Altermatt retires after 33 years of service

Terrestrial Habitat Biologist Jerry Altermatt retired last week, bringing his 33-year career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to a close. 

Altermatt began his Game and Fish career in 1992 as a special project biologist and worked on a cooperative project with the Bureau of Land Management to resolve big game and livestock conflicts. Over the next nine years, Altermatt worked on various habitat projects throughout the Bighorn Basin. In 2001, Altermatt transitioned to the role of terrestrial habitat biologist for the Cody Region where he remained for the rest of his 33-year career.

Wildlife Management Coordinator Corey Class said Altermatt’s knowledge of ecological principles and habitat management is well-known and respected throughout Wyoming. “While not the only noteworthy accomplishment of his career, Altermatt is best-known for his work with riparian habitats and beavers,” Class said, “Over the past decade, he has been at the forefront of utilizing beavers to restore riparian areas across the Cody Region and researching best practices for beaver reintroduction.”

Altermatt is a former Basin resident.