-
Bebe Crouse
Phone: 406-579-8559
Email: bcrouse@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming has taken another step toward making its operations more environmentally friendly with the recent delivery of a Rivian all-electric truck to its Tensleep Preserve. The truck was provided through a collaboration between the vehicle maker and TNC aimed at cutting harmful emissions and helping keep Wyoming wild and working.
Rivian vehicles are inherently quieter than conventional trucks, equipped for the most challenging off-road conditions, and produce no tailpipe emissions – characteristics that provide unique benefits and research possibilities for sensitive ecological areas. TNC will share data collected to help enhance the development of new off-the-beaten-path driver experiences.
“Our team is excited to get behind the wheel of our very own Rivian to test it out across the vast terrain of TNC’s Wyoming preserves.” said Trey Davis, stewardship director for TNC in Wyoming. “Given the often-challenging driving conditions and weather we face in our work, we will definitely be putting this vehicle through its paces.”
Along with the trucks, publicly available EV/Hybrid charging stations have been installed at TNC preserves across the country, including Tensleep and Red Canyon Ranch Preserves here in Wyoming.
“It can be challenging to find charging locations in Wyoming and remote locations – thanks to the installation of new Rivian Waypoint charging stations at dozens of TNC preserves throughout the United States, we can offer a much-needed stop-over, or destination point for drivers to plug in and unplug in nature,” said TNC Wyoming state director Hayley Mortimer.
Wyoming was one of four TNC programs to receive vehicles, the others being California, Florida and Oklahoma.
In an ongoing effort to make its operations more sustainable, TNC in Wyoming has also installed solar panels on its Lander office building that provide almost all the headquarters’ power. Similar solar arrays are also online at the Tensleep Preserve, converting enough sunshine and then some to provide for its winter power needs and will act as a demonstration site for visitors during the open season. Dan Salzer, TNC's director of sustainability said he’d like to see this combination of solar, EV vehicles and charging stations throughout TNC in the future.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
Related Articles
Learn how The Nature Conservancy is working to secure Wyoming's natural values and way of life.
The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming prides itself on the research produced by its scientists. It’s one thing that sets TNC apart from many other conservation organizations.
In an effort to restore sagebrush on old mine sites in Wyoming, TNC scientists have taken to the lab—one that looks a bit like a hybrid kitchen and plant nursery.