Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources approves six 2022 applications for potential federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants .
Six Wyoming communities recently submitted Land and Water Conservation Fund applications to Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources totaling more than $2,454,000 in federal funds.
The two Natrona County projects will greatly benefit the community according to local officials.
"Existing signage does not have sufficient information for park visitors and lacks a cohesive theme," says Visit Casper's CEO Brook Kaufman. "We've seen increased off-trail damage and litter on some trails."
Natrona County plans to install Casper Mountain Trail Kiosks to provide wayfinding, safety and conservation information at Beartrap Meadows, Robert L. Adams Memorial Archery Range and the McMurry Mountain Park’sBiathlon Complex in Natrona County. Habitat conservation and stewardship are key goals for this project as are increased ease of use for unfamiliar patrons and orientation for tourists.
"I have recreated on Casper Mountain my entire life and, at times, information has been difficult to access. These new kiosks will provide access to the information critical to moving our residents and visitors around the mountain safely and efficiently.," said Natrona County Roads, Bridges, and Parks Assistant Director Michael Brown, who will head the technical aspects for the project. "Our existing kiosks are at the end of their useful life which makes now the ideal time to see this project come to fruition."
The City of Mills will develop Robertson Hills Neighborhood Park, a four-acre park in the city of Mills. The new park on Robertson Road will be developed on donated land and features green space, a playground, picnic tables, and connect to the Platte River Trails system. Planning began in 2017 and included several public meetings to prioritize the amenities.
"The City of Mills is excited to partner with Wyoming State Parks to build our newest community park," said the city's Community Development Director Sabrina Kemper. "Public leaders and community members have been trying to build a park on the Mills west side for many years. It brings us great pleasure to finally see this project through. As Wyoming's second-fastest growing city, Mills is ready to show everyone why it's such a great place to live."
The requests will be matched by local funds. To be eligible, the project site must be maintained for public outdoor recreation for perpetuity.
Four additional applications will also be forwarded to National Park Service who oversees the project at the federal level:
· Rehabilitation and expansion of the Kendrick Park swimming pool in Sheridan.
· Construction of the Noonan Park splash pad in Moorcroft.
· Construction of a restroom and connecting sidewalk in the Saddle Ridge Park in Cheyenne.
· Replacement of the existing city swimming pool in Gillette.
"The Land and Water Conservation Fund is America’s most important conservation program," Wyoming State Parks Grant Manager Louisa Lopez said. "It is funded from the federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf pursuant to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and appropriated by Congress."
Administered by the Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails, since its inception the program has funded hundreds of recreational projects throughout Wyoming totaling nearly $40 million.
"The Land and Water Conservation Fund has granted projects in every Wyoming county since 1964 including approximately 372 locations," said Dave Glenn, State Parks Deputy Director. "Wyoming communities utilize the funds for acquisition and development of outdoor recreation properties. This important funding provides communities an opportunity to enhance and enrich their residents with recreation facilities they may otherwise not be able to provide.”
More information is available online at https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/
For more information contact Janet Jares, Grants Specialist, (307) 256-1047, or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Photo caption: Visitors receive information on the Casper Mountain Trail Kiosks at a recent public meeting.
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