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Vol. 1, Issue 8

Organization of the Month

Shoshone Back Country Horsemen, PCORC


Shoshone Back Country Horsemen (SBCH) was founded in 1993 with the mission of protecting the access of equestrians to public lands and promoting Leave No Trace. SBCH was organized as one of seven chapters of the Back Country Horsemen of Wyoming, an affiliate of Back Country Horsemen of America. SBCH works closely with the Shoshone National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management on many trails, trailhead developments, and improvement projects in addition to providing educational workshops for members and area youth. Members promote wise and responsible equine use to reduce environmental impact on the land. Education is an integral part of SBCH’s purpose. They provide instruction in Leave No Trace principles, emergency wilderness first aid, (human and equine,) certification for using hand and chain saws, as well as trail safety and etiquette. They sponsor various horse and mule safety clinics, youth horsemanship, and horse packing seminars. Additionally, our members partner with the Forest Service to provide the Kids in the Woods program.

SBCH has had many successes over the history of their organization. The 1993 Watershed Project installed 36 water bars on Ishawooa Trail. In 1993, the Club assisted in a night rescue evacuating 2 hikers in the Bighorn Mountains. They have worked on multiple trailhead projects and their Jack Creek bridge project in 2007 received earned them the Wyoming Wildlife Federation Affiliate Award. In addition, they have installed various corrals, tie stanchions and feed bunks across the area as well as directional signs throughout the National Forest.

In the next year SBCH hopes to recruit more members, build corrals at Bald Mountain, and clean 100-125 miles of trail (30-35 wilderness trails).

The next monthly meeting is Thursday, September 21st at 6pm at the Weed & Pest building in Powell. There will be a potluck dinner and meeting. All are welcome!

The History of the SBCH- Click Here

Education Partner


Nestled within the University of Wyoming is a unique program that is helping to build the outdoor recreation industry leaders. The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative was officially established thanks to funding from the Wyoming Innovation Partnership. The mission of the WORTH Initiative is to support, expand, and diversify Wyoming’s economy through outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. The WORTH Initiative achieves its mission by delivering timely and relevant applied research for WORTH industries, supplying diverse workforce training products and services to students and working industry professionals, as well as providing extension and outreach to the tourism industry across Wyoming. In 2018, the University of Wyoming began offering the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (ORTM) degree. The ORTM degree is designed for students who want to connect people to the outdoors and to support the workforce development needs of outdoor recreation and tourism industries in Wyoming. Students pursuing the ORTM degree will learn about stewardship and conservation of natural resources, tourism and outdoor recreation theories and best practices, entrepreneurial and business management strategies, creating outstanding visitor experiences and have a broad understanding of cultural and natural resources. This degree will prepare students for jobs such as Recreation Planner, Adventure Coordinator, Resort Manager, Nature Guide, Environmental Educator, Park Ranger, Outfitter, Interpreter, Recreation Guide, Outdoor Programs Supervisor, Tourism Coordinator, etc. Although members of the WORTH initiative participate in the Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative, they support the outdoor recreation industry state-wide. WORTH partners with businesses and organizations to grow and support the outdoor recreation economy across the state.

Learn More about the WORTH Initiative at UW

Meet the Advisors


Brian Parker, WRORC


  • Who is your employer? Wyoming Game & Fish Department; Habitat & Access Supervisor, Lander Region
  • Which Outdoor Recreation Collaborative(s) do you advise? Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative
  • Why do you love your job? I work with a variety of teams to solve problems and facilitate solutions related to wildlife conservation and hunter/fisher/public access.
  • What are 3 ways you support outdoor recreation through your work? 1) I Work on a team that manages wildlife habitats resulting in increased hunting opportunities; e.g., elk winter range. 2) I work on a team that manages a variety of infrastructure helping to facilitate recreational access and opportunity; e.g., road/campground/outhouse maintenance. 3) I work on a team that cultivates conservation and access easement purchases, which facilitate and increase hunter/angler/public access opportunities.
  • What are some projects you are currently working on? -Seminoe Mountain Rx Fire, Whiskey Basin Bighorn Sheep habitat improvement, Bear Creek Road/Trail Lake Road improvement, and Feed ground hay production.
  • How and with whom do you like to spend your free time? In the mountains; on skis and with a pack strings, though typically not at the same time.
  • What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? My painted toenails are a trip barometer.
  • What is a place you love to visit in Wyoming to visit, and why? 1.Thorofare-Big Wild for its tradition, culture and history.

Collaborative Member Spotlight


Zulima Lopez, NCORC



  • Who is your employer, and what is your official job title? City of Casper, Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director
  • What organizations and clubs do you participate in? I am a member of the NCORC, the Platte River Trails Trust, the Rotary Club of Casper, and the National Recreation and Parks Association. I'm also involved in Casper's Council of People with Disabilities as a City liaison to that Council.
  • Why is outdoor recreation important to you? Recreation, especially recreation that provides access to the outdoors and nature, is vital to the health of a community and its citizens. Whether I'm running, walking, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, or cross country skiing, being outdoors energizes me, while also giving me a sense of calm, peace, and clarity that I can't get anywhere else.
  • How do you spend your time outdoors? My husband and I enjoy running, walking, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, wakeboarding, and skiing. I also enjoy playing tennis and golf.
  • What are your 3 favorite outdoor recreation areas/trails in Wyoming? Only three?! In that case I'm sticking close to home...I think Casper Mountain's Nordic ski trails offer some of the best cross country skiing around. I also love being on the North Platte River and the Platte River Trail system. We are so fortunate in Casper to be able to stay connected to nature right through our urban corridor!
  • Why did you choose to join the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative? I was excited by the opportunity to join a team that would actively work to improve access to diverse and high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities in our community. My role at the City will hopefully provide unique insights and partnership opportunities that can help obtain the goals of the collaborative.
  • Do you have any project advice for other Collaborative Members in Wyoming? Challenges are inevitable. Focus more on solutions than on problems or obstacles. Also, remember that despite individual interests or priorities, we all have the same ultimate goal: to make outdoor rec accessible and sustainable.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives

The Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative invites you to participate in the Sundance Chain Gang's upcoming MTB race, the Bearlodge Mountain Classic. This event will take place on September 17th, with registration closing on September 5th. The race features some of the best singletrack mountain bike trails in Northeast Wyoming and the Black Hills. Racers can choose between 3 courses, each tailored to different ability levels. This event is presented in partnership with the Sundance Chain Gang Mountain Bike Association and the US Forest Service. Check out the Sundance Chain Gang's efforts at preparing these trails on their Facebook page. The Collaborative will meet in October in Gillette, and will likely be discussing the Red Rock Trails. These trails are being considered as a potential repair, maintenance, and trail development project. Also up for discussion is future US Forest Service and Keyhole State Park partnerships, as well as volunteer opportunities at the upcoming Gillette Camporee.

What is the Bearlodge Mtn Classic?

Great news is coming from the Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative- The Bureau of Land Management's NEPA assessment has been completed for the multi-use Outlaw Trails project, and the report is currently out for a 30-day public comment period. In other news- after several weather-related delays, Mother Nature has finally agreed to allow construction to begin on the Powell boat ramp. Excavation is underway, and the concrete forms have been placed. The next step is for the concrete to be poured. Once completed, PCORC intends to host a grand opening float event. Check out the photos and get more information on the project in the link below. WYOREC staff is working to gather data to draft a strategic plan for PCORC, which includes includes holding individual phone calls each member and advisor of the group. This will help our staff to understand the perspectives of the various recreation-minded folks and interest groups in Park County to ensure the effectiveness of the Collaborative in the future.

Powell Boat Ramp Construction Update

Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: The Bighorn River was full of canoes, kayaks, rafts, paddleboards, and a single inflatable llama on August 12th as BBORC hosted their second community river float. Over 50 people and one very patient dog gathered in Basin to begin the float that would last approximately 3 1/2 hours and end in Greybull. Joining the event were local partners from the BLM and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. We had some very special guests from the National Park Service RTCA program who traveled in from neighboring states as well, curious to see what the potential Blueway route has to offer. The event ended at the Greyull community celebration and Brewfest, rewarding the sunburned and thirsty paddlers with live music and cold drinks. Recently, the town of Lovell has engaged the Collaborative to help plan trail development in the area. WYOREC staff was invited to a community brainstorming session to begin the process. More information to come about the trail opportunities in Lovell.

Lovell Trails in the News

Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: To shake things up, Collaborative members did not meet in July and instead will meet on August 26th for a full-day Flaming Gorge Bus Tour. Follow the Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative on Facebook to see photos after the tour! This tour aligns with the current discussions taking place in the State Park subcommittee. All of the subcommittees will meet in August and the beginning of September. The September meeting will include a presentation from Matthew Podolinsky, Utah Recreation Program Coordinator - National Forest Foundation, as well as an open discussion with members of Southwest Wyoming Offroad Trails (SWOT), a final review of the SCORC Survey, and subcommittee updates. 

Learn about the National Forest Foundation

Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative:

Throughout the month of August and the beginning of September, WRORC subcommittees will meet continue to meet to collaborate on projects online. Currently, WRORC has four subcommittees and 1 active advisory group. WRORC members, Lander Cycling Club, hosted the Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Festival from August 17th to 20th in Lander. The event included trail building, group rides, skills clinics, live music, local food, and more fun activities! Check out the Wind River ORC Facebook for photos from the event. WRORC's agenda for the meeting in September, includes subcommittee updates, a discussion on potential opportunities in the Dubois area, and a discussion for a volunteer Government Draw Clean-Up day. 

What is the Jurassic Classic?

The Natrona County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: In lieu of a traditional meeting this month, NCORC will be gathering at 6pm on August 22 at the Duncan Ranch Trailhead in neighboring Converse County for an hour-long hike followed by an additional hour to ride your bike or explore on your own. Members of the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse Country will lead a tour of this project and discuss the options for successful development of this project in Douglas. This area is known by locals for its scenic beauty, and has potential to be an asset to hikers and bikers of Central Wyoming. The Hell's Half Acre Project subcommittee continues to meet and has made significant progress towards reopening this area to the public. The subcommittee has completed a project proposal and is ready to look for project funding. The subcommittee plans to present their ideas to the County Commission at an upcoming work session to gain their support. The Casper College/Mike Sedar/Yesness Corridor Trails Subcommittee will meet for the first time in the upcoming weeks to begin the conversation to create a sustainable trail system through the area to possibly replace the undermaintained social trails that currently exist. This project will require many groups to be on board to be successful, and further planning meetings will be held over the next few months.

Check out the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse County


Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: The Collaborative has a sweet new logo, and will soon be ordering their stickers! Collaborative stickers are extremely popular with recreationists all over the state, and we are excited to soon see this colorful sticker displayed on water bottles and bike racks near you. The Collaborative held an outdoor, informational meeting in July. Thank you to the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District for allowing SWORC to meet at the Pavilion. The meeting included a presentation from Kristi Murphy, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB), on the Proposed MBRTB Recreation Site Fee Changes. Public feedback is welcomed and will be accepted until November 1st, 2023. The Collaborative heard a presentation from Brian Sebade, with the University of Wyoming Extension. He spoke about local on plants and soils, and their relationship to outdoor recreation. He provided great resources for Collaborative members and things to think about when planning outdoor recreation projects. The meeting concluded with a short hike on winter trails that were recently maintained. SWORC subcommittees will meet before the September meeting. Currently, the 4 subcommittees focus on National Forest lands, but are open to all new project ideas from various interests in various locations throughout Albany and Carbon Counties.


Learn more about the UWYO Extension Office here

In the News

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Announces Trail Accelerator Grant


"We understand that in order to grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities, we need to accelerate the pace of trail building. Trail Accelerator grants provide a jump-start to communities that have the interest and political support to develop trail systems, but need assistance to get projects up and running. A Trail Accelerator grant offers awardees professional trail planning and consultation services to launch their trail development efforts, which can often leverage additional investment from local, regional, and national partners." -IMBA Website


What Types of Projects Will Be Considered? ❖ Projects that serve mountain bikers as the primary users, though multi-purpose human-powered trail uses are viable as well. ❖ Projects that will result in a visible and substantial increase in access, improved mountain bike experiences, and greater community benefit. ❖ Projects where the Trail Accelerator grant stands to leverage additional resources to ensure the success of the project. ❖ Projects that promote community development, volunteer recruitment, new rider development, youth riding, and engaging marginalized community members. Higher preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. ❖ A declined request does not imply that the project is not needed or valued. Those who do not receive a grant award may apply again in subsequent rounds (and we hope you do!).

Find Out If Your Project is Eligible for a Trail Accelerator Grant

Upcoming Events

Adaptive Adventures Multi-Sport Day- Curt Gowdy State Park

Adaptive Adventures wyoparks.wyo.gov

Antelope Butte Music & Arts Summit- August 25-27, Sheridan

Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area

Kid's Outdoor Day- August 26, Medicine Lodge

Medicine Lodge Archeological Site heather.jolley@wyo.gov

Bikes & Brews- August 26, Jackson

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort jacksonhole.com/events

Link Cycling Hill Climb- August 27, Laramie

Pilot Hill Project aaron@thelinkinnovations.com

Bike Bash- August 28, Casper

Fat Fish Racing fatfishracing@gmail.com

Lake Louise Nature Trek- August 29, Dubois

Wind River Historical Center duboismuseum@gmail.com

Fistful of Dirt Gravel Race- September 3, Cody

Joyvagen fistfulofdirt.com

WYO-131 Gravel Race- September 9, Lander

Lander Cycling wyo131gravelrace@gmail.com

Glendo Endo Women's MTB Skills Camp- September 9-10, Glendo

Pedal Militia wyopedalmilitia@gmail.com

Hogadon Tune-up Day- September 16, Casper

Hogadon Ski Area marty4him@gmaill.com

Teton Gravity Research World Premier- September 16, Jackson

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort jacksonhole.com/events

Bearlodge Mtn Classic- September 17, Sundance

Sundance Chain Gang scgmba.org

Business After Hours: CDT- September 21, Lander

Wind River Visitor's Council info@windriver.org

Fly Fishing 101 Clinic- September 23, Casper

Uncharted Outdoorswomen dreamteam@unchartedoutdoorswoman.com

Run the Red- September 23, South Pass City

Wyoming Outdoor Council, NOLS, Wyoming Wilderness Assn. runthereddesert@gmail.com

UTV/ATV Dirt Rally- October 6-7, Saratoga

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort info@saratogahotspringsresort.com

Jokers Poker Shoot- October 14, Casper

NatronaCountyPatriots@hotmail.com

Add Your Event Here

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