CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 28, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council has named Natalie Callum of Lander and Catherine Storch of Laramie as recipients of its 2026 writing awards. Callum received the Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award Inspired by Nature for the submission Exhalations & Dust, and Storch received the Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Writing Award for Writing by a Woman for their submission “To See What Happens.”

An honorable mention was awarded to Beverly Leys of Moran in both award categories.

Callum, the nom de plume of Natalie Ryback, is a writer and poet living in Lander. Her poetry has appeared in North Dakota Quarterly, Willawaw Journal, and GLEAM. In 2025, she released her first poetry collection, “Dust Rises Like Mist,” which explores natural landscapes, inner emotional terrain, and the intersection of the two.

“Gorgeous language, a strong sense of place, and themes of renewal amid the unraveling of nature resonate throughout this outstanding collection of poems,” said Marina Richie, juror for the 2026 writing awards. “The final poem, ‘The Language of Moose,’ lifts the reader into the more-than-human world.”

Storch’s submission was also recognized for its depth and reflection. Richie praised the work for guiding readers through personal history, service in the Peace Corps, and self-examination.

Storch grew up camping and fishing in southeast Idaho and later served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where she taught physics and English. Her writing and visual art explore themes shaped by these experiences. She earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Wyoming and her undergraduate degree from Stanford University.

The Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award and the Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Writing Award are made possible through the generosity of Neltje. Both awards recognize Wyoming writers who have not yet received widespread recognition and provide support at pivotal stages in their creative careers.

For more information about the fellowship, visit wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist at the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 274-6673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Natalie Callum of Lander is the recipient of the 2026 Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award Inspired by Nature. Figure 2: Catherine Storch of Laramie is the recipient of the 2026 Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Writing Award for Writing by a Woman.

Contact: Kimberly Mittelstadt, (307) 274-6673; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 27, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) will launch a new professional development event on Sept. 17, 2026: the Cultural Heritage Institute, a one-day, in-person gathering in Cheyenne designed to equip cultural heritage employees, historic site and museum staff, and volunteers, both new and long-serving, with practical skills in preservation and collections care.

Hosted in partnership with the Laramie County Library System, the Institute will bring together emerging and experienced professionals, as well as dedicated volunteers, working in Wyoming’s cultural fields to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections. The event will feature sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities centered on preserving and promoting the state’s shared history, arts, and culture.

“The Cultural Heritage Institute will create space for new and emerging professionals—and those looking to strengthen or refresh their foundational skills—to build confidence, gain practical knowledge, and connect with mentors and peers,” said Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis. “It’s an exciting step toward ensuring Wyoming’s history and culture continue to be preserved and shared by a strong, connected community of professionals statewide.”

The Cultural Heritage Institute will offer a foundation in core practices across museums, archives, historic sites, and arts programs. The event will emphasize practical learning, professional growth, and opportunities to connect with mentors and peers across Wyoming’s cultural community. Participants will learn how cultural collections and programs are cared for, interpreted, and shared within the state’s vibrant cultural network.

The Cultural Heritage Institute is seeking volunteers to lead workshops and lightning talks focused on practical cultural heritage work, including preservation, collections care, digitization, interpretation, and related topics. Individuals with relevant expertise or proposed session ideas are encouraged to submit a brief interest form by March 31, 2026, at Bit.ly/LeadAWorkshop.    

This initiative is made possible through funding from State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Spark Tank Program, an internal fund that supports SPCR staff in developing and testing innovative ideas to advance the department’s mission. The event is being organized collaboratively by SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, Cultural Trust Fund, Office of the State Archaeologist, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, State Parks, and Historic Sites.

Attendance will be free, with registration required and limited to 50 participants. Additional details will be announced in the coming months, including registration information and a schedule. The event will be held at the Laramie County Library located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. 

For future updates, please visit Bit.ly/WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute. Updates will also be shared on social media through SPCR programs, including the Arts Council, Office of the State Archaeologist, State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, State Museum, and State Parks, using the hashtag #WyoCulturalHeritageInstitute2026.

Figure 1: A volunteer reenactor demonstrates historic prison labor practices at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. 

Figure 2: Visitors engage with fossil specimens from the Wyoming State Museum’s collections during the annual Dino Day event.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 26, 2026 – Tickets are still available to attend the 43rd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards dinner and ceremony, set for Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.

The annual event honors individuals and organizations whose work has made a lasting impact on Wyoming’s arts, culture, and creative communities. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and includes dinner and the presentation of awards by Gov. Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon.

Individual tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at 2026governorsartsawards.rsvpify.com. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available.

A hotel room block is available at Little America for event guests and will expire Wednesday, Feb. 4. To reserve a room, visit: https://littleamerica.ihotelier.com/little-america-cheyenne/book/dates-of-stay?groupID=5065814.  

The 2025 Governor’s Arts Award recipients are Community Fine Arts Center (Rock Springs), Becky Larsen (Lander), Ernie Marsh (Lovell) and Susan Miller (Sheridan). Each honoree is recognized for outstanding contributions to the arts, education, and cultural heritage of Wyoming.

The Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1982 and were first made possible by an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, a lifelong patron of the arts. Since then, individuals and organizations from more than 50 Wyoming communities and statewide organizations have been honored for their dedication to the arts in Wyoming.

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Mandy Connelley with the Wyoming Arts Council at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (307) 214-2701.

Figure 1: Promotional graphic announcing the 2025 recipients of the Wyoming Governor’s Arts Awards. The ceremony will be held Feb. 27, 2026, at Little America in Cheyenne.

Contact: Mandy Connelley, (307) 214-2701; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 21, 2026 – On Dec. 29, 2025, the National Park Service added two Wyoming properties to the National Register of Historic Places: the Clinker Stone House, located north of Gillette, and the Ormsby Home in Casper. Though very different in form and history, both properties represent significant chapters in Wyoming’s past and are valuable additions to the National Register.

Constructed circa 1940, the Clinker Stone House was listed for its distinctive construction using clinker stone—a naturally occurring metamorphic rock common throughout the Powder River Basin. Formed by the intense heat of underground coal fires, clinker stone gives northeastern Wyoming’s hills their characteristic red coloration. With physical properties similar to porcelain, the stone is difficult to shape into uniform building materials.

During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked to suppress coal seam fires in the region, creating large deposits of newly formed clinker stone. Local residents repurposed the material for construction, including the Clinker Stone House. The property represents a rare example of hyperlocal building materials and reflects the ingenuity and resilience of northeastern Wyoming residents during the Great Depression.

The Ormsby Home in Casper, constructed between 1915 and 1916, was listed for its association with James Major Ormsby, a prominent early-20th-century Casper resident. Ormsby first achieved success through sheep ranching before becoming involved in a wide range of business and technological ventures. His contributions included downtown construction projects, development of Casper’s first wireless telegraph—used in ranching operations—and the establishment of an airfield and commuter plane service in the early 1920s.

The Ormsby Home represents the life and legacy of an influential community leader whose contributions to Casper’s development had not previously been formally recognized. Its listing helps document and preserve that legacy.

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Managed by the National Park Service, the National Register includes more than 600 buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and objects in Wyoming that reflect significant achievements in American history, culture, engineering, architecture, and archaeology. More information about Wyoming listings is available at wyoshpo.wyo.gov/index.php/programs/national-register. 

For more information about the National Register program in Wyoming, or about the Clinker Stone House and Ormsby Home, contact National Register Program Coordinator Casey Woster with the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office at (307) 777-7530 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Clinker Stone House, Campbell County, Wyoming. Photograph taken by Jennifer Sams.

Figure 2: Ormsby Home, Casper, Wyoming. Photograph taken by Elizabeth Rosenberg. 

Contact: Casey Woster, (307) 777-7530; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 19, 2026 – Public notice is hereby given on Jan. 7, 2026, that the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (Department) is proposing to amend Chapter 1, Rules and Regulations (State Parks & Historic Sites Program), of its rules. The amendments update and expand definitions, remove redundant recitations of statute, and eliminate obsolete or unnecessary provisions. In addition, the proposal introduces several substantive changes, including:

Positive Changes / New Permissions

• Drone use allowed with prior written permission from the park superintendent
• Parks remain open after 10:00 p.m. for non-camping visitors
• Removed or clarified requirements for alcohol permits
• Bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates now permitted in previously restricted areas
• ADA-designated campsites no longer exclusively for ADA
• Vehicles present after 10:00 p.m. will only require camping permit if camping
• Class 1 e-bikes permitted on trails

Protective / Restrictive Changes

• Maximum campsite occupancy reduced from 10 to 8 persons
• Pets may no longer be left unattended at any time (previously one-hour limit)
• Barking or excessively noisy dogs explicitly included in quiet-hours violations
• Bow fishing prohibited within 100 yards of any public facility
• Fishing prohibited in cooling ponds and canals at Hot Springs State Park
• Watercraft must be launched and retrieved only at designated locations
• New restrictions for rental units

Copies of the proposed rules may be obtained through the Wyoming Administrative Rules System at rules.wyo.gov by using the advanced search for proposed rules, or by contacting the State Parks Headquarters at 2301 Central Avenue, Barrett Building, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002, attention Stephanie Dillmon, (307) 777-5734, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Public comments regarding the proposed rules may be submitted by email through the Wyoming Administrative Rules System at rules.wyo.gov by using the advanced search for proposed rules and selecting the public comment link, or by contacting State Parks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The public comment period ends Feb. 26, 2026.

Contact: Stephanie Dillmon, (307) 777-5734; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 20, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives throughout the state. These Collaboratives bring together local community members, recreation stakeholders, businesses, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and elected officials to identify and prioritize grassroots opportunities to grow and enhance outdoor recreation in Wyoming. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend these virtual meetings. Near the end of each meeting, a designated time will be allocated for public comments. 

Dates, times, and call-in information for upcoming Collaborative meetings are as follows:

The Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (CPORC), representing Sheridan and Johnson Counties, will meet virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT).

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/mbz-ihno-dxg 

Dial in: (US) +1 629-888-0869,‬ PIN: ‪315 170 960‬#

The High Plains Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (HPORC), representing Platte, Goshen, Niobrara, and Laramie Counties, will meet virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT).

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/csy-tmbj-xgx 

Dial in: (US) +1 484-713-9353,‬ PIN: ‪184 824 351‬#

The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC), representing Hot Springs, Washakie, and Big Horn Counties, will meet virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT).

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/oea-uofh-pmj 

Dial in: ‪(US) +1 641-569-8729,‬ PIN: ‪699 497 404‬#

The Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (PCORC), representing Park County, will meet virtually on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT). 

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/fih-fjwy-orh 

Dial in: (US) +1 650-963-2012,‬ PIN: ‪331 767 419‬#

The Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SCORC), representing Sweetwater County, will meet virtually on Feb. 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT).

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/ibj-qzsq-pfx 

Dial in: (US) +1 919-756-6464,‬ PIN: ‪897 134 609‬#

The Lincoln & Uinta County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (LUORC), representing Albany and Carbon Counties, will meet virtually on Feb. 19, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (MDT). 

Join through a video call: meet.google.com/ekw-yeju-nak 

Dial in: (US) +1 216-930-9114,‬ PIN: ‪660 235 344‬#

If you’d like to connect with one of these Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, join their Facebook group at the following link:

• CPORC: wyorec.info/CloudPeakORC 
• HPORC: wyorec.info/HighPlainsORC  
• BBORC: wyorec.info/BighornBasinORC  
• PCORC: wyorec.info/ParkCountyORC  
• SCORC: wyorec.info/SweetwaterCountyORC 

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming’s economy.

Learn more about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives by visiting wyorec.com.

Contact: Amy Crawford, (307) 777-6925; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 15, 2026 – The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) has officially resumed the publication and oversight of Annals of Wyoming. This transition ensures the Department continues to meet its statutory mandate under W.S. 9-2-415 to collect, compile, and publish the events that mark the progress of Wyoming through a state historical periodical.

The upcoming issue of the publication is scheduled for distribution at the end of January 2026.

A Century of Collaborative Stewardship

The history of Annals of Wyoming is a testament to the state’s enduring commitment to its heritage. The original Wyoming State Historical Society was established as a state agency in 1895, and the first issue of Annals was published in 1924 by State Historian Mrs. Cyrus Beard. In 1953, State Archivist Lola Homsher spearheaded the Society's refounding, and in 1955, the Society filed Articles of Incorporation with the full support of the State Archives.

While the Wyoming Historical Society operated as a formal part of the Department until the late 20th century, subsequent statutory updates have maintained the state's clear intent to support both the Society and broader historical efforts across Wyoming’s counties.

Ensuring Continuity and Editorial Excellence

The Department’s resumption of oversight follows the retirement of long-time editor Carl Hallberg, who managed the journal for several years while employed at the State Archives. To ensure the publication continues to meet high scholarly standards and statutory requirements, SPCR has assembled a distinguished editorial and production team:

• Editor: Charles Rankin
• Associate Editor: Tamsen Hert
• Book Review Editor: Carl Hallberg
• Graphic Design and Layout: Daniel BownJones, SPCR Graphic Designer
• Administrative Oversight and Production Support: 
• Sara Davis, State Archivist 
• Cindy Brown, Digital Archivist

Looking Ahead

By centralizing editorial and design functions within the State Archives and SPCR, the Department is positioning Annals of Wyoming for a sustainable and robust future. This transition reinforces the state's dedication to preserving Wyoming’s pioneer narratives, Native American history, and modern milestones for future generations.

Subscription Information

The Department is currently finalizing the distribution list for the January issue. Historians, researchers, and Wyoming residents are encouraged to subscribe. To be added to the distribution list, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

For more information on Wyoming’s historic programs and archives, please visit wyospcr.wyo.gov.

Figure 1.png Figure 2.jpg
Figure 1: Annals of Wyoming, Spring 2025. Figure 2: Annals of Wyoming, Winter 2005. Artwork: postcard of Green River, Wyoming, 1908 (American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming).

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Jan. 16, 2026 – Wyoming’s Recreation Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. As required by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the Recreation Advisory Committee (REACT) represents the State of Wyoming in proposals to change recreation fees on federal public lands and waters across the state. 

REACT is composed of representatives from the following state and federal agencies: Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming Office of Tourism, and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.

The upcoming meeting date, time, location, and call-in information are as follows:

Date: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Online via Google Meet

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fsa-xttg-nqs or dial: ‪(US) +1 609-795-0197‬ PIN: ‪999 944 087‬#

Members of the public are welcome to attend REACT meetings.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) was passed into law as part of the 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 108-447) on December 8, 2004. The REA authorizes the USDA Forest Service and four Department of the Interior agencies - Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service - to retain recreation fee revenues to supplement appropriations and other funding sources to repair, improve, operate, and maintain recreation sites and areas to quality standards (including elimination of recreation deferred maintenance), and to enhance the delivery of recreation services to quality standards.

Learn more about REACT and/or review upcoming meeting agendas, past meeting summaries, presentations, and more at wyorec.com.

Contact: Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2057; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MOORCROFT, Wyo. – Jan. 6, 2025 - The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources will host a public forum to share information and gather feedback on a proposed visitor center in the Coulter Bay Area at Keyhole State Park.

The proposed Coulter Bay Visitor Center aims to enhance recreation and education opportunities at Keyhole State Park by providing improved visitor services, interpretive exhibits, a community gathering space for local small groups, and serving as a launch point for recreation.  

“It is our privilege to steward Keyhole State Park and to make it a safe and fun place for Wyomingites and our neighbors to play,” said Misty Moore, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. “This opportunity supports that work, and the center needs to reflect the expectations and needs of our users.”

During the forum, Wyoming State Parks staff will present preliminary concepts and planning information for the proposed visitor center and invite public feedback to guide potential next steps in the project development. The event will provide park users and residents with an opportunity to learn more about how the new facility could support visitor experiences and natural resource education at Keyhole.

The public meeting will be held:

Date: Jan. 14, 2026

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Pine Haven Community Center, 3 Industrial Park, Pine Haven, WY 82721

“Public participation and our partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation are important parts of our planning process,” said Carly-Ann Carruthers, planning manager for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “We value the input of our visitors and partners as we look toward future projects that will enrich experiences across Wyoming’s state parks.”

Those unable to attend in person can review presentation materials and submit feedback through an online public comment form available at wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole following the meeting.

For more information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/keyhole or contact Planning Manager Carly-Ann Carruthers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or District Manager Misty Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..