The Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) at the University of Wyoming developed the database and website for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's newly released natural resources initial assessment tool.
A computer-based mapping tool for viewing the locations of a wide variety of wildlife habitats, big game migration corridors, federal/state/private land status, human structures such as towns, roads, oil or gas wells; and other features is now available through a comprehensive database on the Internet.
This landscape-level information, called the Wyoming Interagency Spatial Database and Online Management System (WISDOM,) is endorsed by the Western Governors’ Association. Similar information will soon be available in all western states and is already available for Arizona, California and Montana.
“These special maps are valuable for anyone interested in wildlife, but particularly to companies looking to lay a pipeline or other means of transmission,” says Kirk Nordyke, geographic information system coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “The maps could also be useful for someone planning any type of project and wanting to know the type of wildlife habitat in the project area, as well as proximity of other projects, roads, streams, etc., so they will have a detailed snapshot of the land use and wildlife status they would deal with on the project.”
WISDOM does not identify the location of individual private lands or owners' names, or specific wildlife sites, such as sage grouse leks, raptor nests or bear dens. The maps are not recommended as a public/private land guide for hunters.
WISDOM can be accessed at http://wisdom.wygisc.org. It includes a tutorial on its operation and what the system offers.
This month, WyGISC offers online workshops on how to use the system and its various applications. Enroll in the workshops at http://wisdom.wygisc.org. Workshops are offered Thursday, Aug. 16, noon-1 p.m.; Monday, Aug 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 24, noon-1 p.m.
Before its launch to the public, the WISDOM system was presented to agricultural and energy organizations, land management agencies and various other organizations during spring 2012.
Persons with questions about the system should email wgfwisdomcomments@wyo.gov.
