CHEYENNE - On Monday, Aug. 24, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department hosted a press conference to address leadership transitions and the next steps for the agency.
Interim Director Eric Wiltanger, who assumed the leadership role on Aug. 10 following former Director Angi Bruce's resignation, addressed the agency's immediate priorities and long-term goals.
Game and Fish continues to prioritize terrestrial and aquatic habitat restoration, landowner partnerships, Mule Deer conservation, and public access.
"Our priority is straightforward," Wiltanger said. "Keep Wyoming's wildlife populations healthy by conserving the habitat they depend on, maintain movement corridors across the landscape, confront disease and invasive species, and make decisions grounded in the best available science."
Wiltanger emphasized the importance of internal stability and supporting Game and Fish staff to ensure that ongoing projects, priorities and initiatives would continue uninterrupted during the transitional phase.
"When I say my priorities are mostly internal, the highest order in my mind is leading Game and Fish to be as effective as possible in conserving wildlife, and serving people," Wiltanger said.
Chief Game Warden Dan Smith will fill Wiltanger's role as the Interim Deputy Director of Internal Affairs. Craig Smith, the Deputy Chief for the Wildlife Division, will be filling Smith's role as the Interim Wildlife Division Chief/Chief Game Warden.
The interim leadership team is expected to continue in their role through the election cycle, after which Game and Fish along with other state agencies will undergo the normal appointment process for executive level positions.