AGP Executive Report

Fall travel forecast: A new report says autumn can arrive early in places like Alaska and higher elevations, with Denali National Park seeing color as soon as August—useful for planning Wyoming trips that line up with cooler temps and shoulder-season crowds. Fees & camping costs: Lake Tahoe could raise recreation fees at campgrounds, beaches, and trailheads, including new charges at sites that are currently free—another reminder to check park and campground pricing before you go. Wyoming visitor economy: Cody’s seasonal workforce is under pressure as hundreds of short-term workers cycle in for rafting, ranching, and lodging jobs, raising questions about housing and how long the model can last. Road & outdoor safety: WYDOT is reminding drivers to slow in school zones and stop for buses, while a separate hiking death in Colorado highlights how quickly outdoor plans can turn serious. Local travel tie-ins: Wyoming’s Jackson Hole continues to draw major attention, including international central bankers—good news for visitors, but a sign the area stays busy.

Jackson Hole Travel & Fed Spotlight: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivered remarks from Jackson Hole, tying economic outlook to the need for possible rate hikes—another reminder that Wyoming’s tourism hub is also a policy magnet. Backcountry Safety: Missouri Deputy AG Shaun Mackelprang was found alive after six days missing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and is recovering after rescue near Scott Lake. Hiking Demand Meets Infrastructure: Grand Teton’s viral Delta Lake trail got a “big facelift” after informal paths couldn’t handle the surge of visitors. Local Planning & Economy: Wyoming’s August Economic Indicators report highlights a June WEHI of 107.4, steady unemployment at 3.2%, and lodging tax collections up 14.8% year over year. Road-Trip Practicalities: WYDOT urges drivers to slow in school zones and never pass stopped buses with flashing red lights. Outdoor Fun: What to do this weekend in Wyoming (Aug. 28–30) rounds up hikes, events, and seasonal plans for travelers.

Jackson Hole Fed Update: New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told the Jackson Hole crowd inflation is still too high and hinted the central bank may need to raise rates in coming months, even if he didn’t set a specific timeline—good to know for travelers planning big-ticket trips. Backcountry Safety: Missouri Deputy AG Shaun Mackelprang was found alive after six days missing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range near Scott Lake, following a large search and helicopter rescue. WYDOT School-Zone Reminder: WYDOT urges drivers to slow down in school zones and stop for buses with flashing red lights, including on state highways where you must stop on both sides. Local Travel & Culture: A Wyoming archaeological site, the Goff Creek site in the Shoshone National Forest, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoor Spotlight: A viral Wyoming alpine lake trail got a major facelift in Grand Teton to handle heavy hiker traffic. Economy for Visitors: Wyoming’s Economic Health Index rose to 107.4 in June 2026, with lodging tax collections up 14.8% year over year.

Road Safety: WYDOT is urging drivers to slow down in school zones and stop for buses with flashing red lights, including on state highways where you must stop on both sides while kids board or exit. Outdoor Travel & Wildlife: A Wyoming trail rescue made headlines after Missouri Deputy AG Shaun Mackelprang was found alive near Scott Lake after going missing for six days in the Wind River mountains. Local Economy & Airports: Sheridan County Airport’s growth is driving more than $102M in annual economic impact, but capacity is lagging—good news for travelers, with more pressure on flights ahead. History & Heritage: The Goff Creek archaeological site in the Shoshone National Forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting thousands of artifacts spanning thousands of years. Park Planning: With national parks under pressure from funding and climate, experts stress why parks matter for wildlife, history, and local economies. Cheyenne Events: Here’s what’s happening in Cheyenne, from concerts and markets to outdoor plans.

Wyoming Weekend Plans: Here’s what to do Aug. 28–30 across the state, from Sweetwater Summer Send-Off and rodeos in Cody/Jackson Hole to Cheyenne events like Girls’ Day Out, BBQ on the Patio, and a Sunday Makers Market. Jackson Hole & Inflation Watch: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh told the Jackson Hole symposium inflation is still too high and the Fed may have “work to do,” keeping rate-hike expectations in focus for travelers watching prices. Gas Prices: AAA reports gas remains high nationwide and August is poised to set a new record, with crude oil volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Wildlife & Roads: A Rocky Point wildlife crossing project nears completion in Idaho to cut deer-vehicle crashes, while WYDOT prepares to repair a damaged I-80 bridge near Rawlins. Public Lands Litigation: A federal judge weighed a challenge to grazing in grizzly habitat near Jackson, with cattle use pending further legal action. Cheyenne Safety Study: The city approved a $186,500 study to improve a Pershing/Converse/East 19th roundabout after years of collisions. Outdoor Safety: A Missouri deputy attorney general was found alive after nearly six days missing while hiking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. Photo Ark Milestone: Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Photo Ark turns 20, reaching its 18,000th animal—an easy inspiration for park and zoo visitors.

Search-and-Rescue Update: Missouri Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang, 55, was found alive in Wyoming’s Wind River Range after nearly six days missing, dehydrated and disoriented, and was prepared for helicopter extraction near Scott Lake. Local Roads & Safety: Cheyenne City Council approved a $186,500 study to improve the Pershing Boulevard/Converse Avenue/East 19th Street roundabout after a history of collisions. Public Lands & Grazing: A federal judge temporarily allowed controversial cattle grazing on Bridger-Teton National Forest allotments near Bondurant, rejecting a nonprofit’s request to halt grazing while the legal case proceeds. Wildfire Readiness: An Idaho community raised funds to hire a local wildfire mitigation coordinator to expand fuels reduction and support Forest Service work. Outdoors Reminder: A Bozeman man was found dead near Montana’s Granite Peak after an apparent fall, with multiple agencies responding across county lines. Tech & Privacy: Wyoming legislators are set to discuss concerns about Flock-style flock cameras/ALPRs and the potential for tracking.

Jackson Hole spotlight: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is set to speak at the Kansas City Fed’s Economic Policy Symposium at Jackson Lake Lodge (Aug. 27–29), with inflation and rate-path questions front and center. Cody temple open house: The Cody Wyoming Temple opens to the public Aug. 27–Sept. 12 (excluding Sundays), giving visitors a rare look inside the new Bighorn Basin landmark. Public lands & access: A fresh push to rescind the Roadless Rule is drawing strong opposition from recreation and conservation groups, with concerns about wildfire risk and impacts to Wyoming’s wild places. Wildlife & outdoor safety: A Wyoming fisherman survived a bison encounter in Yellowstone after bystanders helped steer the animal away; meanwhile, Wyoming’s backcountry search-and-rescue story continues with a Missouri deputy attorney general found alive after going missing on a Wind River hike. Local travel logistics: Casper’s 2nd Street near Banner Wyoming Medical Center will see intermittent closures for construction during the back-to-school rush. Family-friendly stays: A roundup highlights hotels with wildlife on the grounds, including a Jackson Hole lodge with a wildlife viewing deck near Grand Teton. Health & community: Carbon County hospitals received federal Rural Health Transformation funding, while ambulance services were not included. Roadside reality check: Wyoming gas prices are mixed, with several stations in the high-$3 range reported statewide.

Jackson Hole Fed Watch: Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s lawyer says there’s “no legally cognizable cause” to remove her over mortgage-fraud claims, as the political fight over Fed independence keeps heating up. Outdoor Safety & Access: BLM reopened parts of Sublette County after the Bare Fire closure, while Wyoming hikers and backcountry rescuers saw multiple incidents—from a bear encounter rescue to altitude-sickness help near Becker Lake. Wildlife Management: BLM plans to remove 40 horses from Pryor Mountain, with herd experts warning the reduction could harm long-term health; in Lander, a yearling black bear was euthanized after becoming food-conditioned. Public Lands & Roads: Conservation groups rally in Casper over park staffing cuts and the Roadless Rule rollback debate. Travel Planning Ideas: A guide to hiking Medicine Bow Peak (7-mile loop options) and Visit Casper’s new anthem contest could shape next year’s tourism marketing. Local Costs: Teton County’s lowest midgrade gas price hit $4.64/gal (week ending Aug. 15).

Yellowstone wolves: Montana approved reduced fall/winter wolf harvest quotas after a sharp Yellowstone wolf decline and a suspected canine distemper outbreak, a move aimed at protecting the wolf-watching tourism economy. National forests access: The Trump administration is pushing to revise Forest Service travel rules and rescind the Roadless Rule, which could expand motorized vehicle and e-bike access across millions of acres—drawing strong pushback from conservation groups. Pony Express in Wyoming: A new Wyoming PBS documentary, “Before the Wire: The Legacy of the Pony Express,” was selected for the WYO Film Festival (Oct. 1-4), spotlighting the re-ride route through Wyoming. Teton Pass crash: A Riverton-area story highlights a family’s survival after an Aug. 17 RV crash on Teton Pass, with calls for safety changes at the pass turnoff. Outdoor travel safety & planning: A missing-hiker search in Sublette County and ongoing wildfire response updates (including drone support on the Aspen Acres fire) underscore how quickly conditions can change for Wyoming trips. Local travel culture: Jackson Hole’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium spotlight and a Snake River guide’s 5,000th float add fresh reasons to visit Wyoming’s outdoors and waterways.

Roadless Rule Fight: The USDA/Forest Service has filed a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening about 45 million acres to potential roads and logging decisions—while conservation groups warn it could raise wildfire risk and development pressure; public comments run through Sept. 21. Forest Access Debate: The administration also wants to revise the Travel Management Rule so motorized use could be “open unless designated closed,” a shift Wyoming Wilderness Association leaders say could change how visitors hike, hunt, and ride. Wildfire Updates (Wyoming): Drones are back in the Aspen Acres response to scan rough terrain as containment holds at 77% entering week nine, and Jackson Canyon’s 2006 burn is still reshaping habitat with invasive cheatgrass taking hold. State Parks: Seminoe State Park is warning campers about intermittent water system interruptions during water upgrades—fill tanks ahead of time. Local Travel Culture: A new Wyoming PBS Pony Express documentary, “Before the Wire,” is set for the WYO Film Festival in Sheridan (Oct. 1–4). Wildlife Safety: Rocky Point’s mule deer crossing project near completion is scheduled to finish in October, aiming to cut deadly highway collisions. Outdoor Recreation (BLM): Pinedale-area BLM lands closed for the Bare Fire are reopening Aug. 24, though Stage 1 fire restrictions remain.

Roadless Rule Fight: The Trump administration kicked off a final public comment period to repeal the Roadless Rule, which protects roadless national forest areas in Wyoming and nationwide—critics warn roadbuilding could worsen wildfire risk. Grand Teton Pathway Update: A newly amended Grand Teton management plan reopens debate over a multiuse path along Moose-Wilson Road, with wildlife and safety concerns still front and center. Wyoming Game & Fish Leadership: Wyoming Game and Fish outlined priorities after a leadership transition, focusing on healthier wildlife populations, partner-based conservation, and closing a widening funding gap. Wildlife on the Move: A black bear was killed after being struck on Teton Pass, as WGFD reports a significant uptick in bear activity tied to pre-winter feeding. Cheyenne Airport Upgrade: Casper/Natrona County Airport is set to break ground on a new $30 million air traffic control tower to improve visibility and support mixed civilian, military, and wildfire operations. Travel & Community Events: Jackson Hole History Museum hosts “Beers & Banter: Photography” Aug. 27, and Casper’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb returns Sept. 12 at the Ford Wyoming Center. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports midgrade prices around $4.24 in Campbell County for the week ending Aug. 15, with countywide averages and Wyoming-wide context. Outdoor Planning Tip: For travelers eyeing Yellowstone-area detours, a roundup highlights lesser-known parks and nature spots beyond Yellowstone.

Blood Supply Alert: The American Red Cross says national blood levels are at critically low levels, with summer travel and back-to-school demand making it harder to keep up—Cheyenne-area donors are urged to give, especially type O. Airport Upgrade: Casper/Natrona County International Airport is set to break ground on a new $30 million air traffic control tower, replacing a decades-old facility to improve visibility and support mixed commercial, military, and wildfire operations. Wildlife & Roads: A black bear was killed after being struck on Teton Pass, and officials note bear activity is rising as they bulk up for winter—drivers are reminded to stay alert in wildlife-heavy areas. Cyclospora Update: Wyoming reports 3 cyclospora cases tied to the Taylor Farms outbreak, but health officials say those linked cases appear connected to food eaten out of state, not local lettuce. Local Hospitality: Harrington’s Pub opens on Cheyenne’s south side with a 1940s-era building restored, plus a Sept. 19 grand opening with live music. Travel Safety Watch: Residents are again calling for Teton Pass safety measures after recent crashes. Outdoor Adventure: A new botanical inventory from the Bighorn National Forest documented 8,087 plant specimens and 1,117 taxa, including rare Arctic plants and new records—great news for nature lovers planning hikes.

Rare Earth Mine Public Comment: The U.S. Forest Service opened a short public comment window on a rare-earth element mining plan in northeast Wyoming near Sundance, with locals saying the fast-track process left little time to review impacts on air, water, wildlife, and the Black Hills Forest plan. Teton Pass Crash Fundraiser: A Meridian-area girl injured in a multi-vehicle RV crash on Teton Pass remains in serious condition in Salt Lake City, and a GoFundMe is raising support for her mother during treatment. Wildlife Crossing Progress: The Rocky Point wildlife crossing project on U.S. 30 south of Montpelier is nearing completion, aiming to reduce frequent deer-vehicle collisions as migration corridors are crossed more safely. Off-Grid Luxury Ranch Trend: A new travel feature highlights remote “luxury ranch” stays across the West, including Wyoming, where seclusion and off-grid access are the main draw. Gas Prices Watch: Sheridan County midgrade gas hit a reported low of $4.29/gallon for the week ending Aug. 15, with the county average at $4.47. National Park Free Day: National Park Service marks its 110th birthday with free admission Tuesday, Aug. 25, for all U.S. parks.

Road Safety & Community Support: A serious RV crash on Teton Pass left 11-year-old Neeka Korn of Meridian Idaho intubated in Salt Lake City; a GoFundMe is raising money for lodging, travel, and medical costs. Local Recreation: Laramie officially opened its new 9-acre bike park with downhill trails, skills lines, and Wyoming’s first asphalt pump track—hundreds of riders showed up for the grand opening. Public Lands & Access: The Trump administration’s plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule could allow new roads across about 4% of Wyoming’s national forest roadless areas, sparking backlash from conservation groups and outdoor users. Outdoor Events: The Mountaineers in Wyoming are set to host “The Wind Rivers – Off-Trail” on Aug. 25, highlighting a rugged western Wyoming backpacking region of alpine lakes and big peaks. Gas Prices: Sheridan County’s lowest midgrade gas price hit $4.29 for the week ending Aug. 15, with the county average at $4.47. Town Spotlight: Centennial will celebrate 150 years with a free, family-friendly sesquicentennial on Sept. 12, including a downtown parade and museum activities.

Roadside & outdoor safety: A GoFundMe has been set up for an 11-year-old injured in a motorhome crash that temporarily closed Teton Pass, with the child life-flighted to Idaho Falls and then Salt Lake City. Cycling tourism: Laramie held the grand opening of a new Laramie Bike Park, including downhill trails, skills lines, and Wyoming’s first asphalt pump track. Public lands & access: The Trump administration unveiled a plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, potentially enabling new road building across about 4% of Wyoming’s national forests—sparking debate over wildlife habitat and quiet recreation. Night-sky travel tips: A local outdoor-lighting piece urges responsible lighting to protect Wyoming’s dark skies as fall activities ramp up. Community events: Centennial is marking 150 years with a free, family-friendly sesquicentennial celebration Sept. 12, featuring a parade and museum activities. Wildfire readiness: Nevada’s Air National Guard “High Rollers” are deploying C-130 firefighting aircraft to support western wildfire response, including integration with Wyoming’s 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne. Travel scam alert: A BBB report cites a Jackson Hole storefront dispute involving deceptive marketing and missing itemized receipts, warning visitors to watch for return-policy details. Education travel: A Wyoming educator was named the state’s first National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, earning an 11-day Greece and Turkey expedition to bring back classroom-ready geography storytelling.

Grand Opening in Laramie: The City of Laramie officially opened its new 9-acre Laramie Bike Park, featuring downhill trails, progressive jump lines, a skills course, and Wyoming’s first asphalt pump track—drawing hundreds of riders and micro-clinics for the pump track and drop lines. Outdoor Safety & Access: Officials are warning about wildfire danger as restrictions expand across Wyoming; firefighters responded to 21 wildfire starts this week, with many counties under Stage 1 restrictions. Public Lands & Travel Impact: The Trump administration unveiled a plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, allowing new road building and motorized access across about 4% of Wyoming’s national forests—an issue that could reshape hunting, backpacking, and quiet recreation. Local Milestone: Centennial is set to celebrate 150 years with a free, family-friendly sesquicentennial event on Sept. 12, including a downtown parade and activities at the Nici Self Museum. Wyoming Education Travel: Riverton educator Reva Lobatos became Wyoming’s first National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, returning from an 11-day Greece and Turkey expedition to bring global geography stories back to her classroom.