Vol. 1, Issue 12



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Organization of the Month

Casper Snowmobile Association , NCORC

Since 1968, Casper Snowmobile Association, AKA “Casper Snow Gypsies'' has been helping to protect, promote, & develop snowmobiling in the Casper area and around the state of Wyoming. They continue to be a voice that will advocate for snowmobiler's rights and expanding access to winter trails.


The Casper Snow Gypsies, along with many generous donors and volunteers, have helped to build and maintain multiple safety shelters on Casper Mountain and its surrounding areas including the Muddy Mountain Safety Shelter and the Ponderosa Safety Shelter. They have countless volunteer hours invested in continuously maintaining these shelters. They’ve contributed thousands of dollars to the State Snowmobile Association scholarship program. Many local members have successfully completed multiple winter search and rescue missions over the years.


In the next year, the Snow Gypsies aim to work alongside the appropriate state and county officials and local landowners to regain access to trails that have been lost in the last 5 years, and to also establish approximately 15 miles of new trails on Casper Mountain and the surrounding areas. They are always looking to help local landowners see and understand that not all snowmobilers are “bad” and that the trail system is not only a resource for our community but for wildlife as well.


The Snow Gypsies strive to improve the winter motorized culture by organizing multiple poker runs. All are encouraged and invited to attend. You don’t have to own a snowmobile to be a part of their organization. They hold monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm at Pizza Ranch in Casper. You can join at any time with an annual single, family, or associate membership. Keep an eye out for them on Facebook for all of their upcoming events!

Learn more about Casper Snow Gypsies

Featured Business



Gannet Peak Sports, WRORC

Gannett Peak Sports is a service-centric bike, ski, & specialty sport shop located in downtown Lander. Their obsession with being active and having fun is focused on biking, nordic skiing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, swimming, skating, and disc golf. They carry a full range of mountain, gravel, fitness, kid's bikes, and e-bikes, and have a full-service shop with professional mechanics for repairs on bikes and skis. Gannet Peak Sports is humbled and honored to be awarded the Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bike Dealers’ Association for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022,and again in 2023.


Being an outdoor store in Lander, their customers range from long-time bike and ski enthusiasts to people trying out the sports for the first time. They see many touring cyclists riding through Lander on the Trans America and Great Divide bicycle routes. And lastly, because their storefront is on Main Street, they see a lot of tourist traffic during the busy summer months.



Their main objective at Gannett Peak Sports is to be a place where people can come for information regarding Lander area biking and skiing and to provide the best service possible when a person needs to be outfitted. They are very passionate about outdoor recreation in Fremont County and so they strive to be an active member of the community to see it grow and thrive. Since the very beginning of the store in 2008, they have been very active members of the Lander Cycling Club, Lander Nordic Ski Association, Wind River Visitor's Council, WRORC, and Destination Lander to help grow and maintain Lander's outdoor recreation community. The Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Festival and WYO 131 Gravel Race were founded and directed for many years by Gannett Peak Sports employees. They also host many events at the store including clinics, guest speakers, films, slideshows, etc. for the benefit of our local outdoor recreation community.

Learn more about Gannett Peak Sports

Meet the Advisors


Frederick Kissner, SCORC

Who is your employer, and what is your official job title?  Bureau of Land Management - Field Staff Law Enforcement Officer



Why do you love your job? My job is amazing. I am paid to keep public land users safe and to keep public lands a place where all can enjoy. Recreation specifically is my favorite use of public lands. I believe that all should have a place to relax and recreate. I have briefly lived in places in the country where public land is hard to find. If you could find a piece, it is small, overcrowded and limited. Wyoming public lands brought me back home and I am blessed to be a part of maintaining them.



What are 3 ways you support outdoor recreation through your work?

1. I provide security to public land users through law enforcement, search and rescue and response to emergencies.

2. I protect public land from damage so that the public can recreate without large amounts of litter, damage to vegetation, etc.

3. I assist recreation in maintaining and monitoring established recreation sites and events.


What are some projects are you currently working on? I am currently finishing the removal of a number of abandoned vehicles that I located on public lands within the Rock Springs Field Office. I have multiple reports of dumping on public lands in the Rock Springs Area that I am working on investigating and removing. Other than that, I am prepping for another search and rescue heavy winter and trying to make myself as useful to the public as possible.


How and with whom do you like to spend your free time? It sounds cheesy, but I enjoy using public lands in my free time with my family. We ride bikes, camp and like to explore.


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I am a vehicle lover, who spends most of his time driving and working on lifted trucks but is most passionate about lowered cars, for no good reason.



What are your 3 favorite places in Wyoming to visit, and why? Bighorn Canyon NRA (BICA), the Pryor Mountains, and Kirby. My honorable mention are the Killpecker Sand Dunes. BICA was my first government job. The Pryor Mountains are quiet and offer a small driving challenge. Kirby has been on my list for a long time and I finally made the trip this summer. I can't wait to go back. I like all of these because they, like much of Wyoming, are relatively unknown depending on who you talk to and they are quirky. Next on my list is the Morrison Trail, but first I need to buy a couple lockers for my Toyota...

Collaborative Member Spotlight

Janie Curtis, PCORC


Who is your employer, and what is your official job title? I am self-employed. I am a race director - I organize and direct running and biking races and other events in Cody. 


Why is outdoor recreation important to you?  Not only do I love recreating outdoors, but outdoor recreation is the root of my business - I enjoy bringing people together to accomplish something they can be proud of in the outdoors. And through training for my events, I hope people are reminded that getting outside to run, bike, hike, etc is free and freeing. 


What organizations and clubs do you participate in? I head up our local Running Crew in Cody - we run every Thursday at 6PM all year long. I'm also treasurer of That Other Project and we are currently working on a new Active Transportation Master Plan for the City of Cody. 


How do you spend your time outdoors? I'm a runner. I also love to hike with my dog, backpack, I try to get on my gravel bike every once in a while, and sometimes my husband can get me out hunting. I'm also into very casual fly fishing.


Why did you choose to join the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative?  I was inspired by other WY Collaboratives' accomplishments. 


Do you have any project advice for other Collaborative members in the state? Just start and learn as you go.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives

The Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: The Flying V adaptive trail project is wrapping up. The kiosk is in and done. There were over 4000 crossings counted on the trail counter from October 2022 to October 2023. The Red Rock Trail project outside of Gillette is gaining momentum. Members of this committee have been meeting with County Commissioners and with the Land Board to discuss the project and gain support. The Campbell County Recreation Foundation will discuss entering into an MOU with the Land Board to do maintenance on this project after its completion. The City of Newcastle has hired a planner for the Newcastle Bike Park project. The city donated 4 city lots to this project. This will be a lighted park that will include a skate park. A new idea of creating a trail that would connect Newcastle to the Serenity Trail was discussed. Camplex and the Northeast Wyoming region continue to prepare for the upcoming Camporee that will bring over 50,000 visitors to the region in August.

Learn more about the 2024 International Camporee

The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative's most recent meeting was held at the Washakie County Library in Worland. There were a lot of new faces in attendance, including several members of the local snow machine club. The Club is currently seeking support for a new safety shelter at Battle Creek, and will work through the Collaborative process to apply for funding. Jill from the Bighorn Audubon Society presented about the organization's mission to work for the protection of birds and habitats for the benefit of local communities and the region. She also shared many volunteer opportunities where Collaborative members can get involved. Brief discussion was held about the Lakeside Connector Trail. The future of the trail is dependent on its inclusion in the Ten Sleep Canyon Climbing Management Plan. Special thanks to the USFS Powder River Ranger District and WYDOT for their help with this project. Our friends at Wyoming State Trails invite you check out their trails!


Find a  Snow Machine Trail near you

Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: Collaborative members drafted questions for the Bureau of Land Management regarding the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan during the November meeting and have received a response. With numerous plans and other documents still in the comment period or final stages for release, the SCORC subcommittees have had to pause conversations. The January agenda is geared to include partner updates on the items mentioned above. Collaborative members received a poll from our office to gauge interest in certain topics, projects, and speakers for the 2024 SCORC meetings.

Learn more about the new Outdoor Program at WWCC here

Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative:

The steering committee is looking for two individuals from outside of the City of Lander to be representatives on the Collaborative. Let Brynn know if you are interested. The Grooming Solutions subcommittee successfully addressed the topics that started the group. Unless necessary, the group will no longer meet. Great job to everyone who was involved! The Bus Loops subcommittee will work on building a relationship with grazing leaseholders in the area and develop a plan for improved management. The January meeting will include a guest speaker, a funding discussion, and partner updates.

Check out the new all-terrain mobility chair that can be reserved for South Pass City:

The Cloud Peak Outdoor Recreation Collaborative's second virtual Steering Committee meeting was held in December. The group spent time reviewing the charter, and creating a thoughtful mission and purpose. Possible logo and branding ideas were discussed. The agenda for the very first general meeting was approved, and will include testimonials from a few key members of other Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives. The initial email to prospective members will go out in January, along with an application for membership. The first general meeting will take place in Sheridan at the Sheridan College Broadway Center in February with the main goal of educating potential members about the history, projects, and future of Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives in Wyoming. Small groups will discuss local challenges, with the goal of sparking future projects for the Collaborative to work on together. Anyone who wishes to join the Collaborative will be asked to sign the Charter at the second general meeting in April- which will be held in Buffalo.

Nominate a friend to join our Newest Collaborative

The Park County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative invited Chauncy Johnson founder of the Snow Angel Foundation to present to the group at the last general meeting. He shared his family's story of loss, and how they have transformed their grief into action by consulting with ski areas all around the country to prevent collisions and spread the message of ski safety. Chauncy lives in Thermopolis, and will soon be joining the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative. The most recent PCORC meeting was held at the new Wyoming Game and Fish building in Cody. Subcommittee updates were given by project Champions, including progress on the Outlaw Trails and Lane 17 Access. A member of the community has offered to be a new project Champion, and has volunteered to lead efforts at building a Disc Golf course in Cody (location TBD). He explained that disc golf is a growing sport, and an asset to any community. There are currently 65 disc golf courses in Wyoming, including one in Powell on the Northwest College campus.



Check out all the Disc Golf Courses in Wyoming


The Natrona County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative: The Hell's Half Acre Subcommittee met with the local Historic Preservation Group to discuss ways of allowing public access to Hell's Half Acre while protecting the archaeological artifacts in the area. The meeting was very positive and valuable ideas were exchanged. Grace Templeton from Wyoming Pathways will be working with a subcommittee to put together a trails Charrette in the Casper area. This subcommittee will meet once a month. State Trails has been working with the local snowmobile group to clean up trees in the Pinchpin area of Casper Mountain and will meet with Josh Milek in January to do a ride along and evaluate a new area for winter access. New BLM Rec Planner Ryan Brentzel attended the last Collaborative meeting and gave an update on the Marton land acquisition. The Mike Sedar Bike Park and Trails is seeing forward movement and they are working on a contract for design.

Casper Parks and Recreation in the News


Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative:   A poll has been emailed to collaborative members to determine what time the 2024 meetings will be held. It also includes the opportunity for members to submit topic suggestions, speaker ideas, and comments. The Hwy 130 Winter Recreation subcommittee met in December. The meeting involved an open discussion amongst fifteen people on the history of Hwy 130 and the current winter recreation conditions. The Roger Canyon subcommittee met for the first time. The group discussed what the purpose of the group is and what are the goals and objectives for the group going forward. Several action items for both groups will be completed by subcommittee members before they meet again in February.




Tread Lightly resource from the Roger Canyon meeting:

In the News

Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Grows to Over $2 Billion


In 2022, Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy increased to $2.02 billion or 4.1% of the state’s GDP according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. 


The total value added by outdoor recreation rose from $1.5 billion or 3.6% of state GDP in 2021, representing a $520 million overall increase to the state’s GDP from 2021 to 2022. In 2022, Wyoming ranked 4th among all states in outdoor recreation growth, at 26.1%.


Wyoming outdoor recreation employment increased from 15,285 to 16,202 jobs accounting for 5.6% of the state’s total employment. Since 2021, outdoor recreation employment has grown 7.7% in Wyoming, compared with an increase of 7.4% for the United States.

Read the full article here
Learn more and read the full Submission Outline

SAVE THE DATE

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit

April 18-20, 2024 in Casper


The WORTH Initiative and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation are pleased to announce the 1st annual Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit. The summit will take place April 18-20th, 2024, at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center in Downtown Casper, Wyoming.  


Please consider submitting a proposal for the summit on an outdoor recreation-related topic of your choosing: presentations, case studies, facilitated workshops, keynotes, and other formats are accepted through our call for proposals. Delivery methods that involve audience participation, group work, or facilitated discussions are encouraged. We want this summit to best serve Wyoming’s outdoor recreation industry, so please do not hesitate to submit your ideas.  

 

Please sign up for the WORS mailing list. This will keep you informed about any and all updates regarding the summit, including pre-registration, keynote speaker announcements, and more.

Sign Up to Stay Informed About the Summit
Learn more

Upcoming Events

Bighorn Rush Sled Dog Challenge- December 30-31, Sheridan

Antelope Butte Ski Area www.bighornrush.com

Wyoming Ice Festival- January 4-7, Cody

wyoicefest.com [email protected]

Free Avalanche Awareness Class- January 5-6, Cody

Cody County Snowmobile Association

Mac Attack Ice Fishing Tournament- January 13-14, Flaming Gorge

Buckboard Marina, Wyoming Game and Fish Department

307 GoFast Ice Racing- January 13, 27 & February 10, Saratoga

https://m.facebook.com/p/307-GoFast-100087311125712/

Moonlight Ski- January 20, Sheridan

Sibley Lake www.wyowinterrodeo.org

Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby- January 20-21, Saratoga

Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce

Burbot Bash Ice Fishing Derby- January 27, 28 29 - Flaming Gorge

https://www.burbotbash.com/registration/

Family Sled Day- February 3, Sheridan

Trails End State Historic Site www.wyowinterrodeo.org

Skijoring- February 3-4, Saratoga

http://www.saratogaskiijoring.com/

Hawg Ice Fishing Derby- February 3-4, Casper

Pathfinder Reservoir Wagner's Outdoor Outfitters

Kings and Queens of Corbet's- February 3-10, Jackson

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort www.jacksonhole.com

LaBarge Ding the Ling- February 9-11, LaBarge

facebook.com/labargedingtheling 

Taste of Trails- February 10, Cody

Park County Nordic Ski Association www.pcnsawy.org

Wyo Winter Rodeo Skijouring- February 10, Sheridan

Sheridan County Fairgrounds www.wyowinterrodeo.org

The Skinny Skis Moose Chase- February 17, Wilson

Jackson Hole Ski Club [email protected]

WY State Snowmobile Assn. Fun Days- March 1-3, Dubois

Dubois Sno-Katters www.snowmobilewyoming.org

Taste of Trails Nordic Ski and Snowshoe- March 2, Casper

Casper Nordic Center [email protected]

Roll n Slide Poker Ride - March 2, Lander


The Drift 100- March 8-10, Pinedale

www.thedrift100.com

47th World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb- March 23-26, Jackson

Snow King Resort www.snowdevils.org

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