Despite the economic slowdown, and the challenging fundraising environment resulting from an anemic global economy, the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) funded $2,854,286 in conservation, education, research and advocacy programs during the 2009-2010 fiscal year which ends June 30, 2010.
Of the $2.85+ million donated to mission programs during the year, contributions to state, provincial and tribal agencies through the sale of special permits and tags totaled $2,402,940. Proceeds from these funds support wildlife conservation and habitat improvement initiatives primarily benefiting wild sheep and other mountain ungulates and their habitat but also supports all wildlife. Funded industry support and advocacy programs totaled $201,250, and habitat restoration, improvement, acquisition and disease research funding totaled $174,333. The Foundation funded international wild sheep projects primarily in mid Asia totaling $68,273, and youth education programs totaling $7,490 to round out the $2,854,286 of on-the-ground projects, programs and initiatives funded during the year.
The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, was founded in 1977 by sheep and mountain hunting enthusiasts and conservationists. With a membership of more than 10,000 worldwide and a chapter network in North America, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, wild goats, other mountain wildlife, and their habitat. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation has raised and expended more than $75 million on conservation, education and mission advocacy programs in North America, Europe and Asia.
FY 2009-2010 Mission Program Funding
State Provincial & Tribal Agencies
Alaska Department of Fish & Game
$14,400
Alberta Hunter Education Foundation
$230,400
Arizona Department of Fish & Game
$120,000
Baja - Ejido Bonfil
$221,240
Baja Sur Desert Sheep Program
$42,550
Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife
$53,100
California Department of Fish Game
$80,000
Carmen Island - Desert Sheep Program
$57,150
CEMEX - Desert Sheep Program
$63,000
Chihuahua Desert Sheep Program
$45,900
Hualapai Tribe Fish & Wildlife
$29,250
Isla Tiburon - Seri Wildlife & Community Development
$210,000
Kluane First Nation Wildlife
$72,500
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks
$247,500
Navajo Nation Fish & Wildlife
$63,900
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
$2,925
Nevada Division of Wildlife
$135,000
New Mexico Department of Game & Fish
$97,500
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
$99,000
Patrocipes Desert Sheep & Mule Deer Program
$26,250
Taos Pueblo Game & Fish Department
$144,900
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
$103,500
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
$120,000
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
$49,500
Wyoming Game & Fish Department
$74,475
TOTAL:
$2,402,940
Industry Support
Guide/Outfitter Assoc. of BC
$10,000
Alaska Professional Hunters Association
$10,000
Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
$250
Yukon Outfitters Association
$5,000
USA Shooting Team
$175,000
SFW - Wyoming Predator Program
$1,000
TOTAL:
$201,250
Education
National Archery in the Schools Program - Park County
$3,000
Buffalo Bill Historical Center - Hunting Lecture Series
$500
Cody Regional Support & Outdoor Education
$2,990
Colorado Division of Wildlife - Sheep/Goat Expo
$500
Wyoming Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo
$500
TOTAL:
$7,490
International Conservation
Mongolia Argali & Ibex Conservation
$43,273
Conservation Force - CITES CoP Support
$25,000
Cody Regional Support & Outdoor Education
$2,990
TOTAL:
$68,273
Habitat & Disease Research
Wild Sheep Disease Research - WSU Veterinary School