Research and Policy Analysis

The Ruckelshaus Institute conducts research and outreach on many of the natural resource challenges most important to Wyoming and the West. Our team of expert analysts and research scientists works closely with experts from throughout the University of Wyoming, across the state and beyond to produce high-quality reports, findings and other documentation.

Energy Mitigation Research and Outreach Initiative

The Ruckelshaus Institute’s new Energy Mitigation Research and Outreach Initiative is an effort to gather, synthesize, and deliver information on mitigation practices intended to ameliorate landscape-scale energy development impacts to wildlife. The initiative's latest publication, “Wind Development and Wildlife Mitigation in Wyoming: A Primer” outlines known practices to avoid or minimize impacts of wind facilities on wildlife and highlights existing wind energy policies with clear mitigation guidelines. Visit the Energy Mitigation Initiative.

Open Spaces Initiative

The Open Spaces Initiative is a collaborative project to make relevant data and information available to planners, policy makers, leaders, and the public to support effective maintenance of Wyoming's open spaces and working landscapes. The initiative's two latest publications, "Population Growth in Wyoming, 2000-2010," and "Second Home Growth in Wyoming, 2000-2010," synthesize the decennial census data to detail growth trends around the state. Visit the Open Spaces Initiative.

Recent publications

The Ruckelshaus Institute also publishes conference proceedings, reports, and white papers. Browse more Ruckelshaus Institute publications.

	Commercial Wind Energy Development in Wyoming: A Guide for Landowners This guide outlines the process of wind energy development for landowners and highlights key issues they may face. It also provide updates on the growing practice of landowner wind energy associations and the changing legislative landscape in the state.
	Bark Beetles in the Intermountain West: Redefining Post-Disturbance Forests and Management Strategies for Minimizing Impacts The Bark Beetle Management Workshop brought scientists and forest managers together with a variety of other interested stakeholders to explore management options, share ideas, and define a vision for the future of the West’s forests. The proceedings report key management and research ideas.

Projects by topic

Land Use and Management

Water

Energy and Environment

Culture and Community