Wildlife Habitat Enhancement and Spatial Analysis Program (WHESAP)

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us with questions about wildlife habitat, current projects, ideas for new projects, or concerns about potential project impacts.

For general questions about wildlife populations or hunt status, please contact the pertinent area office: ADF&G Area Office Contacts.

Staff

John Wagoner

John Wagoner has served as the Conservation Coordinator for the Wildlife Habitat Enhancement and Spatial Analysis Program (WHESAP) since 2024 and is based in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) office in Soldotna.

John earned a bachelor's degree in wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management from West Virginia University, building on studies at Hocking Technical College. He brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in habitat and land management across a wide range of systems, including fisheries, waterfowl, upland birds, and big-game habitat. Prior to joining ADFG, John spent ten years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), working in Northern California, eastern Oregon's high desert, southwest Montana, and Molokai, Hawai`i. These experiences helped him develop a practical, landscape-specific approach to habitat restoration and management.

In his role with WHESAP, John collaborates with ADFG biologists and partners from state, federal, tribal, nonprofit, and private organizations to plan and implement projects that enhance wildlife habitat and improve public hunting opportunities across Alaska. His work focuses on practical, collaborative solutions that benefit species such as moose, bison, and upland birds while supporting resilient landscapes.

Outside of work, John enjoys exploring Alaska through hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmachining, and rafting.

John can be reached at john.wagoner@alaska.gov and 907-262-9368.

---

Ryan Adam

Ryan Adam has served as the Wildlife Biologist for the Wildlife Habitat and Spatial Analysis Program (WHESAP) since 2023 and has been with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) in the Fairbanks office since 2017. Ryan received his bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2016.

In his role with WHESAP, Ryan supports habitat management and conservation planning by identifying habitat needs, designing and administering habitat treatments, and applying spatial analysis and ecological modeling to inform best management practices. His day-to-day work includes conducting field surveys, analyzing data, and coordinating habitat improvement projects that promote wildlife conservation while supporting sustainable land use.

Ryan can be reached at ryan.adam@alaska.gov and 907-459-7221.