AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Travel & Tourism: The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo is underway in Casper through Saturday, July 11, with daily carnival rides and classic fair food plus rodeo events and 4-H/FFA exhibits; the carnival opens at 3 p.m. Outdoor Safety & Wildfire: U.S. wildfire officials raised the national preparedness level to 4 as peak-season fire activity ramps up across the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions, with new incidents reported nationwide. Local Travel Planning: If you’re driving near the Black Hills, Rapid City-area road work is set to bring daytime lane closures and detours starting Monday, July 6, including Old Folsom Road restrictions. Family Fun in Wyoming: A Snake River search continues near Alpine after a man reportedly jumped in without a life jacket and struggled against the current; crews used drones and boats over the weekend. Sports & Community Events: Wyoming Legion Baseball Week 14 features key South and North conference doubleheaders, including a big twin bill in Casper Tuesday between the Sixers and Oilers. Culture & History: A train excursion tied to the Sullivan Campaign and Revolutionary War reenactors is scheduled for Aug. 15, with stops in the Wyoming Valley area.

Wildfire heroism: Green River firefighter Lt. Spencer Berry received the American Legion Western Region Firefighter of the Year award for his tunnel-rescue actions during the Feb. 14, 2025 Green River tunnel crash, crediting fellow responders and community support. Drought & water worries: Reports from Colorado describe spring-fed streams and Colorado River headwaters drying up, with major reservoir levels dropping and impacts rippling across the Southwest. Wyoming travel classic (screen-time): A 1937 Wyoming-set Western, originally titled Hollywood Cowboy and later re-released as Wings Over Wyoming, is streaming on Tubi—an old-school vacation-in-Wyoming adventure with rancher trouble. Summer safety at events: Jackson police plan extra patrols and impaired-driving enforcement around a sold-out Widespread Panic show at Snow King, urging concertgoers to plan rides and use a buddy system. Gas watch (Wyoming): GasBuddy price reports for the week ending June 27 show regular gas as low as $3.07 in Cheyenne County, with statewide regular averaging $3.63. Fireworks caution: Western drought and active wildfires have led some communities to cancel or restrict Fourth of July fireworks, with Utah issuing temporary statewide limits.

Wildfire & drought watch: Large fires are burning across the West, including in Wyoming, as drought and unusually strong winds push conditions to a high preparedness level—expect impacts to worsen in late June. Fourth of July travel reality: Some western communities canceled or restricted fireworks due to fire-weather and drought, while Mount Rushmore brought fireworks back after a six-year break as part of America’s 250th. Outdoors & water concerns: Anglers and locals packed meetings over the Seminoe pumped-storage hydropower plan, arguing key downstream impacts to trout waters and wildlife haven’t been fully analyzed. Safety for visitors: Jackson police are stepping up impaired-driving enforcement for Widespread Panic at Snow King, urging a plan for getting home safely. Wyoming courts & healthcare: A mother-daughter pair was sentenced in a $800K Wyoming Medicaid fraud scheme tied to a behavioral health clinic. Gas prices snapshot: Diesel and premium prices dipped in parts of Wyoming in the week ending June 27, with Cheyenne County regular gas reported as low as $3.07.

Yellowstone 4th of July travel tips: Yellowstone is urging visitors to plan ahead for crowds, entrance lines, and roadside wildlife stops, and to leave fireworks at home (campfires only in approved rings) while driving responsibly and reporting smoke or fire. Forest Service reorganization: WyoFile reports U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz defended the agency’s biggest restructuring in a century, saying the new state director roles drew about 300 applications and interviews are expected soon. Pronghorn protection in Wyoming: Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wyoming’s first designation protecting a major pronghorn migration bottleneck at Trapper’s Point, aiming to limit surface disturbance so herds can keep moving through harsh winters and droughts. Gas watch for road trips: GasBuddy price checks show midgrade and diesel deals across Wyoming counties for the week ending June 27, with the lowest midgrade and diesel prices varying by area—useful for planning holiday driving. Independence Day fireworks curbed by fire risk: Western drought and wildfires have led some communities to cancel or restrict fireworks, including Utah’s temporary statewide limits. Deadly crash risk study: A new look at fatal crashes finds rural roads still carry higher death risk, but the urban-versus-rural gap is narrowing. CAM-PLEX concert in Gillette: Switchfoot and Hoobastank headline “Summer’s Last Stand” Aug. 29 at the Wyoming Center at CAM-PLEX, with RV camping and food trucks. Street Vault at Oregon Trail Days: Street Vault returns as a regional pole-vault competition drawing athletes from Wyoming and beyond. Missing camper identified: Sublette County confirmed remains near Sweetwater Gap are those of a Scottish man who vanished while camping six years ago.

Yellowstone Visitor Safety: Yellowstone is urging Fourth of July travelers to plan for crowds and construction, leave fireworks at home, and follow strict fire rules (campfires only in approved rings), plus drive responsibly and watch for wildlife. Grand Teton Traffic Patrols: Grand Teton National Park says law enforcement will ramp up high-visibility patrols this summer, focusing on seatbelts, speeding, and impaired driving—especially near the park’s southern boundary. Holiday DUI Crackdown: Wyoming Highway Patrol and local DUI task forces are increasing enforcement for the July 4 weekend, warning drivers to plan a sober ride and expect stops. Road Closure for Travelers: I-25 through Casper (Curtis Street to Bryan Stock Trail) closes July 7–11 for Herford Lane Bridge demolition, with detours via F Street and Yellowstone Highway. Pronghorn Protection: Wyoming officially designated the Trapper’s Point migration corridor “bottleneck” to limit surface-disturbing activity and keep pronghorn moving through key habitat. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade gas deals in several Wyoming counties this week, including $4.04 in Weston County and $4.29 in Sublette County. Wildfire Caution: Officials continue to track fast-moving fire conditions across the region as holiday travel ramps up.

Yellowstone Fourth of July travel tips: Yellowstone National Park is urging visitors to plan ahead for heavy summer crowds, follow wildlife-safe driving rules, and remember fireworks are banned (even sparks). Campfires are only allowed in established fire rings, and guests should check current fire conditions and report smoke or fire. Grand Teton safety enforcement: GTNP says law enforcement will ramp up high-visibility patrols along the park’s southern boundary, focusing on seatbelts, speeding, and impaired driving. Holiday DUI crackdown: Wyoming Highway Patrol and local partners are increasing DUI Task Forces for the July 4 weekend, warning that impaired driving remains a major cause of deadly crashes. Road closures for travelers: I-25 through Casper (Curtis Street to Bryan Stock Trail) closes for three days starting July 7 for Herford Lane Bridge demolition, with detours via F Street and Yellowstone Highway. Wildfire and fireworks limits: Sweetwater County fire officials warn fireworks are illegal on public lands and banned in Rock Springs and Green River (except sparklers), with extreme fire danger. Pronghorn protection: Wyoming Game and Fish and Gov. Mark Gordon marked the first designation of a protected pronghorn migration corridor “bottleneck” at Trapper’s Point. Local wildlife updates: A bear was captured after causing a Worland alert, and another grizzly was relocated near Yellowstone’s east entrance to reduce conflicts. Discovery near Sweetwater Gap: Authorities identified skeletal remains found in Wyoming as missing Scottish camper John Gillies.

Road & Safety Updates: WYDOT says I-25 through Casper (Curtis St. to Bryan Stock Trail) will close for three days, July 7–11, for Herford Lane Bridge demolition, with detours via F Street and Yellowstone Highway and expect congestion. Holiday DUI Crackdown: Wyoming Highway Patrol and local partners are ramping DUI Task Forces for the July 4 weekend; Natrona County’s coordinated enforcement runs July 3 (5 p.m.) through July 5 (midnight), with “safe ride” options highlighted. Fireworks Rules: Fire chiefs warn fireworks can spark wildfires; Rock Springs and Green River ban fireworks (sparklers excepted in Rock Springs/Green River cities), and all fireworks are banned on public lands. Wildfire Watch: Kinky Creek Fire in Teton County is up to 56% containment at 880 acres, but closures remain as storms and strong winds complicate suppression. Outdoors & Wildlife: Yellowstone confirmed a bison injured a 12-year-old near Mud Volcano; park guidance urges staying far back from large animals. Travel Planning for July 4: Severe storm risk is rising across parts of the region as the heat dome breaks, with lightning, damaging winds, and flash flooding possible—plan for rapid weather changes. Local Interest: Wyoming Game and Fish relocated a subadult grizzly to the Five Mile Creek drainage near Yellowstone’s east entrance to reduce future human-bear conflicts. Public Lands & Culture: Grand Teton’s Indigenous arts demonstrations continue through summer at Colter Bay, offering hands-on craft time with regional tribes.

Human Remains Identified: Sublette County investigators confirmed the remains found near Sweetwater Gap in 2025 are those of missing Scottish camper John Gillies, with DNA help from Scotland and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory—an emotional closure for his family. Public Access & Outdoor Recreation: Cheyenne officially opened the Belvoir Ranch Open Space trail network after decades of planning, with 13 miles of natural-surface trails for hikers and mountain bikers plus a universal access route. Fishing Access Spotlight: Wyoming Game and Fish highlighted Kinnear Pond and the new Popo Agie Public Access Area, reminding visitors to follow posted rules on these special access sites. Wildlife & Land Management: The U.S. Forest Service approved a 694-acre expansion for Grand Targhee Resort, citing scaled-down impacts while aiming to meet recreation demand. Health Alert for Travelers: Wyoming health officials confirmed measles exposure in Teton County, including spots in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, urging people to watch for symptoms after possible June 17–25 exposure. Water Worries for the West: A Colorado River water settlement for Native communities is stalled as Upper Basin states—including Wyoming—raise concerns, keeping some families without running water. Fire Season Watch: The Forest Service’s new chief warned that this year’s wildfire pace is worse than prior years, underscoring risks for visitors heading into holiday crowds.

Trail Access & Repairs: Cheyenne’s Belvoir Ranch Open Space officially opened its 13-mile natural-surface trail network for hikers, mountain bikers and Class 1 pedal-assisted e-bikes, with a nearly 1.6-mile universal access route to overlooks—after decades of planning. Volunteer Trail Work: The Wyoming Conservation Corps is spending 10 days on the Bridle trail fixing eroded sections and loose cable safety fencing, plus removing graffiti and dead plants. Resort Growth: Grand Targhee Resort won Forest Service approval for a 694-acre expansion near Alta, aiming to add terrain and infrastructure while managing wildlife, watersheds and recreation access. Wildlife Migration Protections: Wyoming officials celebrated protections for the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor as part of the “Path of the Pronghorn,” a 165-mile migration route. Holiday Safety & Fire Risk: First responders are urging caution for July 4 crowds on roads and waterways, with fire danger still high and restrictions in place across parts of the state. Big Summer Rail Event: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is making a major stop in Philadelphia around July 4 as part of its America 250 tour that began in Cheyenne. Local Happenings: Oakley Rodeo returned with a sold-out crowd and fireworks, running through Saturday. Public Land Recreation Note: The Forest Service is also hiring hundreds of temporary workers next year, including roles tied to firefighting, recreation and forestry.

Road & Detours: Casper’s I-25 will shut for 3 days (July 7–11) for Hereford Lane bridge removal, with detours and expected congestion around Beverly St/Bryan Stock Trail and nearby streets. Public Health: Wyoming health officials confirmed measles exposure tied to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson spots (including Colter Bay Village restaurants, a Colter Bay convenience store, and Target in Jackson) with guidance to watch for symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure. Local Trails & Tourism: Cheyenne opened the Belvoir Ranch 13-mile multi-use trail system after decades of planning, adding new hiking, biking, and running access near the city. Outdoor Planning: A G2 geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights to parts of the northern U.S. (best odds near the Canadian border) on July 2–3—plan for dark skies and clear horizons. Wildfire Workforce Watch: A survey of federal wildland firefighters found low morale and staffing concerns, raising questions for the coming season. Aviation & Parks: Jackson Hole Airport says it avoided federal fees via a Grand Teton deal tied to millions in revenue since 2023. Community Calendar: Fourth of July plans and events are rolling out across Wyoming communities, including Forest Lake’s parade, fireworks, and summer market.

Public Health Alert: Wyoming health officials confirmed measles in Teton County and warned of possible exposure for visitors at Grand Teton National Park’s Colter Bay Village restaurants (June 17-18), a Colter Bay convenience store (June 20), and Target in Jackson (June 25), urging anyone exposed to watch for symptoms for 21 days and avoid crowded/high-risk settings. Road & Travel Disruptions: WYDOT says expect up to 40-minute delays July 7-11 while crews set concrete arches for the Kemmerer South wildlife crossings project on US 189; and in Casper, I-25 will close July 7-11 for Hereford Lane bridge removal with detours in place. Outdoor & Wildlife: Bridger-Teton National Forest begins maintenance on Granite Creek Road with a full closure July 13 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) for magnesium chloride dust abatement. Cheyenne Frontier Days: The new Morning Star American Indian Village opens for Cheyenne Frontier Days July 17-26, debuting a redesigned performance space and permanent cultural landmark. Local Events: Pinedale’s free Soundcheck Summer Music Series hits July 4 with Sweet Megg headlining at American Legion Park, timed to pair with the town’s July 4 picnic and fireworks. Wyoming Tourism & Nature Research: UW Extension welcomed Nicole “Nicki” Nimlos as a statewide rangeland management specialist, focusing on range monitoring and grazing practices.

Holiday travel & road conditions: Yellowstone warned visitors about big temperature swings after a late-June snowstorm temporarily closed higher-elevation roads, including Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway—an issue for anyone planning a July 4 drive. Weather & outdoor planning: WYDOT says Beartooth Pass (US 212) is still closed at the Montana/Wyoming line due to unseasonal snow and extreme travel conditions, with an opening time not announced. Wildlife & safety: Wyoming Game and Fish relocated a subadult grizzly to reduce conflict potential near Yellowstone’s east entrance. Health alert for visitors: Wyoming health officials issued a measles exposure notice tied to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson-area locations, urging monitoring for symptoms. Local tourism boost: Casper restaurants reported above-average revenue during CNFR, showing how major events can keep travel dollars flowing. America 250 in Wyoming: The Wyoming Air National Guard plans a statewide July 4 flyover with routes reaching communities from the plains to the mountains, ending at the state Capitol in Cheyenne. Fire season watch: Western wildfire conditions remain a concern, with multiple large fires burning across the region.

Tourism boost in Casper: During the College National Finals Rodeo, two local restaurants reported big upticks—about +30% at Officer Bar and Grill and roughly +20% at Johnny J’s—showing how major events can help local eateries “catch up” in slower months. Wildfire pressure across the West: Early fire season is already intense, with large blazes burning in Colorado and Utah and officials warning conditions could worsen as winds and dry fuels drive rapid growth. Measles alert for Grand Teton visitors: Wyoming health officials confirmed an adult measles case in Teton County and flagged possible exposure spots in Colter Bay Village (June 17-18), a Colter Bay convenience store (June 20), and a Jackson Target (June 25); they urge anyone potentially exposed to watch for symptoms for 21 days. Fourth of July plans in Cheyenne: Cheyenne is rolling out America 250-themed events, including a July 2 Civic Center performance of “1776” and a July 3 Wyoming PBS documentary screening at LCCC. Park safety and access: NPS is revisiting Moose-Wilson Road plans, including work tied to a proposed multi-use pathway, with public comment accepted through July 9. Fireworks rules reminder: Local officials stress that fireworks are illegal on Wyoming public lands and in many city limits, with extreme fire danger making caution essential.

Fireworks & wildfire safety: Rock Springs and Green River fire officials are warning that, with July 4 near, fireworks are illegal on public lands (including BLM, Forest Service, and state lands) and sparklers are included; even on private land in unincorporated areas, written landowner permission is required, and extreme fire danger is expected across southwest Wyoming. Northern Lights: Aurora may be visible overnight June 29 into June 30, with best odds near the U.S.-Canada border; the full Strawberry Moon could add a dramatic glow. Wyoming wildlife protection: Gov. Mark Gordon approved new state protections for a major pronghorn migration corridor from the Upper Green River Basin to Grand Teton, aiming to safeguard key bottlenecks while keeping protections off private land. Cheyenne tourism upgrades: Cheyenne’s 15th Street Revitalization is moving ahead with historic railcars placed for a static display as part of the “15th Street Experience.” Outdoor travel etiquette: Grand Teton National Park reminded visitors not to take wildflowers home, warning fines up to $250. Local youth sports: Casper’s CAMBYR mountain biking team is fundraising to compete out of state, including camping and travel costs.

Wildfire & safety: A Colorado-Utah border wildfire killed three firefighters who deployed tent-like emergency shelters as flames rapidly escalated, underscoring how dangerous this summer’s West fire season is. Wyoming wildlife protection: Gov. Mark Gordon designated a pronghorn migration corridor, adding new protections in the most heavily used bottlenecks while keeping surrounding areas voluntary—good news for travelers who want intact wildlife movement. Cheyenne visitor upgrades: Cheyenne’s 15th Street Revitalization is moving ahead with three restored historic railcars placed for a new railcar experience behind Gunslinger Square. Local planning & trees: Rooted in Cheyenne applications open July 1 for a Sept. 19 fall planting event, with limited spots and volunteer help encouraged. Holiday fire rules: Sweetwater County fire chiefs warn fireworks are illegal on public lands (and mostly year-round in Rock Springs/Green River), with extreme fire danger expected. Park etiquette: Grand Teton National Park warns hikers not to take wildflowers home, with fines up to $250. Road/travel heads-up: Bighorn National Forest will temporarily close Little Mountain Road 12 to motorized vehicles July 10 for the Medicine Wheel meeting; foot traffic allowed during the posted hours.

Off-Road Independence Day Ride: Sweetwater County leaders are organizing a 250th birthday off-road trek from Evanston to Cheyenne, aiming to boost trail tourism and get more roads enrolled for public recreation. Winter Storm in Late June: The National Weather Service has issued winter weather alerts for parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, warning of heavy, wet snow and hazardous travel in higher elevations—plan for slick mountain passes and backcountry conditions. Northern Lights Watch: A possible G1–G2 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora visibility near the U.S.-Canada border on Monday night into Tuesday, with best odds in northern Montana and nearby states. Colorado River Tribal Water Fight: A major Navajo/Hopi water settlement is being blocked by Upper Basin states, including Wyoming, as lawmakers debate how tribal water rights are codified. Pronghorn Migration Protection: Gov. Mark Gordon designated the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, adding new rules for development and human activity in key bottlenecks. Curt Gowdy State Park Master Plan: Wyoming State Parks is seeking public input for a long-range plan as visitation and mountain biking, camping, and hiking needs continue to grow.