LANDER / WIND RIVER RESERVATION
Natural Resource Management
2027 Applications Open March 1
Natural Resource Management
Lander / Wind River Reservation
Examines natural resource management techniques on western reservations specifically the Wind River Indian Reservation. Focus is on the management and planning of water, grazing, extractive industries, and forestry. Fieldwork on the Wind River Reservation is included.
Students will immerse themselves on the Wind River Indian Reservation and tribal natural resource landscape of Bull Lake Big Wind River and Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative. You will combine hands-on field research with classroom learning to explore water issues, Buffalo Rematriation, Northern Arapaho tribal ranch, and exposure to tribal resource programs of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
Instructors: Tarissa Spoonhunter
SUMMER FIELD PROGRAM
Immerse yourself on the Wind River Indian Reservation and tribal natural resource landscape of Bull Lake Big Wind River and Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative. You will combine hands-on field research with classroom learning to explore water issues, Buffalo Rematriation, Northern Arapaho tribal ranch, and exposure to tribal resource programs of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
ENR 4890 Resource Management on Western Reservations | 3 credits
Field Experience
2026 Dates June 1-5, 2026
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UW students.
Application preference is given to students in Haub School programs.
PRE-REQUISITES
None.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.
PROGRAM FEE TBD $500
The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.
What's Included accommodations, back country permit, instruction, and some meals.
What's Not Included round trip transportation to Lander, WY, some meals (including travel days), and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship
Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GRANTS
Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant
Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines.
visit the beautiful landscapes of the Wind River Indian Reservation including the Wind River Canyon
learn about Wind River Wilderness area established by the Wind River tribes in 1930s that inspired the Wilderness Act of 1964
tour the headquarters for the Wind River tribal Buffalo Initiative which designation of buffalo as wildlife on reservation lands, Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and buffalo rematriation
This program involves active outdoor experiences in spring runoff requiring moderate physical fitness and unpredictable weather tolerance--rain, wind hail, and possibly snow.
Participants should be prepared for extended periods outdoors exposure to sun (bring sun screen/hats) small hikes and staying in heated dormitory-style accommodations.
You'll spend full days outdoors on the Wind River Indian Reservation with guest speakers, oral historians, and managers of natural and cultural resources of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho sovereign nations.
QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator:
Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu