In the West (and other places with notable populations of moose), it is a shared experience to be driving or hiking a low-lying bog or flooded channel, or and exclaim, “Wow, that looks moosey!” Moose thrive in areas with young, regenerating vegetation and healthy wetlands and riparian zones. They are considered semi-aquatic and known to feed heavily on aquatic vegetation in marshy areas to gain needed sodium in their diet.

Along the Green River in Wyoming, intensive efforts are underway to understand, monitor and conserve moose, which are struggling with declining numbers due to habitat loss and environmental pressures. Lateral connectivity of river side channels and elevated water tables have diminished, converting much of the original floodplain into upland terraces. As a result of the dam regulating river flows and discouraging naturally occurring flooding events, the main river channel itself has eroded and become entrenched over the years, resulting from the water with little sediment moving through the dam. 

Given concerns over poor habitat conditions and low moose numbers, striking a balance between maintaining both a healthy moose population along the Green River and vigorous cottonwood and willow stands has been difficult.  While habitat monitoring data indicates browsing may be inhibiting growth of young vegetation, clear management solutions are not yet known. Along with the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), RMEF is committed to supporting a research project that seeks to understand seasonal movement of moose along the Green River, their home ranges and their preferred habitat.

Speaking on RMEF’s involvement, RMEF Chief Conservation Officer Blake Henning shared, “RMEF granted WAFWA $400,000 to get their Wildlife Movement and Connectivity Initiative up and running. $100,000 was used for logistical support and the other $300,000 is being spread between this and the other two highest priority projects, meeting RMEF and WAFWA goals of our memorandum of understanding. One of RMEF’s criteria was for projects to impact big game species beyond just elk, and these projects heavily benefit other species.  The Wyoming Moose project was such a priority for us that we have added an additional $32,000 of funding to fully fund the project.”

The Green River moose study will focus on collaring 10 to 15 moose bulls and cows along the Green River corridor, from Fontenelle Dam downstream to Interstate 80, including the Seedskadee NWR. Moose will be captured via helicopter, with efforts made to distribute collared animals throughout the study area and across different age/sex classes. GPS collars will be programmed to collect location data at regular intervals for a period of 2 to 3 years, allowing for detailed analysis of seasonal movements, home ranges, and habitat use patterns. RMEF and partners will analyze data collected from the GPS collars to:

  • Map seasonal movement corridors: Identify key areas of movement between Seedskadee NWR and neighboring hunt areas, and observe any shifts in habitat use during the rut.
  • Determine home range size and overlap: Calculate home ranges for individual moose and analyze with riparian restoration areas and key browsing locations.
  • Quantify habitat selection: Assess moose preference for specific habitat types within their home ranges, paying close attention to treated restoration sites, and recently planted areas.
  • Estimate moose density and distribution: Utilize collar data to inform density estimates in different parts of the study area, particularly within and adjacent to Seedskadee NWR.