Lander Fish and Wildlife office spared from federal cuts after tribal advocacy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lander Conservation Office will remain open after a push by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Shoshone and Arapaho Fish and Game Director Art Lawson reached U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, according to WyoFile. The office was one of seven federal facilities in Wyoming slated for closure as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s downsizing plan.

Burgum confirmed the decision during a June 11 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, saying the Lander office will stay staffed and operational. The General Services Administration also notified the office and property owner that the federal lease would continue. This marks the second time in 43 years that the Lander office has avoided closure following tribal advocacy.