CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday night, Gov. Mark Gordon announced the upcoming release of the Wyoming Wildfire Recovery Guide. Gov. Gordon made the announcement at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, or WSGA, annual Winter Roundup in Casper.
That’s according to a release from the governor’s office, which stated that the guide will be explained in detail during a Wildfire Recovery Guide Webinar, hosted by the Wyoming Grants Management Office, or GMO. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 9 to 10 a.m.
The release stated that the purpose of the guide is to help wildfire-impacted households, landowners, small businesses and nonprofit organizations who are efficiently and effectively seeking federal relief.
During the event, Gov. Gordon told the WSGA that more than 850,000 acres of land burned during the 2024 wildfire season. Approximately 500,000 of those acres were on private land.
Gov. Gordon stated that he wants to move as quickly as possible to find assistance for those who were impacted by this year’s wildfires.
“Historically, large wildfires have affected mostly federal lands, forests and [the Bureau of Land Management]; but this year’s fires overwhelmingly hit private lands,” Gov. Gordon stated. “That is why we have had to look for new disaster management strategies that focus on repair and restoration specific to the 2024 fires, and ensure we address the impacts to the State’s agricultural sector, businesses, and homeowners.”
Gov. Gordon encouraged the GMO to research federal funding opportunities that could possibly be leveraged for wildfire recovery and restoration efforts on private property. As such, the GMO identified 18 different federal funding programs — including grants and low-interest loans ∞ that could possibly offer relief to impacted businesses, nonprofits and individuals who need it.
“The Governor’s recently established Grants Management Office can provide critical resources and capacity support to small businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and state agencies to assist with the pursuit of federal funding opportunities,” said Dru Palmer, the governor’s grants integration manager. “At the request of the applicant, GMO stands ready to research, write, review, and help with the management of the entire grant lifecycle.”
Gov. Gordon agreed.
“It’s important to do everything in our power to make certain those who need assistance know how and where to get it and to fully utilize the funds available to them. The GMO has done their due diligence and is prepared to assist those choosing to move forward to seek available federal funding,” he said.
Landowners and any other interested parties are invited to attend the Wildfire Recovery Guide webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. Attendees are required to register at this link in order to receive the webinar event.
The Wyoming Wildfire Recovery Guide is available at the Grants Office website.
CORRECTION, Dec. 12, 2024: A typo incorrectly identified the recovery guide. It has been corrected.
