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Don’t leave pumpkins out for wildlife (posted 11/4/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking residents to properly dispose of pumpkins instead of leaving them out for wildlife to eat.
It may seem harmless to leave pumpkins out, but it is quite the opposite, especially for mule deer, whose digestive system cannot process unnatural foods. This often leads to sick animals. Pumpkins left outside also can attract scavenging animals from raccoons to bears.
"This time of year the department gets many calls about sickly deer fawns, and much of this can be attributed to these deer eating foods that offer little nutritional value and having a difficult time digesting the unnatural food. This makes them susceptible to parasites and other diseases," said Breanna Ball, Game and Fish public information officer.
Many places in Wyoming have feeding ordinances, making the intentional feeding of wildlife by private citizens illegal. Please check with your city or county for more information.
Here are some other things you can do to help wildlife this time of year:
- Pick up your hammocks, soccer nets and tomato cages, and consider placing holiday lights out of reach.
- Keep your pets confined and/or on a leash and do not allow pets to chase wildlife. Keep your distance and give wildlife plenty of room.
- Slow down on roadways for migrating wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Plan for added time in your travels.
- If you have fences, make them wildlife-friendly and open gates wherever possible for easier wildlife movement.
Pack Trail Fire update – Nov. 3, 2024 – Final Update (posted 11/4/2024)
All evacuation orders and closures lifted. Union Pass Road reopened.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Sunday, November 3, 2024. This is the final Update for the Pack Trail Fire
People & Equipment: 93 Personnel, 2 Crews, 1 Local Engine, 1 Helicopter, 1 Ambulance
Current Situation: The Pack Trail Fire is 89,930 acres, Fire Confinement 95%
Operations Recent snowfall has restricted access to a large area of the fire perimeter and is expected to persist in the days ahead. The fire is in a patrol and monitor status as interior smoke and heat are still present. The fire will be monitored by the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests as needed. Winter weather and increased fuel moistures should continue to reduce any threats of continuing fire activity. Suppression repair activities have been completed in all areas still accessible to resources.
Safety Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution when dealing with fires or other possible ignition sources. Please use caution while driving near the fire areas, especially on narrow secondary roads due to snow or ice accumulation. Be Very Careful on reopened roads in and near the fire area. Check with WYDOT for updated road conditions, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide.
Weather Widespread snow showers are expected to continue through Wednesday as additional disturbances move across the area and colder air is ushered in. Weather patterns will be seasonal with intermittent snow and cold temperatures. The cold temperatures and snow will continue to decrease any fire activity. The weather forecast is predicted to bring fire-season ending conditions.
Evacuations The Fremont County Emergency Management Agency has lifted all evacuation levels for the Union Pass subdivision, Lava Mountain Lodge, Triangle C Ranch, and Old Mackenzie Ranch, effective October 30, 2024. All evacuation areas within the Pack Trail Fire have been lifted. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page or the Teton County Emergency Management website for additional information.
Road Closures The Union Pass Road on the Pinedale Ranger District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the Moon Lake Road on the Wind River District (SHO) will be open effective 6:00am Monday, November 4, 2024. Moon Lake Road will be open effective 6:00am Monday, November 4, 2024.
Forest Closures Closure Order #04-03-24-317 will be rescinded effective 6:00am Monday, November 4, 2024. The forest areas described in Closure Order #04-03-24-317 are now open.
For more information, visit: Bridger-Teton Forest website - https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire
Information Phone: 307-739-5564 8am-Noon
Click on this link for more pictures: Pack Trail Fire pictures>
Pack Trail Fire closure to be lifted November 4 (posted 11/1/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to rescind the temporary road and trail closure associated with the 89,930-acre Pack Trail Fire at 6:00 AM, Monday, November 4. All evacuation areas within the Pack Trail Fire have been lifted. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page or the Teton County Emergency Management website for additional information. The weather forecast is predicted to bring fire-season ending conditions.
While the fire may not be completely out, visitors will be able to enter the closure area on November 4. Caution is advised within and around the area of the fire. As with any wildland fire, hazards exist and will continue to exist after the fire is called out. Potential hazards include falling trees and limbs, falling rocks and flash flooding.
The Pack Trail Fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is now 84 percent confined and has seen no fire growth over the past couple weeks. Favorable weather including snow, higher relative humidity and lower temperatures have helped crews get into the fire area safely and gain containment. Firefighters continue to work within the perimeter of the fire "mopping up", which means they are finding hot spots in the burn and extinguishing them so that the fire remains contained in the existing footprint.
For other news, events and information you can call 307-739-5500 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Facebook @BridgerTetonNF or on X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
Wyoming Game & Fish to host mule deer conversations across the state (posted 10/29/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is inviting the public to participate in a series of conversations focused on mule deer conservation throughout the state in the coming months. These discussions offer a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with Game and Fish, share insights and discuss the future of Wyoming’s mule deer management.
Local wildlife biologists and game wardens will facilitate discussions on various aspects of mule deer management and conservation. Participants are invited to share their opinions on the future of mule deer, explore both statewide and regional challenges and have the opportunity to share their perspectives on local mule deer herds.
Mule deer are a highly-valued species in Wyoming, drawing widespread interest from hunters, landowners and wildlife enthusiasts. However, mule deer populations have declined across the West for decades. Game and Fish is committed to understanding and conserving this iconic species. A recent survey of resident mule deer hunters highlighted a strong desire for many to stay involved in updates and conversations about mule deer. Mule deer community conversations are designed to provide an opportunity for Wyomingites to have those discussions.
"These meetings are intended to provide the public with an opportunity to directly engage with local wildlife managers regarding mule deer conservation and management," said Deputy Chief of Wildlife Justin Binfet.
Casper Region:
Dec. 3: Lusk, 6-8 pm, Niobrara County Fairgrounds
Dec. 4: Douglas, 6-8 pm, Converse Co. Library
Dec. 5: Glenrock, 6-8 pm, Glenrock Library Meeting Hall
Dec. 6: Casper, 6-8 pm, Casper WGFD office
Dec. 11: Newcastle, 5-7 pm, USDA Building 1225 Washington Blvd.
Dec. 12: Sundance, 6-8 pm, Crook County Courthouse basement
Cody Region:
Dec. 3: Worland, 6-8 pm, Washakie County Fairgrounds, 501 15 Mile Rd, Worland, WY
Dec. 6: Thermopolis, 6-8 pm, Hot Springs County Fire Hall, 400 S 14th St, Thermopolis, WY
Dec. 12: Greybull, 5-7 pm, Greybull Town Hall, 24 S 5th St, Greybull, WY
Lovell: 5-7 pm, Lovell Fire Hall, 314 Nevada Ave, Lovell, WY
Dec. 13: Powell, 4-5:30 pm, WyOld West Brewing Company in Powell (221 N Bent St, Powell, WY 82435)
Dec. 14: Cody, 4-5:30 pm, Millstone Pizza Company & Brewing in Cody (1057 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414)
Green River Region:
Nov. 13: Baggs, 6-8 pm, Higher Education Building
Dec. 12: Green River, 6-8 pm, WGFD Green River Office
Dec. 16: Kemmerer, 6-8 pm, Best Western
Dec. 17: Cokeville, 6-8 pm, Town Hall
Dec. 18: Evanston, 6-8 pm, TBD - Likely Portland Rose Room at the Round House.
Dec. 19: Mountain View, 6-8 pm, School Board Room
Jackson Region:
Nov. 18: Thayne, 5 pm, Community Center
Dec. 2: Jackson, 5:30 pm, Teton County Library
Lander Region: DATES COMING SOON
Laramie Region
Aug. 22: Elk Mountain, 6-8 pm, Elk Mountain Town Park
Aug. 29: Medicine Bow, 6-8 pm, Medicine Bow C-Spear
Nov. 4: Jelm, 6-8 pm, Woods Landing (9 WY 10)
Nov. 6, Cheyenne, 5-7 pm, Laramie County Shooting Complex (13802 Bullseye Blvd)
Nov. 7: Torrington, 5-7 pm, Rendezvous Center, Goshen County Fairgrounds (7078 Fairgrounds Rd)
Nov. 12: Wheatland, 5-7 pm, Agriplex, Platte County Fairgrounds (59 Antelope Gap Rd)
Nov. 14: Saratoga, 6-8 pm, Silver Saddle Room, Saratoga Resort (601 Pic Pike Rd)
Dec. 18: Pinedale:, 5-9 pm, Pinedale Library, Lovatt Room
Sheridan: DATES COMING SOON
Pack Trail Fire update – Oct. 29, 2024 (posted 10/29/2024)
Snow helping, Union Pass road still closed
Teton Interagency Fire
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Update
89,930 acres
Fire Confinement 78%
People & Equipment: 387 Personnel, 8 Crews, 7 Engines, 2
Helicopters, 9 Heavy Equipment, 3 Ambulances
Operations – Nevada Team 4 took command of the Pack Trail Fire today at 0600. On the north and east sides of the fire, crews continue to identify and prioritize suppression repair needs prior to the forecasted snow event. Cold trailing continues along the fire perimeter as safety hazards allow. On the southwestern flank, from Union Pass to the Strawberry Warming Hut, crews clean ditches and chip slash from shaded fuel breaks. Precipitation and cold temperatures continue to aid fire suppression efforts.
Safety – Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution when dealing with fires or other possible ignition sources. Please use caution while driving in these areas, especially on narrow secondary roads due to snow or ice accumulation. Always expect to encounter fire vehicles and heavy equipment in and around the fire area. Check with WY-DOT for updated road conditions, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide.
"If you fly, we can’t." Remember that flying a personal drone over a fire area during a temporary flight restriction is illegal and can be an extremely dangerous threat to our aviators and firefighters on the ground.
Weather —Widespread snow showers are expected from early morning Tuesday into Tuesday late night. Accumulations will range from 2-8 inches depending on elevation. Winter Weather Advisories and a Winter Storm Warning are in place Tuesday through 0700 Wednesday. Scattered snow showers are possible from Wednesday into Thursday. Highs on Tuesday and Wednesday should reach the 20s to mid-30s. Lows on Tuesday night should be in the teens to low 20s, with lows on Wednesday night even colder in the low to mid-teens. Another cold front is predicted to bring additional snow to the area Thursday night into Friday. Highs on Thursday and Friday will range from the mid-20s to mid-30s. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov.
Evacuations – Evacuation areas have been reduced to a Level 1 "Ready" status for the Union Pass subdivision, Lava Mountain Lodge, Triangle C Ranch, and Old Mackenzie Ranch. All other evacuation areas have been rescinded. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.
Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale Ranger District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the Moon Lake Road on the Wind River District (SHO). Moon Lake Road is also closed.
Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from October 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. through November 15, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-316, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area.
For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire
Fire Information Phone: 307-395-2351, 8am-8pm
Email: 2024.Packtrail@firenet.gov
Wyoming continues to see high voter turnout for 2024 General Election (posted 10/29/2024)
Wyoming Secretary of State
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – With the Wyoming absentee voting period underway, Wyoming is seeing an increase in turnout across the state compared with turnout numbers from previous election cycles. As of the end of the day on October 28th, absentee turnout by mail and in person exceeded 76,000, which is over 30% of the number of registered voters in Wyoming.
"Voting is a pivotal part of our republic," Secretary of State Chuck Gray said. "Turnout continues to outpace the 2022 General Election across the Cowboy State as eligible Wyoming voters exercise their right to vote. Our office will continue to work diligently to administer the 2024 Election."
For information concerning the absentee voting period, Voter ID requirements, and more for the 2024 Election Cycle, visit www.letsvotewyo.org
SCSO launches Project Lifesaver Program (posted 10/24/2024)
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of Project Lifesaver, a program utilizing advanced electronic technology to quickly locate individuals with cognitive impairments who may wander away from their caregivers or homes.
Participants in the program wear a battery-operated transmitter on a wristband or ankle bracelet, which emits a unique radio tracking signal. If a participant goes missing, their caregiver can contact the Sheriff's Office, which will use a mobile receiver to track the individual's signal and bring them to safety.
This program is designed to serve individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—all of whom are at a higher risk of wandering. Established in 1999 by the 43rd Search and Rescue at the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office in Virginia, Project Lifesaver has since grown to become a nationwide initiative, helping over 4,350 families reunite with loved ones.
Seven members from the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Tip Top Search and Rescue have recently became certified electronic search specialists, ensuring they can operate the equipment effectively and train other deputies on its use.
This lifesaving technology can dramatically reduce the time it takes to locate missing persons wearing the transmitter device, offering families and caregivers greater peace of mind. By enrolling in the program, caregivers can focus on their loved one's well-being without the constant fear of them wandering off.
The individual startup/ordering cost for this program is approximately $350.00 per client. The intent is to be able to provide a wristband to each high-risk individual at no cost. To support this initiative, donations can be made through Project Lifesaver, specifically to benefit Sublette County residents in need of this technology.
Project Lifesaver is now active for anyone in Sublette County interested in enrolling a family member. For more information or to enroll, please contact Project Life Saver Administrator Deputy Hana Patterson at 307-367-4378 or hpatterson@sublettecountwy.gov.
Pack Trail Fire update – Oct. 24, 2024 (posted 10/24/2024)
Teton Interagency Fire
Total Acres: 89,645
Confined: 66%
Total Personnel: 565
Operations On the north side of the Pack Trail Fire, crews continue to complete fire suppression repair where there is little fire activity. On the east flank, crews will begin to break down structure protection equipment along Highway 26. Firefighters will assess and improve confinement lines along the 540 Road and the Lava Burn Scar connecting to natural features on Lava Mountain. Cold trailing continues along the fire edge as safety hazards allow. On the southwestern flank, crews are securing the edge of the fire, extinguishing hot spots and cold trailing from Park Creek to the West into Bacon Creek and Bang Creek. Firing operations may take place where conditions and crew capabilities allow. The precipitation received overnight is anticipated to help fire crews secure the fire edge even further. To aid in their mission to seek out and eliminate sources of heat on the fire line, they will be using a fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft system (UAS). This technology is an effective application for use in steep, rugged terrain to be as efficient as possible while covering large tracks of land in little time.
Safety Despite the recent precipitation, Teton Interagency Fire Managers are maintaining the Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. This precipitation was not a fire season-ending event. Due to wind, fuels will begin to rapidly dry out when the snow melts. Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution when dealing with fires or other possible ignition sources.
Please use caution while driving in these areas, especially on narrow secondary roads. Always expect to encounter fire vehicles and heavy equipment in and around the fire area. Check with WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide. Closures are not expected, but with active fire in the area checking status before travel is recommended.
"If you fly, we can’t." Remember that flying a personal drone over a fire area during a temporary flight restriction is illegal and can be an extremely dangerous threat to both our aviators and firefighters on the ground.
Weather Today will be mostly cloudy with temperatures of 39-44 degrees with minimum relative humidities from 39% - 44%. Winds from the west to northwest will be 6-11 MPH with gusts up to 23. A cold front will bring increased cloud cover and a chance for precipitation today before high-pressure returns for the weekend. Snow and rain showers diminish this morning, giving way to colder temperatures and higher humidities compared to the last two days. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov.
Evacuations Lava Mountain Lodge, Roaring River Subdivision, Buckboard Subdivision, Double Bar J Ranch, Lava Creek Ranch, Triangle C Ranch, Pelham Lake, Sheridan Creek Camp Areas, Old Mackenzie Ranch, Upper Gros Ventre, Darwin Ranch have been reduced to Level 2 "Set" status. Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle, Breccia, and Long Creek, and Dunior areas have been reduced to a Level 1 "Ready" status. Union Pass subdivision remains in a Level 2 "Set" status. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.
Road Closures The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale Ranger District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the Moon Lake Road on the Wind River District (SHO). Moon Lake Road is also closed.
Forest Closures Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from October 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. through November 15, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-316, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area.
For more information Visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire
Fire Information Phone: 307-395-2351 - 8am-8pm
Email: 2024.Packtrail@firenet.gov
Christmas tree permits available on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 10/13/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase at Bridger-Teton National Forest district offices and online through Recreation.gov beginning October 13. Details about where to cut, dates, height restrictions and more can be found at Recreation.gov.
"National forests are full of beautiful landscapes that offer memorable experiences for all," said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "Experiences become memories that last through generations, and exploring a national forest to select a tree that becomes the centerpiece for the holiday season creates a connection between the forest and a family’s story."
To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search "Bridger-Teton National Forest Christmas Tree Permit." It is important to carefully read through the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Each permit is $15, plus a $2.50 processing fee. Users can purchase up to five trees per account. The permit must be printed and placed in the windshield of your vehicle as you remove your tree(s) from the Forest.
Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Visit the Bridger-Teton Alerts and Notices webpage to know the current Forest orders, alerts, notifications and closures. Free motor vehicle use maps may be available at district offices, online via the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or by downloading the Avenza App on your smart phone or tablet.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Kids of all ages can download, color and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. Call your local U.S. Forest Service office for more information about the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.
For other news, events and information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF
Amateur radio operator training classes in Rock Springs in November (posted 10/13/2024)
The Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club (SARC) is offering classes
to become a licensed amateur short-wave radio operator.
While anyone can listen to the transmissions without a
license, but becoming an operator requires an FCC license.
To assist prospective operators in obtaining this license,
the SARC is offering a four-part class in November,
scheduled over two weekends.
November 8: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Technician Class Part 1
November 9: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Technician Class Part
2
November 22: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Technician Class Part
3
November 23: 8:00am - 12:00pm, Technician Class
Part 4
November 23: 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Amateur Radio Test,
Sweetwater County Justice Center Classroom, 50140 US Highway
191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901
Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology while
learning to connect with others around the globe. Whether
you are interested in emergency communications,
experimenting with radio equipment, or simply sharing your
passion, the Technician class is a starting point. For more
information or questions, contact Zach Gunyan, KE7W-YG, 307-
922-6326 (note phone number correction), email:
ke7wyg@wy7u.org.
Registration: http://wy7u.org/2024-technician-class-
registration/
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Fire Danger increased to Very High (posted 10/3/2024)
Western Wyo., October 3, 2024 — Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to "Very High" for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. When the fire danger is "Very High," fires can start easily from most causes and may spread rapidly with quick increase in intensity right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting. These fires can be difficult to control and can often become much larger and longer lasting.
Last week, six human-caused fires were reported on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. These fires, all from abandoned warming fires, have ranged in size from ½ acre to 4.5 acres. Luckily, all these fires have been extinguished thanks to the vigilance of public reporting and firefighters patrolling the Forest. Fire managers are urging recreationists to use extreme caution with fire.
During the fall, frost kills summer grasses and vegetation, creating more light, cured fuels to carry fire. Larger fuels remain dry throughout the season, and winds become a major driver for fires. Additionally, with fall, comes the arrival of hunting season. People hunting and recreating on public lands will want to have warming fires and campfires with the cooler overnight temperatures. Public land users can help prevent wildfires by choosing to not have a fire at all and instead dress for success with multiple layers and warm clothing.
Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures and very dry conditions are predicted to continue over the weekend and into next week with periods of increased wind and no forecasted rain.
Fire managers advise recreationists to use extreme caution if choosing to build and maintain a campfire. In areas where campfires are allowed, fires should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before leaving. If choosing to have a campfire, keep it small and have a plan for putting it out before lighting it. All recreationists should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is "dead out" and cold to the touch before leaving. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!
To date, 68 campfires have been abandoned or left unattended in the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. Unattended or abandoned campfires and warming fires can quickly escape and become wildfires, and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at TetonFires.com to learn more about fire safety. To report a fire or smoke in the area, call Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
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