CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 27, 2026 – Visitors planning to recreate at Glendo and Guernsey State Parks are advised that the Bureau of Reclamation will begin its annual lowering of Glendo and Guernsey reservoirs the week of Aug. 9. Due to ongoing drought conditions, this year's drawdown will occur approximately one month earlier than normal. 

Glendo Reservoir has already been releasing more than 4,000 cubic feet per second for more than a week, and elevated outflows are expected to continue. As water levels decline throughout August, boating access and navigation at both reservoirs will become increasingly limited. Boaters are encouraged to remove watercraft early while boat ramps remain accessible and to use caution as changing water levels create evolving conditions.

To facilitate the lowering of Guernsey Reservoir, outflows from Glendo Reservoir will be reduced beginning August 9 and will decrease to low flow before the end of August. The Marina, Reno Cove, and Whiskey Gulch boat ramps are expected to remain usable, although navigation around the marina docks may become difficult as water levels recede.

At Guernsey Reservoir, rapidly declining water levels will affect boat launching and on-water recreation as the reservoir is lowered. Visitors should anticipate changing conditions and plan accordingly.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Glendo Reservoir levels are expected to gradually increase over the winter as the reservoir captures natural inflows and releases from Gray Reef Reservoir.

"While lower reservoir levels will temporarily affect boating opportunities, both Glendo and Guernsey State Parks offer great recreation experiences beyond the water," said Steve Horn, district manager for Wyoming State Parks. "We encourage visitors to explore the trails, campgrounds, historic sites, and other amenities that make these parks special while conditions change."

Visitors can continue to enjoy many of the recreational opportunities both parks have to offer, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and scenic landscapes. Glendo State Park also features archery and off-highway vehicle trails, while Guernsey State Park offers a playground, museum, and some of the finest Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture in the Rocky Mountain region. 

Visitors with camping reservations who wish to modify their plans may do so online at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling (877) 996-7275. Visitors are encouraged to contact the individual park directly with questions about current conditions before traveling. 

For current and timely information on reservoir storage, inflow, outflow, percentage full, cubic feet per second (CFS), and more, visit the Bureau of Reclamation Wyoming Lakes and Reservoirs page at Bit.ly/WyoReservoirData. 

Contacts: 

Steve Horn, District Manager

Wyoming State Parks

(307) 370-0573 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Cassie Wells, Superintendent

Guernsey State Park 

(307) 836-2334 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LA GRANGE, Wyo., – July 24, 2026 – Visitors to Hawk Springs State Recreation Area should expect temporary traffic delays next week as the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources completes roadway improvements within the recreation area.

Beginning Friday, July 24, Road 22 will be reduced to a single lane while crews replace an existing culvert and install an additional culvert to improve drainage and roadway infrastructure. Construction will occur Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to last approximately two weeks. 

Hawk Springs State Recreation Area will remain open during construction, and visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the area's camping, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities while allowing extra travel time when entering or exiting the recreation area.

"We appreciate the public's patience as we complete these important infrastructure improvements," said Cassie Wells, superintendent of Hawk Springs State Recreation Area. "These upgrades will help improve the long-term safety and functionality of the roadway for visitors."

Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signs and use caution while traveling through the construction area.

For the latest information about Wyoming state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 23, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program is now accepting applications for a new Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program, a one-time funding opportunity approved by the Wyoming Legislature. Funding for the program is available through the Wyoming Office of Tourism and will support the development and improvement of non-motorized trail recreation across Wyoming.

A total of $800,000 is available through the competitive grant program to fund shovel-ready projects that expand and enhance natural surface trail opportunities on public lands.

"This grant represents an exciting investment in Wyoming's outdoor recreation infrastructure," said Caleb Owen, Non-Motorized Trails Program coordinator. "We encourage eligible organizations and public land managers with qualifying projects to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to improve non-motorized recreation opportunities across the state."

Eligible projects include the construction of new natural-surface trails, the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing natural-surface trails, and trail-supporting infrastructure such as trailheads, kiosks, and restroom facilities. While both new construction and maintenance projects are eligible, new trail construction projects will receive a higher scoring multiplier during the evaluation process.

Planning efforts, including project design, engineering, and surveys, are not eligible for funding. All projects must be shovel-ready construction and maintenance projects only. 

Eligible applicants include public land management agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGO). Applicants must have a 50% (1:1) cash match secured at the time of application. The minimum project request is $15,000, requiring a minimum cash match of $7,500.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2026, with award notifications expected by Dec. 1, 2026. 

An overview and application materials are available through the Wyoming State Trails Program at Bit.ly/Non-Motorized-Trails-Grant. Questions regarding the grant or applicant eligibility may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about the State Trails Program’s Non-Motorized Trails Program at wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact:  Caleb Owen, (307) 274-6637; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LOVELL, Wyo. – July 22, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation's Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative will host the 4th annual Bighorn River Blueway Community Float on Aug. 1, 2026, bringing together local community members and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Hosted by the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and the City of Lovell, the float will highlight two new launch locations, Red Rim Meadows and Eagle Nest, located off the Crystal Creek Road near Lovell, Wyoming.

"Each year, this float gives us an opportunity to experience another section of the proposed Bighorn River Blueway Trail while showcasing the progress our partners have made together," said Amy Crawford, outdoor recreation coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "It's exciting to see the momentum this project has built over the past several years, and we're looking forward to introducing participants to these new access sites and another beautiful stretch of the river." 

Interested participants should bring their own watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, small rafts or inflatables, and all necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable float. The approximately 8-mile float will take 3 hours, beginning at Red Rim Meadows and ending at the Eagle’s Nest access. Bring a life jacket, appropriate clothing for the weather, sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks.

Participants can meet at Red Rim Meadows, off Crystal Creek Road across the river from Georgia Pacific, at 10 a.m., or at the Lovell Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. All watercraft using Wyoming waters are required to display an Aquatic Invasive Species decal. Non-

motorized inflatable watercraft 10 feet or less in length, all solid and inflatable paddleboards regardless of length, and all devices defined as water sport toys are exempt from the decal requirement.

The Bighorn River Blueway Trail is a regional initiative led by the BBORC to establish a water trail along the Bighorn River. The proposed route would begin at the Wedding of the Waters south of Thermopolis, Wyoming, and extend to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell, Wyoming. From there, paddlers could continue to Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana. The trail is envisioned to provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, fishing for more than a dozen game fish species, camping, and scenic paddling through Wyoming's changing landscapes. Planning efforts have been underway for the past five years, with significant progress recently made in mapping the proposed route. 

Once completed, the BBORC plans to have formal maps created that outline the entire route and list important safety and access information, making it a recreational destination and opportunity that residents and visitors will enjoy.

Please note that the water levels are low this year and the float is subject to change. For all updates, please visit facebook.com/wyorec. 

For more information regarding the Bighorn River Blueway Trail project or the upcoming float, please contact Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Amy Crawford via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at (307) 548-5406. 

You can also learn more about the BBORC by visiting wyooutdoorrecreation.wyo.gov. 

Figures 1 & 2: Community members and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the 3rd annual Bighorn River Blueway Community Float from Wedding of the Waters to Hot Springs State Park.

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

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 10, 2026 – Bringing historical collections into the digital age can feel overwhelming for institutions with limited budgets and no technical expertise. To help local organizations successfully launch their digital initiatives, the Wyoming State Archive’s Roving Archivist Program (RAP) will host its monthly Quick Tips session, "Digitization Basics for Archives.” 

Join us Friday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. MT via Google Meet at meet.google.com/bgr-reit-tkr or dial (US) +1 319-449-2718, PIN: 581 688 137#. 

About the Presenter

Kail Moede is a Historian and the Assistant Digitization Supervisor at the American Heritage Center. He has worked in the AHC’s Digitization Lab for four years, where he has gained experience in digitizing historical materials and in the practical considerations involved in preserving and providing access to archival collections.

Digitization for Beginners

This talk will provide a beginner-friendly introduction to getting started with digitization projects for historical materials, with a primary focus on paper-based and still image materials such as manuscripts, documents, and photographs. It will cover basic equipment and software, storage options, metadata, and the role of standards such as the Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative (FADGI). 

The presentation will also discuss best practices for project planning, including how to think through project goals, material formats, file management, long-term access, and preservation needs. While the main focus will be on paper-based materials, the talk will also touch on some key considerations for working with audio-visual materials. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the major decisions involved in digitization and practical steps for beginning a project.

Attendees will learn and experience: 

• Project Planning and Goal Setting: Learn how to define clear project goals, assess your material formats, and structure a realistic timeline before starting a digitization initiative.
• Essential Tools and Standards: Gain a baseline understanding of budget-friendly scanning hardware and software options, as well as industry-standard guidelines such as FADGI (Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative).
• File and Metadata Management: Discover best practices for capturing descriptive metadata, organizing file structures, and planning for long-term storage and access.
• Media-Specific Considerations: Master the core requirements for digitizing flat, paper-based materials (manuscripts and photographs), and learn key nuances to watch out for when handling audiovisual formats.

For more information on this session, please visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/connect/quick-tips or contact the Roving Archivist Program at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Supporting Wyoming's Cultural Heritage Mission

The RAP Quick Tips series represents the State Historical Records Advisory Board's (SHRAB)  ongoing commitment to providing accessible professional development for Wyoming's cultural heritage community. These sessions support institutions statewide in improving their preservation practices and collections care.

For more information about the Roving Archivist Program, visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Wyoming SHRAB

The Wyoming SHRAB promotes identification, preservation, and dissemination of the state's historical records by supporting training programs for state, tribal, and local governments, repositories, and organizations involved in records care throughout Wyoming. Grants are made available through Wyoming SHRAB by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and administered by the Wyoming State Archives (WSA), Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

For more information, please contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the WSA at (307) 777-7826. You can also learn more at ^{wyoarchives.wyo.gov}.

Contact: Morgan Stence, (307) 777-7550; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CASPER, Wyo. - July 9, 2026 - The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation invites the public to spend the weekend of July 18-19, 2026, in Casper for a series of exciting events. The celebration will focus on the firearms and outdoor recreation industry, featuring both the Wyoming Governor’s Match and the Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo.

"As the Wyoming Governor's Match celebrates its tenth year and the Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo returns for its fourth, these events continue to bring people together while showcasing one of Wyoming's signature industries," said Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "We invite everyone to join us in Casper to celebrate our outdoor heritage, support Wyoming businesses, and experience all the weekend has to offer." 

The tenth annual Wyoming Governor’s Match, hosted in partnership with the Casper Shooters Club, will run from July 18 to July 19, 2026, at the Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex, just 10 minutes outside of Casper. The Match will feature upwards of 360 competitive shooters from across the country. This national-level shooting sports competition brings together spectators, shooting sports organizations, and elected officials to interact with some of the nation’s top competition shooters. Eye protection is required for spectators, and ear protection is strongly recommended.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the fourth annual Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo will take place at David Street Station in downtown Casper from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Expo is admission-free and open to the public. The Expo will feature exhibitor booths, a legislative panel, and family-friendly activities. Local food and drink vendors will be on-site, including WY Knott Pretzel Co., The Dog House, and Kuver’s BBQ.

Expo attendees can explore products, gear, and demonstrations by the following Wyoming-based brands and organizations:

• 3C Guiding LLC
• 9x19 Fabrication
• ACG
• Adventure Ready RV Solutions
• Cutting Edge Tactics and Training
• Diamond R Saddlery
• DVL Custom Lures
• FEROX
• Freedom Tactical Firearms
• Guardian Warrior Solutions
• Gunwerks
• High Carbon Mercantile
• Kimber Tracks Big Game Recovery/Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery
• Lucid Optics
• Maven Optics
• MOD Outfitters
• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Red, White and Blued
• Ridgeline Customs LLC
• Rocky Mountain Discount Sports
• Scouting America
• Sheridan Fly Rod Co.
• Thunder Beast Arms
• Wilkinson Tactical
• Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
• Wyoming Game & Fish Department
• Wyoming Gun Company
• Wyoming Motorcycle Trials Association
• Wyoming Patriots
• & more! 

From 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation will facilitate an Outdoor Recreation Legislative Panel on the lawn at David Street Station. This panel discussion is free and open to the public, offering legislators and elected officials an opportunity to discuss the importance of growing and sustaining the outdoor recreation and shooting sports industry. 

To RSVP or learn more about the Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo, visit wyorec.info/Expo2026.

To register or learn more about the Wyoming Governor’s Match, visit wyorec.info/GovMatch2026.

Figure 1: A competitor at the 9th annual Wyoming Governor's Match at Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex. Figure 2: Exhibitors and attendees enjoying the 2025 Wyoming Firearms & Outdoor Recreation Expo. Figure 3: The 2025 Outdoor Recreation Legislative Panel at David Street Station. 

Contact: Karryn MacDonald, (307) 823-0191; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – July 7, 2026 – Wyoming Writers, Inc., the Wyoming Arts Council, and the American Heritage Center have announced the winners of the America’s 250th Anniversary Writing Contest.

The winners were recognized during the Wyoming Writers, Inc. annual conference held last month in Casper. The contest invited writers from across Wyoming to reflect on the state's history, culture, and future through original work inspired by Wyoming's official semiquincentennial theme:

Honoring our past: Commemorate Wyoming’s history, places, and people.

Examining our present: Review Wyoming’s role in America today.

Imagining our future: Plan for Wyoming’s leadership in America’s future.

Contest winners include:

Adult Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Last Day" by Lindsay Hoyt (Laramie); runner-up: "Snapshot" by Ann Stebner Steele (Laramie)
• Nonfiction: "Gabe" by David L. Gutierrez (Reliance); runner-up: "Hunting in Fashion Boots" by Becky Neidens (Dubois)
• Poetry: "My Name Is Ellen Watson" by Lindsay Hoyt (Laramie); runners-up: "Wyoming, Through the Eyes of My Son" by Lauren Voigt (Casper) and "Wyoming's Daughters" by Taylor Ganley (Gillette)

Young Adult Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Long-Awaited Visit" by Alex Huss (Laramie)
• Nonfiction: "Honoring Our Past: Wyoming's Legacy of Courage and Firsts" by Hunter Masters (Riverton)
• Poetry: "My Home Sweet Home" by Anna Durrant (Laramie)

Children's Division

• Flash Fiction: "The Fog Filled Trail" by Atley Benefiel (Thermopolis)
• Poetry: "Wyoming My Home" by Anna Papich (Casper)

“Writers write. About life. About love. About loss. About all the in-betweens. Bringing writers from around the state together to express what history and belonging and hope means to them, be it through short-form fiction, expressive nonfiction, or lyrical poetry, will always be special. Eternal cheers to celebrating writers who put their hearts on the page,” said Andrew Call, former board member and contest organizer with Wyoming Writers, Inc.

Writers were invited to submit original work in one of three categories: poetry, flash fiction, or nonfiction, and were judged in three age divisions: children (age 12 and under), young adult (ages 13–22), and adult (age 23 and older). Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges, and winners received a monetary prize.

Prizes were sponsored by the American Heritage Center and the Wyoming Arts Council.

Additional information about the America's 250th Anniversary Writing Contest, including the original contest guidelines, is available at wyowriters.org/250.

For more information, visit wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Rachel Clifton, executive director of the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 256-0500 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Wyoming Poet Laureate Barbara Smith, left, presents David Gutierrez of Reliance with the award for his winning nonfiction entry in the America’s 250th Anniversary Writing Contest.

Contact: Rachel Clifton, (307) 256-0500; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

KAYCEE, Wyo. – July 2, 2026 — In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Hoofprints of the Past Museum will dedicate a newly installed historical marker overlooking the site of the KC Ranch Cabin on Saturday, July 11, where the famous 1892 battle between fifty Johnson County War invaders and Nathan D. Champion occurred. This pivotal event in Wyoming history and in the broader story of the Johnson County War had lasting consequences and deserves to be remembered and interpreted by future generations. It also reflects the same spirit of independence and determination that inspired the nation's founders to establish a new country 250 years ago.

The dedication ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. at Harold Jarrard Park in Kaycee, Wyoming. Following the welcoming remarks and introductions, attendees will take a short walk to the marker site, where local historians will share the site's history and significance. After the ceremony, guests are invited to visit the Hoofprints of the Past Museum to view related artifacts and enjoy refreshments.

This new interpretive sign replaces an outdated panel that was previously removed. The project was developed through a partnership between the Hoofprints of the Past Museum, the Wyoming 250 Commission Grant Program, and the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources' Monuments and Markers Program.

“The Monuments and Markers Program works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to commemorate significant people, places, and events in Wyoming’s history,” said Chris Floyd, deputy director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Historic markers and interpretive signs not only help us understand and appreciate our past, but they also enhance tourism and recreation opportunities throughout the state.”

The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program is a cooperative effort among the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, Wyoming Tribes, local governments, and private individuals and organizations. The program installs new historical markers and maintains existing monuments, markers, and interpretive signage throughout Wyoming.

For more information about the Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov.

For more information about the dedication, please contact Savannah Daniels, planner at Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, at (307) 777-6314 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Laurel Foster at the Hoofprints of the Past Museum at (307) 738-2381, or visit www.hoofprintsofthepast.org. 

Contact: Savannah Daniels, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LARAMIE, Wyo. – July 2, 2026 – The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site will celebrate Wyoming's Statehood Day with a special event on July 10. Guests can enjoy free admission all day, with activities from 9 a.m. to noon, thanks to the sponsorship of the Wyoming Territorial Park Historic Association.

"We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating Wyoming's rich history on Statehood Day," said Jessica Lira, superintendent of the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. "As Wyoming celebrates its 136th birthday and joins the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, this event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to explore our shared history, experience 19th-century life, and create lasting memories together. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site for this special celebration."

This family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities, including stick-horse rodeo games for children aged 5 and under, balloon twisting, and more. Laramie's Sagebrush Stringband will provide live music from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and at 9:30 and 11:00, the Unexpected Company will perform an original vignette based on Laramie's historic first female jurors. Each visitor will receive a complimentary cupcake from Jubilee Days Royalty (while supplies last), and The Soda Pit will be on-site. 

For just $20, visitors can capture a piece of history with a professional tintype portrait by Dylan Burr Photography-Tintype Style Portraits taken using a camera and lens from the 1800s.

Built in 1872, the Wyoming Territorial Prison has a storied history, housing over 1,000 outlaws, including the infamous Butch Cassidy. After a new prison was constructed in Rawlins in 1903, the facility was repurposed by the University of Wyoming as an agricultural experiment station until 2004, when it became managed by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources as a historic site.

The regular operating hours for the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site are from May through September, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and October through April, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites at wyoparks.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: Attendees enjoying the activities at the 2025 Statehood Day Celebration at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. 

Contact: Jessica Lira, 307-745-6161; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.