Killdeer earns recognition

The Killdeer Wetlands west of Green River was recently identified as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

The Killdeer Wetlands became the 44th Important Bird Area in Wyoming, of a total list of about 8,000 such locations worldwide. Originally known as Alkali Flats, the wetlands dried up after the Fontanelle Dam was built. In 2009, the city and its Greenbelt Task Force started diverting water into the area. The designation was awarded to the wetlands last year and is recognized by both the regional and national Audubon societies.

Dave Mead, a Greenbelt Task Force member and exhibits coordinator for the Sweetwater County Museum, said the designation could help bring tourists to the area. Mead submitted the original application to both the regional Audubon Rockies society and the national society. Mead said bird watching is one of the top hobbies in the U.S. and people traveling through to bird watch at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge or Yellowstone National Park may stop in Green River to visit Killdeer Wetlands. Green River is host to another Important Bird Area, the Scott’s Bottom Nature Area, Mead said he’s already fielded questions about the wetlands from curious visitors.

“By being designated an IBA, we can become a destination for birders,” Mead said.

Mead said the museum sponsors his work with the task force, creating a partnership between the city and county museum.

Mead said 113 different birds have been spotted in the wetlands. The designation also helps the task force receive funding for project to restore and improve the wetlands. Mead said the Greenbelt Task Force wants to reintroduce native vegetation and expand the Greenbelt Pathway to the wetlands. Mead also said the task force wants to improve access to the wetlands through the development of trails and other access points. To do that, he said the task force will need to work with landowners in the area, including the Union Pacific Railroad, Bureau of Land Management and Rocky Mountain Power. He’s hopeful discussions with the groups will be fruitful as the task force has worked with the three groups for the past several years.