Vol. 1, Issue 6

Organization of the Month

Park County Pedalers Inc, PCORC

The Park County Pedalers have advocated for human powered recreation and transportation in Park County for the last 17 years. Their focus has largely turned towards building and maintaining natural surface trails for bicycles. Along with their President, John Gallagher, they are the wizards behind the Beck Lake Bike Park and trail network. This area includes nearly 12 miles of bike specific trails and Wyoming's premiere municipal bike park with wood and dirt features. Starting in Cody, Kids can ride their bikes all the way to the trailhead, making this super-accessible bike park perfect for anyone from beginner to expert riders. The facility has helped spawn the local NICA team and a Little Bellas chapter. Over the next two years, a top priority for the Park County Pedalers is to maintain current trail infrastructure. They are also hoping the NEPA analysis for the nearby Outlaw Trail System will be finished soon, so they can complete much-needed maintenance work and expand the trail network in this one-of-a-kind area. Although they do not currently have any major events planned, there will certainly be a lot of build days once the Outlaw project gets rolling. To get involved with this organization and stay informed of upcoming trail maintenance events, email info@parkcountypedalers.org or watch their Facebook page for announcements https://www.facebook.com/ParkCountyPedalers.

Check out the Park County Pedalers

Education Partner

NOLS, WRORC

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) was started in 1965 by Paul Petzoldt, and has been operating out of Lander, Wyoming for the last 58 years. NOLS offers everything from immersive expeditions to classroom-based wilderness medicine courses which are designed around learning by experience. Students receive mentorship from professional expert educator who help them finish their courses inspired and empowered to act as leaders in their community.

Although the NOLS World Headquarters is located in Lander, there are campuses all over the world. Each course is specifically unique to the location. Examples include rock climbing and horsepacking in Wyoming, sea kayaking in Patagonia, mountaineering in Alaska, and sailing in Mexico.

The NOLS Rocky Mountain campus, educates about 1500 kids and adults each year. Students ages 14 and older who choose a Wyoming course experience the amazing mountain ranges and rivers that our state has to offer. These students learn how to lead groups of people, navigate through the backcountry, prepare for and manage variable weather conditions, and live outside in a responsible way that respects the environment and other visitors. Students also come to Lander for wilderness medical training through NOLS Wilderness Medicine, whether it is a 3-day, 10-day, or 30-day course. All of these students learn how to give medical attention to people who are far from advanced medical care, and have few resources.

In addition to their regularly scheduled courses, NOLS is an inclusive nonprofit organization offering "affinity courses" that are designed to bring together groups of women, people of color, military personnel, and the LGBTQ+ communities for leadership expeditions.

Once you complete a NOLS course, you have not only found adventure and gained confidence and perspective, you have also become part of the alumni community. You can connect with other alumni for trips, networking opportunities, and lifelong friendship.

Learn more about NOLS

Meet the Advisors

Forrest Kamminga

Who is your employer? Wyoming State Parks and Trails, Motorized Trails Program Manager
Which Outdoor Recreation Collaborative(s) do you advise? I work with all seven of the Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives.
Why do you love your job? I have a passion for all types of Outdoor Recreation, with Snowmobiling at the top of the list. There is no better way to learn Wyoming's wide open spaces and because you are traveling over snow there is minimal impact to our natural resources if done responsibly.
What are 3 ways you support outdoor recreation through your work? I have direct oversight of the Snowmobile, Off-Road Vehicle, and Federal Recreational Trails Grant Programs.
What are some projects you are currently working on? Our program is working on several on the ground motorized trail projects on all the major national forests statewide. We are working closely with the BLM on several projects including McCullough Peaks and Darnell Hills located in the Cody district. Work will continue on the Coal Mine/Government Draw area outside Lander in partnership with the BLM and private landowners, along with work in the Red Desert in partnership with the Rock Springs district office. Higher level planning projects include winter recreation parking on Highway 130 between Laramie and Saratoga, Shoshone National Fprest Travel Management Plan, Bridger Teton National Forest is ramping up their Forest Plan Revision process, and Granite Creek Parking area planning in Hoback Canyon. We are working closely with WYDOT promulgating rules and regulations around new state statutes HB44 and SF017 which allow us to enroll select state highways and interstate crossings into the Off-road vehicle program.
How and with whom do you like to spend your free time? During the Winter season I spend all of my free time backcountry snowmobiling with my son. Summer season is my least favorite due to the heat and tourist traffic so I utilize my jeep to gain access to very remote areas throughout the state, I go until the road ends and from there I continue into the wilderness on foot to Hunt or Fish.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I am the manager of the Off-road vehicle program and it is not my favorite type of recreation.
What are your 3 favorite places in Wyoming to visit, and why? Hard question. So many. My family's cabin on the North Fork. It is where I unwind and reconnect to nature. Five Springs has always been one of my favorites. I love all the mountain ranges around me and am excited to explore more of the the Wind River Mountains this summer.

Collaborative Member Spotlight

Barbara Ann Green, BBORC

Who is your employer, and what is your official job title? Reporter/Sales Manager Big Horn County Newspapers
What organizations and clubs do you participate in? Commissioner-Wyoming State Parks, President-Basin Area Chamber, Board member-Big Horn County Fire District #2, Board member-Camp Bethel Board member-South Big Horn County Senior Center, Board member-Wyoming LIfeLine, Founder/head litter box cleaner - Felines & Friends of Wyoming, f American legion auxiliary, -Big Horn County Arts Guild, Member-BBROC, Member-Blueways Trail Committee, Member-Town of Basin Activities Committee
Why is outdoor recreation important to you?. Mental Health is one of the reason. As a board member of the Wyoming LifeLine, I know that getting people outside and interacting with natural is good for their mental health.
How do you spend your time outdoors? What time??? Lol Mainly on our land helping with irrigation, bucking hay, feeding mules and tending cats. I recently stepped down as a board member for the Big Horn County Library System in hopes to have more free time to do outdoor activities. In August I will be spending four days at Glendo and Guernsey State Parks to enjoy the great outdoors and these parks. Hiking, fishing, exploring!
What are your 3 favorite outdoor recreation areas/trails in Wyoming? Big Horn Mountains, Medicine Lodge, Shell Creek
Why did you choose to join the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative? I joined because Brooks Jordon and Kristi Robison made me and I'm so glad they did. I have been involved with tourism for years, BBROC goes hand in hand with that work. It is wonderful to be a part of the first Outdoor collaborative and work with a great bunch of people making a difference in Wyoming.
Do you have any project advice for other Collaborative Members in Wyoming? This is a long term project. Don't get discouraged when things take longer than you think they should.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives

The Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative met in Sundance in June. Two new members from Upton were voted onto the Collaborative. The Upton Gun Club discussed their project of updating and expanding the current Gun Club. The Collaborative is working diligently on the planning and development of Red Rocks Trails in Gillette and held a community meet and greet on June 17th. This trail system will potentially have over 200 acres adjacent to a city park and will be easily accessible to the community. Bent Sprockets shared the success of the Caveman Fun Run and celebrated the grand opening of the adaptive trail at the Flying V. Winners of the races were presented with cave man clubs and lunch was provided to all attendees. This event was very well attended and it was exciting to see so many runners and bikers out on the trails.

Check out Drone Footage from the Caveman Fun Run

The Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative met virtually in June. Kiran Darai is a PCORC member as well as the Americorp Outdoor Recreation Vista in Park County. Kiran gave a presentation titled "Outdoor Recreation, Report and Recommendations for More Accessible Use in Park County". This report was presented from the point of view of someone new to the area and will help community members to know what helps to make outdoor recreation more accessible for tourists and new members of the community. Two new projects were discussed at the meeting. A disc golf course in Cody and a new boat ramp with expanded restroom facilities at Belfry Bridge. OREC staff will be reaching out to all of the collaborative stakeholders individually to begin strategic planning. Subcommittees will remain hard at work on their projects this summer.

Connect with Kiran to learn more about his VISTA Adventure

The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative met in Basin on June 13th. Linda Fittje gave an overview of WYOREC's Pathfinder Program. Jed Nevell discussed potential new mountain bike trails in Lovell, and invited the Collaborative to be a part of the planning. There will be public meetings in Lovell July 18-20th to get the conversation started. Please join us in welcoming Chris Delay as the new Superintendent at Hot Springs State Park. This Collaborative is hard at work planning a community Blueway Float event on August 12th. The float will begin in Basin and will continue on the Bighorn river to Greybull. This event is the same day as the Greybull Brewfest, so when you get off the river, you can stop and support the local community. Bring your kayaks, canoes, tubes, paddle boards, and family and friends to enjoy a day on the water. Times and details to come.

Bighorn Blueway Water Trail in the News

Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: Although the general Collaborative will not meet until August, members will continue to push the needle on ideas and projects. The State Park subcommittee will continue discussions on the area of interest including site history, what amenities need to be changed or developed, funding and staffing of the suggested site, and more. Collab members will have time to digest a Site Criteria Package provided for the group to work through. A Motorized subcommittee will explore ideas of a rails-with-trails or a rails-to-trails project and other opportunities that could exist regarding recent legislation (HB42 and SF17). The Non-Motorized Trail subcommittee will focus on the foundation work for this possible project; a non-motorized trail between Rock Springs and Green River. The SCORC Recreation User Survey is getting finalized and will be released soon. The Steering Committee is finalizing the August get-together.

Learn about the Rails to Trails Conservancy

Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: . The CDT Advisory Group is finalizing details for the Business After Hours: a celebration of Lander-South Pass City being a Gateway Community for the Continental Divide Trail. This event will be held on September 21st from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Lander Chamber of Commerce and it will highlight information and education about the trail. The subcommittee for Grooming Solutions will narrow on priorities during the next meeting as well as get acquainted with the new Trails Coordinator for the Forest Service (Shoshone), Connor Maher. The SB Multi-Modal Lane subcommittee will continue to discuss the planning and funding opportunities for this project as they work to get key partners involved. The WRORC Recreation User Survey is getting finalized and will be released soon. New subcommittees will be forming over the Summer. The group will meet for the general meeting on July 12th, online only. There will be a volunteer event on July 15th, more info to come.

Don’t miss the International Climbers Festival in Lander

Natrona County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative met in June at Hogadon Lodge.

Mike Kusiek from Wyoming Pathways spoke at the meeting about ways the Pathways organization can help plan and develop trails in Natrona County. Mike emphasized that new trail projects need to be community driven, and that trail builders need to prioritize building relationships with land managers and community leaders. Chris Smith from Hogadon Basin Ski Area gave an overview of their trail building plans, and some other potential projects in the area. The Hell's Half Acre subcommittee reported that they toured the trailhead, and got VIP access to the bottom of the canyon. This has been deemed a viable project, and the group continues to work to get this section of County owned land reopened to the public as a day-use walking trail. Work to the access road and existing picnic shelters is included in this project. Natrona County welcomes the new Superintendent of Edness Kimball Wilkens State Park. Linley Mayer will soon join us from Northeast Wyoming, and brings a world of interpretation experience and an excitement for programming with her.

Check out Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park

The Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: Four subcommittees will meet in June/July. The Trail b/n Small Communities subcommittee decided to focus on a smaller goal. This could be a route for motorized and non-motorized use on already developed and designated roads and trails. The second subcommittee, Scenic Byway/Backway Rec, has chosen to focus on Hwy 130 (Snowy Range Scenic Byway) for the time being. A University of Wyoming Graduate student, Olivia Leviton, is working with Professor Richard Vercoe on visitor motivations and behaviors on HWY 130. This group will meet in person for their next meeting. The third subcommittee meeting is Winter Recreation. This group would like to partner with local search and rescue to focus on the impacts of winter recreation and how recreationalists can be better informed and prepared for the winter season. The Survey subcommittee will meet after the survey has been released and has received at least 50 responses. Lastly, a new subcommittee will be formed to identify where signage can be enhanced or incorporated in Albany and Carbon Counties. The Steering Committee will finalize details for a July meeting/event soon.

Learn about Wyoming’s Scenic Byways and Backways

In the News

Meet M.A.T.T!

MATT is WYOREC's Mobile Adventure Trail Truck, and can be spotted at Outdoor Recreation Events all over the state, all summer long! If you see MATT and it's driver Bruce, stop by and say hi, and he will have an extra special gift for you...if you can answer one of the trivia questions! Bruce is full of amazing information for trip planning, so feel free to get some great info for your next adventure. Ps- Bruce nearly always has stickers- and he makes a mean cup of french press coffee!!