Wyoming Conservation Exchange: A Case Study in Grassroots Conservation Program Design

Authors

• Kristiana Hansen, University of WyomingFollow
• Sara Brodnax, Audubon SocietyFollow
• Roger Coupal, University of WyomingFollow
• Jennifer Lamb, The Nature ConservancyFollow
• Anne MacKinnon, University of Wyoming (adjunct faculty)Follow
• Ginger Paige, University of WyomingFollow
• Eric Peterson, Wyoming Conservation ExchangeFollow
• Melanie Purcell, Sublette County Conservation DistrictFollow

Volume

61

Issue

4

Abstract

This article describes the conception and development of a market-based conservation program in Wyoming whose purpose was threefold: to compensate landowners for good stewardship of their land and water resources; facilitate meaningful conservation; and encourage environmentally responsible energy development. The program was developed with strong stakeholder support against a backdrop of significant regulatory change. The project, called the Wyoming Conservation Exchange (WCE), represents a project-based alternative to more traditional program-based Extension efforts. This article evaluates ways in which the WCE can act as a road map—but also a cautionary tale—for similar Extension efforts in the future.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Hansen, K., Brodnax, S., Coupal, R., Lamb, J., MacKinnon, A., Paige, G., Peterson, E., & Purcell, M. (2024). Wyoming Conservation Exchange: A Case Study in Grassroots Conservation Program Design. Journal of Extension, 61(4), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.04.02