Press Releases

21 February 2025

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives to Meet in March 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives to Meet in March

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 21, 2025 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates eight 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 for the growth and enhancement of outdoor recreation in Wyoming.

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

Dates, times, locations, and call-in information are as follows:

Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative
- March 4, 2025 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (MST)
- Join virtually through video call here: meet.google.com/cha-azmo-hdu
- Or dial: ‪(US) +1 413-561-4963‬ PIN: ‪869 560 592‬#
Park Country Outdoor Recreation Collaborative
- March 5, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (MST)
- Join virtually through video call here: meet.google.com/jbx-qftd-spp
- Or dial: ‪(US) +1 636-498-4969‬ PIN: ‪820 702 627‬#
Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative
- March 6, 2025 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (MST)
- Join virtually through video call here: meet.google.com/zja-vfpu-djy
- Or dial: ‪(US) +1 678-801-8463‬ PIN: ‪707 303 331‬#

By recommendation of the 2017 Governor’s Outdoor Recreation Task Force, the Office of Outdoor Recreation aims to diversify Wyoming’s economy by expanding, enhancing, and promoting responsible recreational opportunities through collaboration, outreach, and coordination with stakeholders, landowners, private industry, and public officials.

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

Contact: Amy Crawford, 307-777-6925; amy.crawford@wyo.gov

20 February 2025

Wyoming State Parks Law Enforcement Prioritizes Customer Service and Education through "Ranger First" Philosophy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; mark.caughlan@wyo.gov

Wyoming State Parks Law Enforcement Prioritizes Customer Service and Education through "Ranger First" Philosophy

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 20, 2025 – While Wyoming’s State Park Rangers meet the same training and certification standards as other state law enforcement agencies, they are dedicated to a mission that differs in many ways from traditional police work. With an emphasis on customer service and education, they are committed to enhancing the experience of Wyoming residents and visitors as they explore the state's diverse natural and cultural attractions.

"Our rangers are more than just law enforcement officers; they serve as ambassadors for Wyoming's state parks and historic sites," stated Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan of Wyoming State Parks. "By embracing the Ranger First philosophy, which is based on community-oriented policing, we prioritize customer service and education, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who visits."

This philosophy emphasizes the importance of visibility within the parks, enhancing the visitor experience and fostering educational outreach. It also takes a proactive stance toward problem-solving through a people-centered approach. Key elements of this strategy involve actively engaging with stakeholders and the local community, ensuring transparency in operations, and equipping visitors with resources that enhance their knowledge and promote safety awareness.

"State Park Rangers are essential in enhancing public enjoyment while ensuring safety and resource protection. Our responsibilities extend beyond enforcement to include education, emergency response, and facilitating recreational activities like boating and mountain biking," added Caughlan.

For more information on Wyoming State Parks and the emphasis on customer service and education, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/home-park-rangers.

Figure 1: A Wyoming State Park Ranger visits with park guests. Figure 2: A Wyoming State Park Ranger awaits park guests at Curt Gowdy State Park's Visitor Center.

Contact: Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; mark.caughlan@wyo.gov

19 February 2025

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission to Meet February 27-28

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.png

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tatum Soto, 307-777-7496; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission to Meet February 27-28

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 19, 2025 – The Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 27, and Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Barrett Building at 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne.

There will be an option to join virtually via Google Meet to ensure all interested individuals can participate. You can find the virtual meeting details below:

Video call link: meet.google.com/ght-rgzs-irr

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 845-293-2133‬ PIN: ‪210 645 239‬#

The agenda will cover important topics related to Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) and provide a public input and discussion platform. The Commission strongly encourages community members to participate in this crucial conversation.

The meeting will begin at noon on February 27 and include departmental updates, legislative reports, and individual program updates.

The Commission will reconvene on February 28 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda will feature various updates from SPCR Deputy Directors and Managers.

The SPCR Commission is a nine-member advisory board established by statute W.S. 36-4-101 through W.S. 36-4-123. Members are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor based on Appointment Districts and must be confirmed by the Senate. The Commission meets quarterly to provide informed guidance and consultation to SPCR staff.

Additionally, the Commission supports the agency's programs and advocates for the public before the Wyoming Legislature while promoting efficient, responsive, timely, and professional service delivery.

For more information regarding the upcoming meeting, please contact Executive Assistant Tatum Soto at 307-777-7496 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To learn more about the Commission and view past meeting minutes, please visit wyospcr.wyo.gov/index.php/administration/boards-commissions.

Contact: Tatum Soto, 307-777-7496; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

19 February 2025

Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board Meeting Scheduled on February 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; sara.davis@wyo.gov

Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board Meeting Scheduled on February 27, 2025

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 19, 2025 – The Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) will meet on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming State Library, located at 2800 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Participants who cannot attend in person can join virtually via Google Meet. Joining details are provided below:

Video call link: meet.google.com/eqj-wiqz-wme

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 484-552-3069‬ PIN: ‪137 358 328‬#

Members of the public are welcome to attend. An executive session may be called if necessary.

The Wyoming SHRAB promotes the identification, preservation, and dissemination of the state’s historical records by encouraging and supporting ongoing training programs for state, tribal, and local governments, local repositories, organizations, and others involved in records care in Wyoming.

The Wyoming State Archives, part of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, administers the program. For more information on the Wyoming SHRAB or the grant projects it sponsors, visit wyoarchives.state.wy.us/index.php/about-archives/state-historical-records-advisory-board.

For further information, please contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at 307-777-7826 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Archives by visiting wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; sara.davis@wyo.gov

18 February 2025

Wyoming State Records Committee to Meet February 24, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; wyarchive@wyo.gov

Wyoming State Records Committee to Meet February 24, 2025

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 18, 2025 – The Wyoming State Records Committee will meet on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. via Google Meet.

Participants can join virtually by using the following details:

Video call link: meet.google.com/dhp-gidn-ksp

Or dial: (US) +1 567-231-5199‬ and enter PIN: 128 575 217‬#

The Wyoming State Records Committee reviews and approves public records retention schedules. The Committee is the final authority in determining whether state, county, and local government records are retained permanently or disposed of after a designated period. Committee members include representatives from the State Archives, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Audit.

The meeting agenda includes retention requests for state and local agencies and accession and deaccession requests for various archival materials.

If you need special assistance, please call the Wyoming State Archives at 307-777-7826. More information is available at wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

Contact: Sara Davis, 307-777-7826; wyarchive@wyo.gov

18 February 2025

Wyoming Arts Council Now Accepting Community Support Grant Applications 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Amara Fehring, 307-630-3918; amara.fehring@wyo.gov

Cashmere Balland, 307-214-7819; cashmere.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming Arts Council Now Accepting Community Support Grant Applications

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 18, 2025 – The Wyoming Arts Council is now accepting Community Support Grant applications. The deadline to apply is March 28 at 11:59 p.m. MST. The Community Support Grant is a competitive grant program for operating and/or project support for qualified organizations that provide services to their community through the arts. Applicants may also apply for funding for arts learning activities.

“The Community Support Grant is designed to provide organizations with essential funding support for operations, projects, and arts learning, ensuring they can continue offering meaningful arts experiences to their communities,” said Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist of the Wyoming Arts Council.

Grant funding is available for programs and services that take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

An organization is eligible to receive up to $10,000 in operating and/or project support and up to $5,000 in arts learning support for a total of up to $15,000 in grant funding.

The Community Support Grant application is available on the online grant system and can be found at wyomingartscouncil.org under the “Grants” tab. New applicants will need to create a new user account.

Organizations applying for grant funds from the Wyoming Arts Council will need a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) from SAM.gov. Getting a UEI is free. More information on the UEI process can be found on the Wyoming Arts Council website or SAM.gov.

Arts Council staff is willing to offer technical assistance to any organization before the deadline and is available to answer specific questions they may have about the grant.

“Our team is here to support applicants through the process, and we encourage organizations to reach out with any questions,” said Fehring.

For questions about the content of an application or eligible projects, contact Fehring at 307-630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For other questions, contact Grants and Administration Manager Cashmere Balland at 307-214-7819 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A complete list of requirements, eligibility, and additional guidelines can be found on the Wyoming Arts Council website at wyomingartscouncil.org under the “Grants” tab.

Figure 1: Friday night Open-Mic performers included Doug Figgs (left) and Carol and Tony Messerly of Many Strings (right) Cowboy Gathering in Encampment, WY.

Contacts: Amara Fehring, 307-630-3918; amara.fehring@wyo.gov

Cashmere Balland, 307-214-7819; cashmere.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

16 February 2025

Glendo State Park Marina Area Temporarily Closed Due to Unstable Ice Conditions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Glendo State Park Marina Area Temporarily Closed Due to Unstable Ice Conditions

GLENDO, Wyo. – February 16, 2025 – Glendo State Park’s marina area will temporarily close until further notice due to a significant area of open and unstable ice, posing safety risks for visitors. The Wyoming State Park Rangers are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution in the area. The marina will reopen once ice conditions have improved.

"Safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure everyone has a safe experience while enjoying the beauty of Glendo State Park," said Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan. "Visitors should avoid the marina area until conditions improve and follow all recommended safety guidelines regarding ice activities."

The Wyoming State Parks Rangers remind everyone to follow ice safety guidelines to minimize risks. Ice should generally be at least 4 inches thick for foot traffic. If it measures 6 inches thick, it can support one ATV, UTV, or snowmobile. Vehicles like cars or small trucks need ice between 9 and 12 inches thick. A medium pickup truck requires ice that is 13 to 15 inches thick.

Due to volatile ice conditions, remain vigilant and avoid unstable areas or pressure ridges. Thin patches of ice may not support even light foot traffic or motorized vehicles. If you are uncertain about the safety of the ice, it's best to stay off it entirely.

Anyone venturing out should be prepared for emergencies. "Always be ready to self-rescue if you fall through the ice, as help may not be immediately available," cautioned Caughlan. Using personal flotation devices and carrying ice awls when engaging in winter activities is advisable.

For the latest updates on ice conditions at Glendo State Park, please visit our official website at wyoparks.wyo.gov or follow us on Facebook at @GlendoStatePark.

Contact: Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan, 307-214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

14 February 2025

Wyoming State Museum Celebrates Wild West Legends with “Tall Tales” Family Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wyoming State Museum Celebrates Wild West Legends with “Tall Tales” Family Day

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — February 14, 2025 — Join the Wyoming State Museum on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for "Tall Tales," a Family Day event celebrating the exaggerated and fantastic stories of the Wild West. With larger-than-life characters like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox and stories that often emphasize the wild and untamed nature of the frontier, these tales shaped the American perception of the West.

This event will cover all sorts of local legends while also encouraging kids to learn about the art of storytelling. Children and adults will love making up stories inspired by museum artifacts, crafting a paper chain snake, and listening to our Curator of Education's enthusiastic story times. Participants will also meet a mountain man reenactor and test their shooting skills to see if they are as impressive as Annie Oakley.

Wyoming State Museum Family Days are free for all ages and bring attendees closer to the Museum's diverse collections. Families can find the registration link at bit.ly/WSMfamilydays or register by phone at 307-630-2573. Every family that registers for and attends the event will be entered into a raffle to win a Texas Roadhouse Family Pack Dinner valued at $49.99.

Fans can follow the Museum's Facebook and Instagram accounts at @wyomingstatemuseum to stay informed about upcoming Family Days, exhibits, and special events.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne. Learn more about the Museum at wyomuseum.wyo.gov.

Figure 1: A "Tall Tales" attendee smiles atop the museum’s trusty wooden horse, Rusty. Figure 2: A "Tall Tales" event graphic. Figure 3: Kids at "Tall Tales," 2021, eagerly listen as Curator of Education Jeremy tells stories from the Wild West.

Contact: Melisa McChesney, 307-630-2573; melisa.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

13 February 2025

Wyoming Arts Council Quarterly Board Meeting Scheduled for February 27-28, 2025 in Cheyenne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mandy Connelley, 307-214-2701; mandy.connelley@wyo.gov

Wyoming Arts Council Quarterly Board Meeting Scheduled for February 27-28, 2025 in Cheyenne

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – February 13, 2025 – The Wyoming Arts Council board will hold a quarterly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27 - Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in the Big Horn Room at Little America in Cheyenne.

The board will convene on Thursday at 1 p.m. to hear reports, plan for upcoming events, receive updates on current Arts Council initiatives, and conduct business. The meeting will adjourn at 4:30 p.m.

The board invites individuals and organizational representatives to attend any part of the meeting to observe the board process. The meeting continues from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday. The board will be available to hear public comments on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Users may join the meeting by calling in using this number: (US) +1 406-668-3248‬ PIN: ‪987 202 285‬# or join in person. Public comment is an opportunity to share news and events or to provide feedback to the Arts Council board. All callers will be muted except during public comment.

The mission of the Wyoming Arts Council is to provide leadership and invest resources to champion, sustain, and cultivate community through the arts.

For a detailed agenda and more information, please contact the Wyoming Arts Council office at 307-777-7742 or visit wyomingartscouncil.org.

Contact: Mandy Connelley, 307-214-2701; mandy.connelley@wyo.gov

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