Wyoming Weighs Corridor Designation to Protect Longest Pronghorn Migration

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Governor Mark Gordon are considering whether to designate the Sublette pronghorn migration corridor, a move that could formally protect the state’s longest pronghorn migration route as the state gathers public input through May 2, WyoFile reports.

Spanning the Green River Basin, this migration path has been the focus of over two decades of scientific study. Wildlife biologists have tracked hundreds of Sublette herd pronghorn using GPS collars, generating detailed data on their seasonal movements. The findings identify key bottlenecks, stopovers, and high-use areas that are critical for the herd’s survival—information now under review as the state weighs its next steps.

Designation of this corridor would follow a model Wyoming adopted in 2020, when it officially mapped migration routes for the Sublette, Platte Valley, and Baggs mule deer herds. These earlier efforts have helped guide development away from sensitive areas while allowing continued multiple use of public lands, including grazing, energy development, and recreation.

Supporters of the current proposal point to both the wealth of data available and recent threats to the Sublette herd. Two winters ago, the herd suffered major losses due to severe snow and cold, nearly halving its population. Experts say that maintaining access to seasonal ranges through an intact corridor is essential for the population to recover and adapt to future extreme weather.

Designating the corridor would not impose restrictions on all development, but would provide a planning framework to ensure essential migratory routes remain open. Proponents note that similar measures have supported both wildlife and land users, enabling targeted conservation efforts without halting economic activity.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has stated that the decision will be guided by science and public input. The process includes mapping out habitat use based on years of GPS tracking and working with landowners and industry stakeholders to find collaborative solutions.