AGP Executive Report

Wildfire response: The Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing has been activated to support wildland firefighting, deploying two C-130s (one MAFFS-equipped) and about 20 airmen, with missions expected to be ready by Wednesday through Aug. 10. Healthcare & outdoor wellness: UW Extension and the Wyoming Department of Health launched the free, self-paced “Ready, Set, Thrive” program (July–September), encouraging families to build wellness through outdoor activities, nutrition, creativity, and preventive screenings. Travel safety & roads: WYDOT is reminding drivers and riders to share the road ahead of the Sturgis Rally, citing Wyoming’s 2025 motorcycle crash toll and urging helmet use and rider training. Cheyenne Frontier Days: The 10-day Cheyenne Frontier Days run (July 17–26) kicks off with daily rodeo performances, Frontier Nights concerts, and the Morning Star American Indian Village. Public health watch: Idaho reported a vaccinated adult measles case in Teton County after possible exposure in Driggs, raising attention for Wyoming border-area travelers. Local travel culture: Hell’s Half Acre near Casper reopens after years of limited access, adding ADA viewing, boardwalks, signage, and picnic spots for a lesser-known roadside geology stop. Marijuana policy: Wyoming will keep cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance, according to the state AG and commissioner.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Kickoff: Cheyenne Frontier Days starts its 10-day run, with this year’s playlist spotlighting Year of the American Indian themes and Native country voices—perfect for visitors planning a Frontier Park day. Healthcare Roadshow: Healthy Wyoming brought its Cost of Care Summer Roadshow to Cheyenne, urging residents to share how healthcare affordability affects them and pushing Medicaid expansion as a coverage-gap fix. Property Tax Update: Wyoming’s residential property tax cap stays in place for now under a court-approved interim deal while the legality fight moves forward—important for homeowners planning budgets. Rodeo & Safety: Sheridan Police credits partnerships and public cooperation for a successful WYO Rodeo Week, with 117 incidents handled and fewer visibly intoxicated people downtown. Road Safety Ahead of Sturgis: WYDOT reminds drivers to share the road as Sturgis Rally approaches, noting motorcycle visibility and helmet use remain key. Yellowstone Fire Danger: Yellowstone raises fire danger to “high,” keeping campfire rules tight and urging visitors to limit outdoor burning. Music in Pinedale: Soundcheck Summer Music Series returns July 18 with free shows at American Legion Park in downtown Pinedale. Kinky Creek Fire Contained: The Kinky Creek Fire is fully contained, though some trail closures remain near Darwin Ranch.

Yellowstone Safety Alert: A 65-year-old tourist at Bridge Bay Campground was tossed about eight feet by a charging bull bison, suffering multiple fractures and emergency surgery—another reminder to keep distance during peak wildlife season. Wildlife Management: U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and others, announced a proposed shift toward state-led grizzly management under the Endangered Species Act’s 4(d) rule; officials stress it doesn’t authorize hunting seasons. Park Travel Update: Yellowstone visitation dipped in June (903,025; down 3% from last year), with Grand Teton also down; July and August remain the busiest months. Local Tourism Base: Cody is being highlighted as a practical Yellowstone “travel base,” about an hour from the East Entrance, offering more lodging flexibility than in-park options. Measles Watch in Teton County: Wyoming health officials reported community spread in Teton County, with possible exposures at a Jackson Target during July 5–7. Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne’s rodeo DJ Austin Lopeman returns for his eighth year, shaping the arena’s crowd energy with a mix of classic sing-alongs and rock. Targhee Expansion: Driggs and Teton County, Idaho, filed formal objections to Grand Targhee Resort’s expansion FEIS, citing concerns for the Teton Range bighorn sheep herd and potential impacts on tourism/roads. Road & Travel Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol says no major incidents during WYO Rodeo week, but warns to expect heavier traffic and plan ahead. Community & Culture: Laramie Jubilee Days brings back barrelman J.W. Winklepleck, and a Miles City congregation marked Rev. Gary Waddingham’s 50th anniversary in the priesthood.

Yellowstone travel update: June visitation dipped as Yellowstone drew 903,025 people (down 3% from June 2025) and Grand Teton also fell to 798,286 (down 5.7% vs. 2021), with July and August still expected to bring peak crowds. Wildlife safety: A Yellowstone bison attack sent a tourist flying about 8 feet into the air, and officials continue to warn visitors to keep distance as human-wildlife encounters rise. Bears Ears/Grand Staircase-Escalante: Trump’s latest move shrinks two Utah national monuments again, a change conservation groups say they’ll fight—something travelers who plan Utah public-lands stops may want to watch. Targhee expansion: Driggs and Teton County, Idaho, filed objections to the Grand Targhee Resort expansion ahead of a July 23 joint meeting. Public health: Wyoming’s measles situation in Teton County is now described as “community spread,” with possible exposures listed around Jackson-area locations. Fire readiness: Wyoming Game and Fish issued fire bans in Carbon County, and the Wyoming Air National Guard activated its 153rd Airlift Wing to support wildland firefighting in the West. Big Boy rail buzz: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its 250th-anniversary tour, with Wyoming-area interest boosted by upcoming stops and public viewing opportunities. Local tourism & community: A $9,500 WBCI grant will stock the Sweetwater Breast Boutique in Rock Springs, supporting visitors and patients close to home.

Wildlife Safety in Yellowstone: A 65-year-old Washington grandfather was seriously injured after a bull bison charged and tossed him about 8 feet at Bridge Bay Campground; he’s expected to recover, and the incident is a sharp reminder to keep distance during rut season. Health Alert for Travelers: Wyoming’s Department of Health declared a measles outbreak in Teton County after a third linked case; visitors may have been exposed in Jackson and Grand Teton-area locations, with officials urging monitoring for symptoms. Family Travel Perks: Hotels are rolling out kid- and teen-focused programming (from activity hubs to age-based experiences) as families increasingly let children steer vacation plans. Cheyenne Frontier Days Prep: Cheyenne businesses are gearing up for the Frontier Days rush starting Friday, with extra inventory and staffing for visitors. Public Lands & Monuments: Trump plans to shrink two Utah national monuments (Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante), a move conservation groups say they’ll fight—relevant for travelers planning Southwest public-land stops. Local Arts Stop: Rock Springs’ Broadway Theater is hosting an artists’ reception for Wyoming nature photographer Angela Rivers, adding a fresh local art angle to summer outings.

Yellowstone Safety Alert: A 65-year-old grandfather from Washington state, Carl McDaniel, was seriously injured after a bison tossed him about eight feet at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake; the grandson escaped and the photographer who filmed it says the pair was at a respectful distance, but rut-season agitation can turn dangerous fast. Cheyenne Frontier Days Prep: Cheyenne businesses are gearing up for the Frontier Days rush starting Friday, with extra inventory and staffing as visitors flood in for the 10-day celebration. Measles in Teton County: Wyoming’s Department of Health declared a measles outbreak in Teton County after a third linked adult case; officials list possible exposure spots in Jackson and Grand Teton National Park and urge people to monitor for symptoms for three weeks. Air Travel Update: TSA checkpoint traffic at Wyoming airports rose despite a 2026 funding lapse, signaling travelers are still moving even as staffing and reliability concerns linger. Road Trip Reality Check: Idaho State Police reported five serious highway crashes over the weekend with at least eight injured, no fatalities. Powell RV Rally: Vintage Blue Bird Wanderlodge owners gathered at Park County Fairgrounds in Powell, with Yellowstone on the itinerary. Public Lands & Clocks: Congress may vote on making daylight saving time permanent nationwide, while national monument size changes in Utah are back in the spotlight.

Yellowstone Safety Alert: A bull bison at Bridge Bay Campground near Yellowstone Lake seriously injured a tourist after charging and tossing him about 8 feet into the air; the incident was captured by photographer Mike MacLeod, and officials have not yet released full details. Railroad Tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is making final U.S. stops before returning to Wyoming, with a whistle stop planned in Illinois on July 18 and the broader tour continuing west. Public Lands & Wildlife: The bison attack adds to a busy summer of wildlife encounters at major parks, a reminder to keep distance and avoid filming/approaching animals. Wyoming Community Spotlight: Michele Bowering of Great Lakes Goat Dairy received recognition tied to the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting women’s leadership in agri-food and rural economies. Local Travel Notes: Wyoming County gas prices hit a low reported $5.15 for premium in the week ending July 4, a small but useful planning detail for road trippers.

Wildlife Safety in Yellowstone: A bull bison at Bridge Bay Campground (near Fishing Bridge) charged and tossed a tourist about 8 feet into the air, seriously injuring him; the incident was caught on video, and witnesses say the bison had already acted aggressively in the campground before targeting the man and his grandson. Railroad Tourism Spotlight: The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, continues its America’s 250th birthday route, drawing huge crowds at stops across the region—another big draw for road-trip and rail fans. Community Travel & Education: Fairmont State University officials are set to kick off a multi-day “On The Road” tour across Wyoming, McDowell, and Raleigh counties starting July 13, with community events and student recruitment activities. Local Arts Stop: The Hansen Museum in Logan, Kansas highlights “Jesus & Jelly” as its July Artist of the Month, a faith-inspired business story that could be a fun detour for travelers.

Wildlife Safety in Yellowstone: A bull bison attacked a tourist at Bridge Bay Campground, tossing him about 8 feet into the air and sending him to the hospital with serious injuries, while his grandson escaped unharmed—another reminder to keep distance from wildlife. Bear Safety in Wyoming: Two outdoorswomen say a black bear tore into their tent in the Big Horn Mountains despite bear-safe camping steps; Wyoming Game and Fish set traps but had not captured the bear as of July 8. Heat Impacts on Park Plans: Yellowstone is temporarily restricting fishing in select rivers and streams during the hottest parts of the day due to “lethal” water temperatures for trout. Family Travel Ideas: A new piece highlights how to plan road trips that stretch budgets further, from lodging and food choices to smart route planning. Outdoor Access Upgrade: Curt Gowdy State Park opened a new ADA-accessible fishing platform at Granite Springs Reservoir to make fishing easier for more visitors. Community Events: Cheyenne’s July 11-12 Wyoming International Film Festival returns with screenings across town.

Yellowstone Visitor Safety: Yellowstone is temporarily banning fishing in select rivers and streams from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to “lethal” warm water and low flows hurting trout. Public Health in the Parks: Grand Teton National Park says visitors at Colter Bay Convenience Store (July 7, 9–11 a.m.) and Colter Bay Cabin Office (3 p.m.–midnight) may have been exposed to measles, plus two outside locations in Teton County; people should monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Heat & Travel Risk: A dangerous heat wave and “heat dome” are forecast to push record temperatures across the West and Great Plains, with overnight heat making it harder to recover—plan cooling stops and hydration. Roadside Fire Prevention: WYDOT is urging drivers to avoid common spark sources like tossed cigarettes and dragging chains, and to call 911 with mile markers if a roadside fire starts. Accessible Outdoor Fun: Curt Gowdy State Park opened a new ADA-accessible fishing platform at Granite Springs Reservoir, replacing a deteriorated pier. Local Events: Cheyenne’s July 11–12 Wyoming International Film Festival and family-friendly community events like Will Run for Cannoli 5K and Albin Day are on the calendar. Travel Infrastructure: WYDOT won federal grants for highway safety work, including passing lanes and maintenance turnarounds along the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway and other rural routes. Outdoor Wellness: Wyoming Extension and the Wyoming Department of Health launched a free “Ready, Set, Thrive” program encouraging outdoor exploration through July–September.

Roadside fire safety: WYDOT is urging drivers to prevent roadside blazes during dry, windy conditions—watch for cigarette butts, trailers dragging chains, and exhaust sparks, and call 911 with the mile marker if a fire starts. Accessible fishing: Curt Gowdy State Park is reopening with a new ADA-accessible fishing platform at Granite Springs Reservoir, replacing a deteriorated pier and improving access even when water levels fluctuate. Summer travel planning: Wyoming’s “Ready, Set, Thrive” wellness program (July–September) pairs healthy living with outdoor exploration for families and groups. Local events: Toyota of Laramie kicks off its free “Cars & Coffee” series July 18, with two more Saturdays planned, welcoming all vehicle types. Outdoor recreation + weather: A major heat wave is forecast for the western U.S., raising heat-stress and wildfire risk—plan hydration and cooling, and be extra cautious outdoors. Wildlife + water: Wyoming Game and Fish is building artificial beaver dam analogs to improve downstream water quality and support trout growth. Community spotlight: Curt Gowdy State Park and Wyoming tourism also get a boost from ongoing public-access upgrades and summer programming.

Outdoor Wellness & Family Adventures: Wyoming’s “Ready, Set, Thrive” free, self-paced wellness program (July–September) pairs healthy living with outdoor exploration, with monthly activity ideas like walking routes, smoothies, blood pressure checks, and county fair outings. Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Southern Utah’s Babylon and Cottonwood fires continue to burn, with air-quality impacts and an Extreme Heat Warning urging precautions. Airport & Public Lands Support: Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport in Rock Springs highlighted its role in passenger travel, cargo, air ambulance flights, and seasonal firefighting missions. Biking Trails Get a Federal Push: The Interior Department is asking the public to flag long mountain/gravel bike routes (80+ miles) that could gain recognition, signage, and marketing support. Cheyenne Mountain Fire Update: The Rock Creek fire near Cheyenne Mountain reached 80% containment after improved conditions; drones will keep flying until full containment. WYDOT Grants for Safer Roads: WYDOT won competitive federal funding for passing lanes and maintenance turnarounds along the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway and parts of US 20/26. Music Weekend in Kemmerer: The Oyster Ridge Music Festival returns as Wyoming’s largest free music event, bringing two days of Americana/bluegrass/roots plus food and family activities. Travel Safety Reminder: AccuWeather warns of weekend severe storms and flash-flood risk across parts of eastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. Jackson Culture on the Lawn: Off Square Theatre’s Thin Air Shakespeare returns with a musical twist—Something Rotten!—at the Center for the Arts in Jackson (picnic-friendly). Local Wildlife Work: Wyoming Game and Fish is building artificial beaver dam analogs to improve water quality and support trout growth. Tourism Caution: Jackson Hole Rodeo is cracking down on ticket scalping scams as sold-out demand drives some visitors to risky third-party sites.

Yellowstone Visitor Alert: Yellowstone is limiting fishing hours on select rivers and streams due to scorching heat, a reminder that summer conditions can change plans fast. Aurora Watch: A possible G1 geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights to northern states this weekend, with best chances overnight. Cheyenne Frontier Days History: A look back at how Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 as a tourism boost after the Panic of 1893—now Wyoming’s signature Western celebration. Casper Balloon Roundup: The free Casper Balloon Roundup returns July 11–12 (plus possible Sunday launches), with mass launches at sunrise and free tether rides for kids. Cheyenne Greenway Update: A new Cheyenne greenway connector bridge is set to close a gap across Interstate 80, improving local walking and biking access. Teton Pass Trail Progress: Teton County approved construction for the first segments of the Teton Pass Trail starting at Trail Creek Campground, aimed at hikers and mountain bikers. Public Lands Tracking: Federal agencies are testing new ways to measure hiking, camping, and sightseeing use on public lands. Wildlife Conservation: Wyoming’s Sublette pronghorn migration corridor has been officially designated to guide future development and protect key bottlenecks. Local Film Spotlight: The Wyoming International Film Festival is back in Cheyenne July 8–12 after near cancellation, with more than 170 films.

Yellowstone Heat Update: Yellowstone National Park will limit fishing hours on select rivers and streams due to scorching heat, a move aimed at protecting visitors and wildlife during extreme summer conditions. Teton Pass Trail Progress: Teton County commissioners approved construction plans for the first three segments of the Teton Pass Trail on the west side of the pass, starting at Trail Creek Campground and totaling about 1.7 miles, with mountain biking access to Coal Creek being considered as future single-track work. Public Lands & Wildlife: Wyoming’s pronghorn migration got a major boost as the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor was officially designated, guiding future development and helping protect key bottlenecks along the herd’s 150-mile route between Grand Teton and the Green River Basin. Cheyenne Film Festival Returns: The Wyoming International Film Festival is back in Cheyenne after near cancellation, running July 9–12 with 170+ films and filmmakers and a family-friendly lineup supported by local sponsors. Local Events: Rawlins is gearing up for Half-Way Days and other weekend celebrations tied to the city’s Continental Divide Trail connection and Wyoming statehood.

Cheyenne Greenway Upgrade: Cheyenne opened the new Parsley Bridge Greenway Connector, an ADA-accessible 875-foot trail linking neighborhoods across I-80 to the Greater Cheyenne Greenway system. Wildfire Watch (Cheyenne Mountain): A small Rock Creek fire near Cheyenne Mountain triggered a pre-evacuation notice for nearby residents; it was later lifted as containment reached about 30% after helicopter water drops. Teton Pass Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol reports a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Teton Pass tied to equipment failure, killing two and injuring four. Outdoor Travel Trends: Hotels are leaning harder into nature stays, with glamping and “outdoor hospitality” partnerships gaining momentum. Wyoming Hiking Plans: Guernsey State Park added a Newell Bay guided hike (July 18) and keeps its Trail Challenge going for hikers. Wildland Firefighter Health: Federal agencies expanded protections for wildland firefighters, including N95 mask access, more shower/gear-cleaning time, and “clean air recovery” periods. Local Events (Cheyenne): The Wyoming International Film Festival runs July 9–12, plus free Cheyenne Youth Rodeo Series events and Cheyenne Neighborhood Night block parties. Public Lands Data: Federal agencies are testing new ways to track recreation use on public lands beyond trailhead counts and vehicle sensors. Meta Data Center Scrutiny (Cheyenne): Cheyenne officials say wastewater from a contractor at Meta’s Cheyenne campus project contained a rare bacterium, disrupting the reclaimed water system and prompting cleanup and authorization changes.

Wildfire Watch: National Interagency Fire Center reports 546,000+ acres burning across the U.S., with the biggest early-season growth in Utah and Colorado—expect fast-changing conditions across the West. Teton Pass Safety: Wyoming Highway Patrol says a multi-vehicle crash on Teton Pass killed two and injured four; WY22 was closed for nearly 12 hours as investigators look at equipment failure. Bear Encounters in the Bighorns: Two Wyoming women escaped after a black bear attacked their tents while they slept, underscoring the need for secure food and campsite vigilance. Cheyenne Area Water Rules: Cheyenne officials tightened wastewater rules after a rare-bacteria contamination incident tied to Meta’s AI data center construction, with cleanup and system impacts reported. Trail Progress (Jackson Hole region): Save Teton Pass Trail received a $500,000 pledge from the Winter Family as Teton County moves toward awarding the next construction contract. Park Planning: Guernsey State Park adds a Newell Bay guided hike July 18, plus its Trail Challenge for hikers looking to rack up miles. Road Trip/Family Fun: Logan’s Pioneer Day celebration schedule is set for July 24, with a parade starting at 10 a.m. and multiple community events.