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Wyoming SEO opens new voluntary water conservation program (posted 5/30/2026)
Joy Ufford
Holders of valid water rights from the Green River, the Little Snake River and its tributaries, within Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River Basin, will be eligible to apply to the recently enacted Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act.
Irrigation, livestock, agricultural, industrial and municipal water rights are some beneficial uses where incentives could help rights holders find ways to use less water and send more water into storage and downstream in the voluntary program.
The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (SEO) has set up three public meetings in Pinedale, Lyman and Baggs in June to provide more detailed information about the voluntary program. Wyoming law prohibits mandating water distribution, except for the direst situation and with ongoing drought that continues to threaten and worsen shortfalls throughout the Colorado River Basin and its tributaries.
Wyoming cannot mandate broad cuts on senior water rights holders who have beneficial uses for the water. If users do not use their water and send it downstream, however, they risk losing their long-held rights. Wyoming water conservation projects must be voluntary and state administered. This "foundational policy" conflicts with federal calls for mandatory curtailment.
The past winter brought lower than average snowpack and snow-water equivalent across much of western Wyoming. Warmer than usual weather has quickly thawed respectable snowpacks, swelling streams and creeks with early spring runoff.
On May 18, Wyoming NRCS’s 23rd Snow Report for Water Year 2025-2026 (snow season) reported: "Currently the state’s SNOTELs are reading 33 percent of median with a basin high of 74 percent and a basin low of 3 percent. Last year the state was at 69 percent, and at 103 percent
in 2024. The map may differ slightly from the table depending upon how many stations were reporting at the time."
The Upper Green River Basin’s snow-water equivalent was 79 percent on May 18, 2025, compared to 32 percent on May 18. The Lower Green, measured at 67 percent in May 2025, has dropped to 29 percent this year. The Little Snake, which enjoyed 114 percent SWE on May 18, 2025, is now at 25 percent.
The Wyoming Legislature finalized this new Select Water Committee-sponsored legislation, the Voluntary Water Conservation Act Program, which took effect on March 7 during the 2026 budget session. Introduced as Senate File 84, the bill fleshes out how the state would administer the program in Enrolled Act 62.
"AN ACT relating to water within Wyoming's portion of the Colorado River basin; establishing a voluntary water conservation program; providing an application and approval process for the program; providing an appeal process; authorizing the storage and release of water conserved under the program; establishing a sunset date; providing legislative findings; requiring a report; requiring rulemaking; authorizing positions; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date."
It defines "the Colorado River Basin" as outlined in the Colorado River Basin Compact of November 1922 among the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming for the purpose of reducing domestic or agricultural consumptive use "or helps satisfy Wyoming's interstate compact obligations through interstate agreements or otherwise."
The Act details which water rights may be applicable, how to apply to the SEO, and how to address potential adverse effects to other water rights holders. The SEO can refuse any application if the proposed conservation project "that appears to be detrimental to the public interest or that appears to provide for or aid in the interstate marketing of water." It very specific ally addresses diversions, appeals and timing for program participation. It places strong focus on water storage at Fontenelle Reservoir "and other reservoirs located within Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River basin and assess their suitability for the storage of water conserved under the program.
The Wyoming Legislature appropriated $510,000 from the General Fund to fund new positions and implement the SEO program through June 30, 2028.
For more information about the SEO’s Colorado River Voluntary Water Conservation Program, go to https://seo.wyo.gov/home/colorado-river-voluntary-water-conservation-program or email Wyoming Deputy State Engineer Jack Morey at jack.morey2@wyo.gov.
Public meetings:
The public can get more information about the water conservation program at three meetings in Pinedale, Lyman and Baggs.
• Pinedale: June 17, 2-5 p.m. at the Sublette County School District Administration Building, 666 N. Tyler Ave., Pinedale WY 82941.
• Lyman: June 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Lyman High School Auditorium, 1305 E. Clark St., Lyman, WY 82937.
• Baggs: June 22, 1-4 p.m., at the Valley Community Center, 255 W. Osborne St., Baggs, WY 82321.
Background
Past water conservation pilot projects in the Upper and Lower Colorado River basins, including participating Green River ranchers and farmers, resulted in water "savings" with participating water-rights holders compensated by state and federal funds, with incentives of varying amounts paid per acre-foot conserved.
In its 2024 annual report, the Colorado River Water Users Association reported that Wyoming and others implemented "the voluntary, temporary and compensated" System Conservation Pilot Program for several years with plans to continue similar conservation activities.
As an example, in 2023, Wyoming hosted 21 water conservation projects – 19 of them irrigation, one municipal and one industrial – that "conserved an estimated 16,000 acre-feet of water."
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Boyd Skinner Honor Ceremony May 24 in Pinedale (posted 5/23/2026)
The public is invited to attend a special Honor Ceremony on Sunday at 2:00pm at the Boyd Skinner Town Park in Pinedale to celebrate the life and family of Sgt. Boyd Skinner.
Boyd gave his life in service to his country at Iwo Jima, Japan during World War II. The Skinner family will present the Museum of the Mountain Man with his Purple Heart and other military medals. An Honor Guard and reception to follow.
Boyd Skinner, born November 2, 1920, was one of the first from Pinedale to join the United States Marine Corps when World War II threatened the country. He enlisted shortly after graduation from Pinedale High School, on July 15, 1940 After completing his first service, he reenlisted. On March 10, 1945, he was listed as missing on Iwo Jima, Japan, later declared dead. Pinedale held a service for him on May 10, 1945, and named the town park after him. His name is listed on the Honolulu Memorial (Courts of the Missing World War II) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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Flag Half-Staff notice - May 25, in Observance of Memorial Day (posted 5/23/2026)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - To pay tribute to fallen service members, Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has directed that both the United States and Wyoming state flags be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. The protocol requires flags to be lowered at sunrise and raised to full-staff at 12 noon.
The Governor shared the following remarks:
"Jennie and I take a moment this Memorial Day to recognize the brave individuals who gave their lives for our nation. We also offer our gratitude to their loved ones–we stand with you. The legacy of our state and nation’s fallen heroes continues to inspire us all and will never be forgotten."
Governor Gordon applauds Trump move to remove Public Lands Rule (posted 5/11/2026)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - May 11, 2026 - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s action today (May 11, 2026) to rescind the Biden-era Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Public Lands Rule:
"Today’s action by President Trump and Secretary Burgum is a welcome return to the statutory principle of true multiple use on our public lands. Wyoming people have long understood that conservation and responsible use are not mutually exclusive. Our ranchers, energy producers, sportsmen, counties, and local communities have cared for these lands for generations while supporting jobs, schools, economies and wildlife habitat.
I appreciate the administration's recognition that the BLM’s mission is different from its sister agencies as set in federal law. Agenda driven interpretations, as the Biden Administration attempted, are no longer how Washington does business."
Governor Gordon repeatedly pushed back against this Biden Administration overreach by challenging it in court in 2024 and testified against it during a U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources meeting in June 2023.
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BLM cancels Public Lands Rule (posted 5/11/2026)
Pinedale Online!
On Monday, May 11, 2026, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) filed a notice in the Federal Register finalizing the elimination of the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, also known as the Public Lands Rule.
"Through this final rule, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is fully rescinding the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, issued as a final rule on May 9, 2024. This action restores balance to federal land management under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing access, empowering local decision-making, and aligning the BLM’s implementing regulations with statutory requirements and national energy policy."
The notice summary reads in part, "This action restores balance to federal land management under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) by reaffirming the principles of multiple use and sustained yield, ensuring conservation does not restrict productive use of the public lands, and reducing regulatory burdens that impede efficient decision-making. The 2024 Rule introduced unnecessary complexity and placed operational constraints on the BLM’s planning and permitting processes. It also inappropriately elevated conservation as a discrete "use" of the public lands, contrary to FLPMA’s intent and statutory framework. By rescinding the 2024 Rule, the BLM eliminates mechanisms—such as restoration and mitigation leasing—that threatened to restrict productive use of the public lands and introduced uncertainty and unnecessary burdens in planning and permitting. Existing authorities and tools remain sufficient to address conservation objectives without imposing prescriptive mandates or rigid timelines on public land users and the BLM itself. Repeal of the 2024 Rule will, therefore, improve the BLM’s management of the public lands by restoring the more efficient processes in place prior to that Rule’s promulgation and removing any thumb on the scale in favor of conservation at the expense of productive use and development of the public lands and their many important resources."
Related Links:
Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management, filed May 11, 2026 and published in the Federal Register May 12, 2026.
Shed antler hunting opens May 1 in Collection Area 1 for residents, May 8 for nonresidents (posted 4/30/2026)
JACKSON/PINEDALE, WYOMING – Wyoming residents can begin collecting shed antlers in Collection Area 1 on May 1 at 6 a.m. While nonresidents can access the area on this date, they are not permitted to collect antlers until May 8 at 6 a.m. Additionally, nonresidents 15 years and older must have a conservation stamp to collect shed antlers or horns in Collection Area 1.
Before venturing out, be sure to know which lands are open. Lands outside of Collection Area 1 may still be closed. The status of Commission-owned lands can be found on the Game and Fish public access webpage. It is illegal to enter any person's private property to collect antlers or horns without the permission of the property owner or the person in charge of the property, regardless of the time of year. The collection of antlers is prohibited year-round in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
The head or skull of a big game animal with antlers and horns attached cannot be removed without prior approval from a Game and Fish law enforcement officer. If approved, the antlers or horns attached to a head or skull plate of a big game animal will require the purchase of a Wyoming Interstate Game Tag.
The collection of shed antlers means to search for, locate, stockpile or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land. To report shed antler or horn collection violations, call the STOP Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3847 (1-877-WGFD-TIP) or text the keyword WGFD to TIP411 (847-411).
Spring weather also means bears are becoming more active. When recreating in bear country, be aware of potential bear encounters. Hike in groups, make noise to prevent surprising bears, and familiarize yourself with signs of bear activity. These signs include tracks, scat, diggings, and flocks of magpies or ravens, which can indicate a nearby food source. Always carry EPA-approved bear spray and keep it easily accessible. For more information on bear safety, please visit the Bear Wise Wyoming webpage.
For antler collection regulations and additional information, visit the Game and Fish website, or call the Jackson Regional Office at (307) 733-2321 or the Pinedale Regional Office at (307) 367-4352 for area-specific questions.
Governor Gordon urges Property Tax Refund Program applications (posted 4/30/2026)
Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - Governor Gordon (R-WY) encourages eligible property owners to apply for the Wyoming Property Tax Refund Program by the June 1st deadline. This program provides refunds on a qualified basis to Wyoming homeowners who paid taxes for the 2025 tax year. If homeowners applied last year, the Wyoming Department of Revenue (DOR) recently sent out hardcopy applications.
In the 2026 Budget Session, the Wyoming Legislature accepted the Governor’s recommendation of $12 million for property tax relief targeted to lower-income homeowners. Generally, this includes Wyoming residents who make 145% or less of the median household income in their county or the statewide median household income, whichever is greater. DOR estimates that the average statewide refund amount for the 2025 tax year will be $771.35. However, this amount will vary by county and specific amounts for each county can be found on DOR's website.
"The refund program is a strong example of targeted and responsible property tax relief," said Governor Gordon. "We are putting money back on the kitchen table for folks who need it. If you are eligible, I encourage you to sign up."
"Thanks to strong support from Governor Gordon and funding from the legislature, the Property Tax Refund Program is now in full swing," Director of the Department of Revenue Bret Fanning said.
While the income thresholds vary by county, an annual household income under $114,043 generally qualifies in most areas. Please contact your local county treasurer or the Department of Revenue for more information about the other eligibility requirements with this program. Eligible applicants can receive hundreds of dollars back in meaningful property tax relief.
Property taxes in Wyoming are primarily used at the local level, supporting critical services that residents rely on every day. These include K-12 public schools, local law enforcement and emergency services, road and bridge maintenance, hospitals and public health services, community colleges and local government operations.
Unlike many other states, Wyoming does not collect a personal income tax, making property taxes one of the primary ways communities fund essential services.
However, having robust residential property tax relief programs that help veterans, the elderly and families in need is an important tool for strengthening our families and communities. The Governor recommends families in need take full advantage of these other programs as well. Home owners can reach out to their county assessor’s office.
To find more information on the Property Tax Refund Program and to submit an application, residents can fill out the hardcopy application sent to them, go to their local county treasurer’s office, or visit the Wyoming Department of Revenue website: https://revenue.wyo.gov/.
BLM plans to conduct spring prescribed burns (posted 4/30/2026)
Deadline Ridge Prescribed Burn Project in May or June northwest of LaBarge
Bureau of Land Management
PINEDALE, WYOMING— The Bureau of Land Management High Desert District, in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, may conduct prescribed burns this spring on public lands managed by the Pinedale Field Office, contingent on appropriate fuel moisture and weather conditions.
If conditions meet required parameters, the BLM plans to implement broadcast burns as part of the Deadline Ridge Prescribed Burn Project. The project is anticipated to occur in May or June and would treat approximately 210 acres of vegetation using stand-replacing fire. The treatment area is located about 13 miles northwest of LaBarge.
The prescribed burn is part of the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Habitat Project, which supports the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wyoming Range Mule Deer Initiative. The project is designed to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland-urban interface and improve habitat conditions for mule deer, including crucial winter, transition and fawning ranges.
The BLM works in coordination with partners to support habitat improvement efforts across the Wyoming Range. Contributing partners have included the Wyoming Game and Fish Wyoming, Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, Muley Fanatics Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, and ExxonMobil.
Prescribed burns are conducted under strict planning and authorization requirements. Each project undergoes environmental review and includes design features and mitigation measures to minimize impacts to other resources. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority throughout all operations.
Smoke may be visible from long distances during operations but is expected to dissipate relatively quickly based on seasonal conditions and weather patterns. Light smoke in the immediate area of the burn could last for multiple weeks following ignitions. Hunters, recreationists and other public land users are encouraged to remain aware of active project areas and prescribed fire activity.
WYG&F Commissioners vote to increase non-resident preference point prices (posted 4/21/2026)
For elk, deer, and antelope effective January 1, 2027
Wyoming Game & Fish
CHEYENNE. WY - The Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners voted on April 21, 2026 to increase non-resident preference points effective January 1, 2027, a motion that was passed unanimously after some discussion.
The Commission voted to increase non-resident preference point prices for elk, deer, and antelope to the maximum amount permitted by the Wyoming State Legislature, which allowed limited increase in preference points and license increases per Wyoming Statute Section 23-2-101 in 2018.
"We need to be prepared to do more for our Game and Fish employees," Commissioner Bill Mai said. "Costs have increased across the board - we have to be ready to cover that."
The increases will include the following:
Antelope preference points: $31 to $75, a $44 increase.
Deer preference points: $41 to $75, a $34 increase.
Elk preference points: $52 to $75, a $23 increase.
Moose and sheep preference points had previously been increased to the maximum allowed on January 1, 2018.
Game and Fish Chief Fiscal Officer Meredith Wood said that the revenue increase, based on current preference point sales, will provide the Department with an annual revenue increase of an estimated $14,654,829.
This is the first increase for non-resident preference points since 2018. During her presentation, Wood noted that since 2008, there has been a cumulative inflation of 68.3%, with a 35.7% inflation increase since 2020.
Commissioner John Masterson said that the increase in preference points is a necessary step in managing the increased cost of wildlife management for the Department, and will ultimately benefit residents and visitors alike.
"This increase is a way of preserving a way of life that we love," Masterson said. "I’m very confident that the agency does a great job of administering the agency dollars, and I think everybody who looks at the department budget would say that they are responsible, transparent stewards of that money."
Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said after the meeting that the decision to increase non-resident preference points is an important step forward in matching revenue with more than a decade of cost increases to the agency.
"An overall hunting license increase has not occurred since 2008," Bruce said. "It is good to see the support from the Commissioners in looking out for the future of wildlife management, however, the costs to our mission continue to grow exponentially. This is a move in the right direction, and we will continue to work to find creative opportunities to generate additional funds that will benefit wildlife in our state."
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