Biologist will drive habitat improvement projects for upland birds and big game
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are excited to introduce the new Wyoming state coordinator, Nick Yashko. In his role, Yashko will drive habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff and work closely with partners, local chapters and other stakeholders. This work will ensure upland habitat continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations while supporting sustainable agriculture, healthy soil and clean water.
"We are excited to bring Nick into this new leadership position in the west,” said Al Eiden, PF & QF’s director of field operations. “Wyoming has a ton of opportunities to improve habitat for sage grouse and other upland birds, and impact recreational access opportunities. Nick's expertise and experience working with the agricultural community to implement habitat restoration at a landscape scale as well as with developing strong relationships will be a huge addition to the wildlife community in Wyoming."
Yashko previously worked for PF & QF as a Farm Bill biologist in Alabama’s quail range. His work with partner organizations, creating habitat management plans, leading team members and more helped prepare him for his new position. Yashko holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and management from Auburn University.
Yashko will now ensure effective conservation delivery throughout Wyoming, with a focus on sage grouse and sharptailed-grouse habitat, and big game migration corridors. He will also help expand landscape-level habitat initiatives, including Wyoming’s wildlife biologist program and enhancement of upland habitat for sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse in The Cowboy State.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to grow the team in Wyoming and continue great conservation work in the state,” Yashko said. “The team members in Wyoming have already set the bar high and we’ll continue to achieve our goals of improving habitat for all wildlife, especially for upland birds and big game.”
For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Wyoming, contact Nick Yashko at NYashko@PheasantsForever.org.