The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
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Welcome to the inaugural publication of The Forestry Corner. This monthly column is jointly produced by the Wyoming State Forestry Division and the Wyoming Tree Farm Committee, a landowner advocacy group, associated with the American Forest Foundation. The mission of this periodic column is to provide interesting information about trees and forests, management assistance and to answer important and frequently asked questions. We hope the information provided will stimulate interest and support for science based sustainable forest and tree...
Sheyanne Fosheim and Jaycee Garman with one of the Crook County Cattlewomen beef promotion signs. If you have seen some of these new signs around Crook County, they are brought to you by the Cattlewomen. Promoting beef is the Cattlewomen’s main objective and the five new big signs that have been placed around on different highways are a great way to do that. The signs were designed by Tracy Bush and paid for the by the Crook County Cattlewomen. Jenn and Lee Jay, W Bar Feeds, donated the posts a...
Work resumes this week on a project to improve accessibility at Devils Tower. Superintendent Amnesty Kochanowski said, “We want all people to be able to experience the nation’s first national monument. The accessibility project has been in the planning and design phase for nearly a decade. As it comes to fruition in 2020 and 2021, we thank the community and visitors for their patience with construction.” Ground broke in February and work completed in the visitor center area thus far inclu...
Park staff have observed that three peregrine falcon chicks have fledged from their nest on Devils Tower. The confirmation of chicks leaving the nest means that all rock climbing routes have reopened on the tower. Each year, some climbing routes are temporarily closed during the spring and summer to protect falcon nesting sites and to protect climbers from adult falcons who will defensively dive to protect their young. Protected nesting locations such as Devils Tower have been crucial in the...
The Wyoming Department of Health has issued a recreational use advisory for Keyhole Reservoir due to a harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB). On August 10, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality received a report from Keyhole State Park of dog illnesses that were potentially linked to cyanobacteria exposure. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality visited the reservoir on August 12 and collected water samples. Cyanobacteria densities were found to exceed the 20,000 cells/mL recreational use threshold as identified in Wyoming’s H...
A concerned visitor alerted Wyoming State Parks that their pets became ill after a recent visit to Keyhole State Park. Out of an abundance of caution, park staff posted warning signs and contacted the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). That agency is proceeding with an investigation of a potential harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB). The investigation is currently only for the section of the reservoir in the upper end of Cottonwood Bay, potentially affecting Pronghorn, Tatanka,...
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) has announced that Ogden Driskill will be the recipient of the 2020 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award. Driskill is being recognized for his exceptional support of agricultural land conservation, private property, and water rights. Driskill was nominated by Wyoming representative Tyler Lindholm, candidate for U.S. Senate Cynthia Lummis and his daughter Andrea Wood. The Bucholz Conservation Award is given in memory of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, DVM,...
0-6 Barrels: Kase Lambert - 20.198 Jax Franzen - 20.799 Gavin Gorzalka - 22.506 Lila LaDuke - 24.518 Jentry Harrington - 24.845 0-6 Poles: Gavin Gorzalka - 21.28 Morgan Tysdal - 23.03 Tynlee Thomas - 23.40 Hartley Steele - 23.50 Mesa Dell - 24.03 Jentry Harrington - 24.65 0-6 Ribbon Snatching Dale Spaulding - 6.24 Gavin Gorzalka - 6.69 Mesa Dell - 6.97 Lila LaDuke - 7.25 Morgan Tysdal - 7.28 Jax Franzen - 7.37 0-6 Dummy Roping Gavin Gorzalka - 2.82 Katie Burch - 6.38 Stace Bossman - 6.87 Maxon Dell - 9.25 Morgan Tysdal - 10.57 7-10 Barrels Abby...
Park superintendent Wade Henderson reports a full house at the various campsites around the lake every weekend this season, even with the need to make reservations to stay. “The Tree house and cabins are reserved for weekends only, giving time to thoroughly clean them between guests, and have been almost completely booked every weekend, too,” he says. To reserve a space or cabin, guests may call 877-wyo-park or get online and go to wyo-park.com or download the RA Camping app from Google Pla...
With summer nearly upon us and more people heading to Wyoming’s lakes and reservoirs to recreate, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLB) want to remind the public to avoid and keep animals away from cyanobacterial blooms and to report suspected blooms to DEQ. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can form harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) that produce toxins and other irritants that pose a risk to human and animal health. HCBs typically o...
Despite the negative impact on the economy nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor recreation in Wyoming, and specifically the State Parks, have proven to be not only popular destinations, but also a major economic contributor to the state’s tourism economy and a vitally important asset for people to improve their physical and mental health. Wyoming’s State Parks system-wide have proven to be popular opportunities for outdoor recreation and a healthy social distancing alternative. While many industries closed due to the pandemic, fis...
After a 31-year career with the state of Wyoming, 24 of which were spent serving the Moorcroft community, game warden John Davis has retired. Davis grew up in the Moorcroft area and then attended Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming. During the summer of his senior year at UW, he took a job on the Wyoming Game and Fish reservoir crew, a work unit dedicated to patrols on Wyoming’s waters. “I’d gone to college with Scott Talbott (who later became a game warden and eventually direc...
In one of the first in-person Crook County 4-H events held since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Northeast 307 Livestock Show Clinic offered youth a chance to interact with each other while learning valuable skills with their animals. Although the pandemic created a disruption of many aspects of life, it did not affect these budding agriculturists’ responsibilities and enthusiasm. Over three days, the 307 Show Clinic saw over 50 youth and their parents learn about multiple aspects of showing a...
It’s hardly a secret that Wyoming fishing is top-notch, especially with ten blue-ribbon trout fisheries across the state. But, the first Saturday in June the fishing gets a little better — because it’s free. On June 6, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day. Each year, the Game and Fish designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming – Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone National Park excluded – without a fishing license....
Despite delays to the project to replace the spillway, which will require the campground to stay closed this year, Cook Lake should be open for day use by the middle of June, says District Ranger Mike Gosse. The Forest Service has been able to complete enough of the work to allow the public to enjoy this popular recreation spot over the summer. “The replacement of the Cook Lake spillway began on July 8, 2019 with an intended completion date of November 20,” says Gosse. “However, due to a very wet summer with frequent showers and an early snowf...
GILLETTE — A new requirement by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites has upset many campers around the state. Moorcroft resident Jordan Webb describes herself as a “super avid camper.” She and her family camp all summer long, mainly at Keyhole State Park. For Webb, camping is a way to enjoy life and nature away from technology. But this summer, she won’t be camping at a state park to protest a new requirement that all campsites must be reserved in advance. She’s written an online petition that has more than 30,000 signature...
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities, Devils Tower National Monument will resume recreational access to some park facilities. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Beginning Friday, May 22, Devils Tower will reopen access to: • Park roads, hiking trails, picnic area, and r...
Livestock projects, quilting class, livestock judging practice, cake decorating are all activities in a normal 4-H members schedule, and through the power of technology, that has remained a constant for Wyoming 4-H members during this time of global pandemic amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. One of the 4-H program mission mandates is mastery. 4-H is an experiential learning program that incorporates a “learn by doing” approach. In that regard, this time at home can be beneficial for 4-H pro...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, is investigating a rare disease outbreak in pronghorn in northeast Wyoming. More than 50 animals have been found dead to date, north of Gillette beginning on Feb. 15. The preliminary results identify Mycoplasma bovis as the pathogen causing the mortalities. Mycoplasma bovis should not be confused with Mycobacterium bovis that causes tuberculosis in cattle. They are two unrelated bacteria that...
Saturday morning showed up bright and beautiful with temperatures in the mid 40s and a couple feet of ice on Keyhole Reservoir, a perfect start to the fourth annual Family Fishing day. Set up began at 7 a.m. and within the first hour numerous fishing huts and holes were in place. As the day progressed, hundreds of people joined the fun from Wyoming and beyond as territory was claimed, holes drilled and lines dropped with favored bait. Joey Kruse of the YouTube channel “On Fish TV” had four hol...
Devils Tower National Monument is one of several national park units chosen by the National Park Service (NPS) to undergo comprehensive accessibility improvements through the landmark Targeted Accessibility Improvement Program. The program originated under the “NPS All In!” five-year accessibility initiative to ensure that all visitors are afforded access to our nation’s significant sites and the stories within. The Devils Tower project will dramatically improve physical access to the visitor center and trail to the base of the Tower, bring...
The cottontail rabbit is the most popular small game animal in Wyoming and can be a great first hunt for kids. Rabbit hunting does not require a lot of specialized equipment, it is active and engaging for kids and teaches skills that will be used when pursuing larger and more adventurous quarry. Cottontails are found throughout the state and occupy a variety of habitats including shrub communities, farmlands and urban and suburban areas in low to mid elevations. Favorite hangouts include rocky outcroppings, dilapidated buildings and stream...
Originator of Family Ice Fishing Day, Justin Hawkens, cordially invites all ice fishing enthusiasts and enthusiasts in training to join the fun on February 22 for the Fourth Annual Family Ice fishing Day! The party starts setting up at 7 a.m. as fishermen, women and kids set up their chairs and drop their lines. This year, kids are invited to join the Crappy fishing seminar. Everyone who attends the class will receive a participation prize. There will also be raffles and other prizes. Lunch, whi...
Keyhole State Park Superintendent Wade Henderson reports ice between four and eight inches thick throughout the reservoir with pressure fissures noted around Coulter Bay, Pat’s Point and Wind Creek among other areas warning of weak ice and open water. He also notes that, for reasons best known to the fish, they are not biting yet this winter. For those who are planning to set up and try their hand, Henderson advises practicing extreme caution if they drive vehicles (especially full size) on t...
Q: “Do I need a license to trap or shoot a badger?” A: American badgers are classified as furbearing animals in the State of Wyoming, so a valid furbearing animal hunting or trapping license is required to take badgers. Animals classified as furbearers in Wyoming are: badgers, beavers, bobcats, marten, mink, muskrat and weasels. Each furbearing animal species has specific season dates, limitations and other regulatory requirements for legal take. Read about taking furbearers in the Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Seasons brochure or tal...
