Bent Sprockets, NEWORC

Bent Sprockets started out 4 years ago as a group of avid mountain bikers who would occasionally get together to ride, but it has evolved into so much more. Dedicated to getting people outside and active, this Newcastle-based club is creating opportunity, maintaining and building trails, as well as organizing epic events. The core interests of the group are biking, trail running, hiking and rock climbing- however, they are known to embrace any adventure they can possibly find. Bent Sprockets continues to be a leader in the State for increasing trail opportunities, and participates in the Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative. They have developed multiple trail systems, including 17 miles at the Flying V Trails and 5 miles at the Old Quarry Trails. They work to educate people about the over 120 miles of single track trail in the Northeast Wyoming. 

In the next year, Bent Sprockets will continue the forward progress on local trails, working on the next phase of the Old Quarry Trails. These guys don't sit idle- they are constantly working with the BLM on new ideas for trails and access.

Increasing the opportunities for the community's youth to enjoy their local environment is also high on Bent Sprockets to do list. They have been active in supporting and teaching youth bike safety, and their love of the outdoors with the next generation. Over 30 kids joined them to ride their obstacle course last year, learning trail etiquette and how to ride safely. Many of the local youth never have the opportunity to enjoy the trails just minutes from town. Bent Sprockets strives to break down the barriers that hinder people from developing the love for the outdoors.

The 3rd annual Cave Man Fun Run is coming up fast- May 20th. This race offers 3 distances, 5k, 10k and 20K. Anyone is welcome to walk the courses as well. BIG NEWS -they are hosting a "re-grand opening" of the Flying V Trails after the event. Bent Sprockets is proud of the work done at Flying V to increase accessibility and opportunity. They invite all Collaborative members, bikers, and runners to join them at the V for the party.

Also on the books is the 50/50 race October 7, 2023. This multi-surface bike race features two courses, a 40 mile loop and a 100 mile loop. Both courses are a combination of pavement, gravel, and dirt road. There is something for everyone! They highlight some of the area's beautiful scenery. Sign up and start training, Bent Sprockets would love to see you on the trail!

Northwest College, PCORC

Outdoor Education and Recreational Leadership are passions of our friends at Northwest College in Powell. The Center for Training and Development's Christi Graeham serves on the Steering Committee for the Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative, and works with students to build community around outdoor recreation pursuits. Believing that the key to experiential learning is designing instruction that engages all of a learner's senses sets this adventure education program apart. DELTA is an acronym which stands for "Dedicated to Experiential Learning Through Adventure." DELTA workshops can be designed to target many themes, including team building, cooperation, communication, collaboration, self-confidence, diversity, trust, creativity, and leadership. Northwest College has access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state within minutes of campus. Their DELTA guides specialize in all types of different outdoor activities including fishing, rock climbing, rafting and hiking. From beginners to professionals, their instructors aim to produce a skilled and ethical workforce in outdoor recreation. They customize any activity to fit the needs of the participants, from young kids to older adults. They work with local agencies to arrange special tours, and can provide transportation as well as any equipment and training that may be needed. They have access to an Outdoor CO-OP which houses everything from safety gear to mountain bikes to rafts for student use. The goal of this program is to teach everyone how to safely recreate in Wyoming's great outdoors.

Sevi Shperun. SWORC

• Who is your employer? US Forest Service, Recreation Program Manager, Saratoga
• Which Outdoor Recreation Collaborative(s) do you advise? I work with the Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative.
• Why do you love your job? Outdoor recreation is my passion. I am fortunate to have a job that provides me with opportunities to help improve recreation on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest for all those who enjoy the great outdoors.
• What are 3 ways you support outdoor recreation through your work? As part of my job I oversee management of developed recreation, back country recreation and ORV/OSV programs on the Brush Creek Hayden Ranger District of the Medicine Bow National Forest.
• What are some projects you are currently working on? We are continuously working with partners to improve overall recreation on our forest. Some current projects include deferred maintenance through the use of Great American Outdoor Act funds and various campground beautification projects along the Snowy Range Byway.
• How and with whom do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and boating with my with my wife, Amanda, my two young children, Jack and Josie and my golden retriever named Holly.
• What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I was born and raised in Ukraine until the age of 12.
• What are your 3 favorite places in Wyoming to visit, and why? 1. Huston Park Wilderness-This area provides excellent hunting opportunities! 2. NFSR 103 Dipper Lake- This area has great fishing and breathtaking views. 3. Bear Lake- This is a great place to take the family in late summer for swimming, fishing and camping.

Joy Bannon, WRORC



• Who is your employer, and what is your official job title? Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Executive Director, Lander
• What organizations and clubs do you participate in? Elks; Rock and Gem Club; Wyoming Wildlife Federation activities; Attend banquets for other sporting organizations
• Why is outdoor recreation important to you?. Quality of life; experiencing the outdoors while being healthy to ourselves; viewing and harvesting wildlife; feeding my family through recreation activities, such as hunting and fishing
• How do you spend your time outdoors? Hunting, fishing, hiking, rock exploring, swimming; skiing - cross country and alpine; biking
• What are your 3 favorite outdoor recreation areas/trails in Wyoming? Sinks Canyon Trail System, Vedauwoo, and Big Sandy area
• Why did you choose to join the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative? To participate in the conversations regarding new or updated recreation areas; to make sure wildlife and their habitat are part of the decision making process
• Do you have any project advice for other Collaborative Members in Wyoming? Always remember humans and our activities can and do impact wildlife; together we can be good stewards of the land and our natural resources; being conscious of our recreation development in that context is important for the overall balance of our natural resources in Wyoming