Award in recognition of her dedication to natural ecosystem management and the positive impact she has made on Wyoming’s wildlife. The WGFD Sheridan Region presented the award to Walker during a small surprise ceremony in June 2022.

Since coming to the BLM Wyoming Buffalo Field Office more than a decade ago, Walker has educated and collaborated with members of the WGFD, private landowners, local governments, and other natural resource management agencies to facilitate natural ecosystem management in the area. Her application of fuels treatments has resulted in many successful projects that have benefited both native plant ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home. Specifically, WGFD highlighted Walker’s facilitation of 4,500 acres of conifer removal in curl-leaf mountain mahogany stands within mule deer winter range.

“The amount of habitat improvement projects that Jennifer has contributed to are too numerous to mention, but her involvement has been integral to getting these projects off the ground,” said WGFD Terrestrial Habitat Biologist Todd Caltrider. “The work she has accomplished in her career and the knowledge she has passed on will have an important impact on wildlife in the Sheridan Region for years to come.”

In addition to her skill at collaboration, Caltrider also noted Walker’s tireless work ethic and knowledge, referring to her as “one of the most brilliant ecologists you’ll ever have the opportunity to go out in the field with.”

Walker’s peers, both internal and external to the BLM, would say the same.

BLM High Plains District Manager Kevin Christensen points to Walker as an exemplary collaborator, bridging the gap between field office specialists and the fire program. 

Craig Short, HPD Fire Management Officer, calls her “an invaluable part of the HPD Fire Program,” noting her contributions to the team and her many accomplishments.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your passion, hard work, knowledge, and love for all things wild in Wyoming.