AGP Executive Report

Yellowstone Wildlife Research: A new University of Wyoming-led GPS study found five Yellowstone grazer species overlap far more than classic ecology predicts, with individual animal habits driving where they feed and how they share space. Water & Outdoor Conditions: Wyoming State Parks warns reservoir parks may see lower-than-normal water levels this summer (Seminoe, Glendo, Guernsey), and anglers should expect impacts from low water and warmer temps. Fishing & Recreation Policy: Critics are pushing back on a proposed Seminoe pumped-storage project, saying it could harm the Miracle Mile trout fishery and bighorn sheep habitat, with testimony before a legislative committee. Road & RV Safety: WYDOT begins chip sealing on Cora Road (WYO 352) with short delays, and State Parks urges travelers to be wind-aware on I-25, I-80, and U.S. 287 to prevent blowovers. Local Tourism Leadership: Wyoming Office of Tourism Director Domenic Bravo met with rural partners to boost longer stays and strengthen the state tourism brand. Hiking Spotlight: A Rawlins couple shares how the Continental Divide Trail led them to make Rawlins a home base for backpacking.

Wildfire & travel disruption: Western fire activity remains high, with Wyoming seeing the Kinky Creek Fire in the Bridger-Teton (about 770 acres) and haze reported from Utah’s Iron Fire, a reminder to plan for smoke and possible restrictions. Water & power watch: Lake Powell is at its lowest entering summer (23.28% full) and could drop to “minimum power pool” next spring, raising stakes for travelers heading to the Glen Canyon/Grand Canyon region. Outdoor safety rules: Federal agencies released draft guidance on rock climbing, including how fixed anchors may be managed—good news for climbers who rely on established routes. Local tourism calendar: Cheyenne’s “Fridays on the Plaza” keeps rolling into July with free concerts (including Cheyenne Frontier Days week), and Belvoir Ranch Open Space’s new trail network opens July 1 for hiking and biking. Big anniversary crowds: Thousands are expected around Little Bighorn for the 150th anniversary, with heavy visitor traffic and thunderstorms affecting access. Getting there: Green River tunnels are fully reopened in both directions ahead of Flaming Gorge Days. Business & jobs: A new outdoor recreation economy study highlights challenges for Wyoming outdoor businesses, while The Cloudveil in Jackson Hole names Tim Plamondon Director of Sales & Marketing.

Road & Rail Updates: Green River Tunnels are fully reopened in both directions after final electrical work, just in time for Flaming Gorge Days—expect normal 65 mph travel and watch for crews. Outdoor Access: Cheyenne’s Belvoir Ranch Open Space trail network is set to open next week (July 1 ribbon-cutting), with daily dawn-to-dusk hiking and biking plus e-bike access. Summer Travel Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish is reminding boaters and watercraft users to follow aquatic invasive species rules, including mandatory AIS inspections and 2026 AIS decals. Local Events: Cheyenne Frontier Days is rolling out know-before-you-go tips, including AXS app digital tickets and a cashless Frontier Park. Family Fun & Community: Buffalo’s Red, White and West 250 includes a July 4 ribbon cutting for the new Johnson County History Walk. Regional Travel Warning: Wildfire smoke is affecting parts of Wyoming as Utah fires burn, with local agencies monitoring conditions. Water Watch: Lake Powell is at its lowest summer level ever, raising concerns about “dead pool” risk if Colorado River flows keep dropping.

Wyoming Events & Community: Casper Police shared the official route and safety notes for the 2026 Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo Parade on Tuesday, July 7, with a 5K starting at 9 a.m. and parade streets reopening as participants clear the area. Outdoor & Wildlife Safety: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection stations in the Sheridan Region are now running expanded summer hours, with Clean-Drain-Dry reminders for boaters. Weather Watch: A tornado near Savageton, Wyoming was confirmed by the National Weather Service, with damage rated up to EF-2 and power-pole impacts along its path. Local Heroism: WYDOT maintenance worker Tyle Myers was recognized for saving a woman and infant after spotting tire tracks and investigating a crash on Highway 120 between Cody and Meeteetse. Summer Fun: Pinedale’s free Soundcheck Summer Music Series kicks off Saturday, June 27, at American Legion Park with Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, plus free dance lessons before the show. Wildfire Updates: Fire crews are responding to the fast-spreading Kinky Creek Fire in the Gros Ventre Wilderness near Darwin Ranch, with helicopters and smokejumpers involved.

Wildfire Watch (Bridger-Teton): A fast-spreading Kinky Creek Fire ignited near Darwin Ranch in the Gros Ventre Wilderness, growing quickly with steep terrain, dead fuel, and spotting; crews, smokejumpers, and helicopters are working to suppress it. Severe Weather (Wright area): The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near Savageton, damaging power poles and a house with EF-2 strength winds reported. Outdoor Safety (Ticks): The Red Cross of Wyoming is urging hikers and campers to prevent tick bites after warm winters increased tick activity, recommending long sleeves/pants, trail-center hiking, and DEET-based repellents. Boating Rules (AIS): Wyoming Game and Fish expanded aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection hours in the Sheridan Region; boaters must stop at open check stations and follow Clean-Drain-Dry guidance. Local Travel Events (Pinedale): Pinedale’s free Soundcheck Summer Music Series kicks off Saturday, June 27, with Jenny Don’t and the Spurs at American Legion Park plus free dance lessons before the show. Community & Culture (Wind River): Dancers at Wind River Indian Days honored grieving families through a Red Dress & Red Shirt remembrance event tied to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Roadside Hero (WYDOT): A WYDOT maintenance worker was recognized for saving a woman and infant after spotting tire tracks and reaching the stranded vehicle on a snowy highway embankment.

Wildlife & Parks: A new guide highlights how to time visits to U.S. national parks to catch animal migrations in real time, with Wyoming’s Grand Teton and Yellowstone called out as key summer-range destinations for bison, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and deer. Wildfire Readiness (Wyoming): Casper is getting a new helibase at the airport to centralize helicopter wildfire response, replacing a deteriorating site near Glenrock. Fire Safety (Wyoming): Bridger-Teton National Forest crews responded to campfire starts as officials keep valley fire danger at “high,” urging campers to fully extinguish fires with plenty of water. Outdoor Health: With tick activity expected to be higher this summer, the Red Cross shares bite-avoidance tips for people heading outdoors. Pets & Public Health (Wyoming): Sheridan County confirmed its first 2026 rabies case in a bat; local clinics and vaccination reminders are in focus for pet owners. Local Wildlife Management: Wyoming Game and Fish named David Gaul as the new Sheridan Regional game warden trainee. Tourism & Travel (Rail): Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America 250 tour, with an extended stop at Steamtown in Scranton through June 30.

Wildfire & summer safety: Bridger-Teton National Forest crews responded to a Phillips Ridge campfire on Teton Pass and warned that “a water bottle” isn’t enough—bring several gallons and fully drown/stir/coals-cold checks; federal managers also bumped valley fire danger to high earlier than last season. Public health for travelers & pet owners: Sheridan County reported Wyoming’s first 2026 rabies case in a bat; officials urge caution around bites/scratches and note upcoming reduced rabies vaccination clinic options at the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter. Wildlife law enforcement: David Gaul started as Sheridan Regional game warden trainee, working with district wardens on hunting, fishing, and watercraft rules. Cheyenne veterans planning: Cheyenne City Council’s Finance Committee advanced a $275,000 purchase agreement for a Vietnam War Memorial Wall at Freedom Point in Lions Park. Big Boy rail tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America250 tour, with an extended stay at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton through June 30. Road-trip planning note: Campground demand is peaking nationwide, with June nightly rates holding near about $104 and more than half of tracked site-nights booked.

Campground Travel Costs: Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Index shows U.S. campground rates averaging about $104/night in June, with demand topping 50% for the first time—meaning sites are filling up even as price growth flattens. Wyoming Travel Deals: IHG is running 25%–30% off “Destination Deals” for stays June 26–Aug. 9, with Wyoming included (book by June 28). Cheyenne Area Weather: Severe storm risk shifts south for Tuesday, with southeastern Wyoming and the Colorado Front Range under an Enhanced Risk, including damaging wind and large hail potential—plan routes accordingly. Jackson Hole Lodging: Trailborn Jackson Hole reopens as a redesigned, full-service resort-style property near Snow King Mountain, aiming at a year-round mountain getaway. Wildfire Watch (BTNF): Lightning sparked the Boulder Creek Fire near Jack Pine Summer Homes; managers expect containment by Monday evening, with “high” fire danger in the Teton area. Wyoming Public Health/Travel Safety: Gov. Gordon convenes an advisory panel on New World Screwworm; officials report no cases in Wyoming but urge residents to stay informed ahead of summer travel and rodeo season. Road Trip Budget Rankings: A new 2026 budget-friendly road trip study highlights Wyoming among the best-value states for combining affordability with recreation and culture. Local Stories & Community: Cheyenne’s downtown banners refresh “Rediscover Downtown,” while Crimson Dawn’s Topaz Gate tradition keeps drawing visitors for its midsummer fantasy-and-nature celebration.

Wildfire Watch (Jackson/BTNF): A new lightning-sparked Boulder Creek Fire was reported on Bridger-Teton National Forest near Granite Creek, growing to about 0.1–0.25 acres by Monday morning; crews are using a direct extinguishment strategy and aim for containment by evening, with fire danger in the area listed as “high.” Fuel-Reduction Open House (Jackson Hole): BTNF invites the public to learn about the Cache Creek to Josie’s Ridge Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project (June 25, 5–7 p.m. at the Jackson Ranger District Office), including two field trips with a short hike and RSVP required. Road-Trip Planning (National Parks): National parks this summer may mean longer waits and fewer services as staffing stays stretched and permanent workers have been reduced, so travelers should expect possible entry-gate slowdowns and less ranger-led programming. Severe Weather Alerts (NOAA): NOAA explains how severe thunderstorm warnings are tiered—base “severe,” then “considerable,” and the top “destructive” category for storms capable of very high winds and large hail—after recent storms produced damaging winds up to 90–100+ mph. Local Roads (Rawlins): WYDOT and the City of Rawlins shared guidance on the bypass construction detour, including how commercial traffic is routed and where locals can detour instead, plus reminders to obey posted speeds on detours. Budget Road Trips (State Rankings): A new 2026 budget-friendly road trip ranking highlights which states balance affordability (gas, hotels, everyday costs) with recreation and road quality—useful for planning Wyoming-adjacent drives. Wyoming Outdoors & Wildlife (Drought): Research discussed by Wyoming Public Radio says severe drought is shrinking preferred habitat across the Mountain West, hitting predators like cougars hardest as prey and cover decline. Wyoming Events & Culture (Cody): The 51st Milward Simpson Awards were handed out in Cody, spotlighting top Wyoming high school athletes. Wyoming Travel Inspiration (Jackson/History): A look at Craig Johnson’s Longmire roots ties Wyoming literary tourism to his long-running character and book tour tradition.

Budget & Community Health: Lander’s beloved indoor pool is cutting water-aerobics and reducing swim access, with higher fees tied to Wyoming school funding pressures hitting local budgets. Public Lands & Wildlife: A 25-year effort to protect Wyoming’s pronghorn migration corridor is nearing the finish line, awaiting a governor’s signature. Travel Safety & Weather: Forecasters warn Wyoming and the Plains face a multi-day severe storm threat with hail and damaging winds, plus flooding concerns that could disrupt summer travel plans. Yellowstone Visitor Reminder: A viral Yellowstone bison “photo op” shows how quickly wildlife encounters can turn dangerous when visitors get too close. Roadside & Summer Fun: Cheyenne Frontier Days-area rodeo performer Spencer Rose headlines a July 4 Benz Bad Bulls Rodeo, adding another reason to plan a Wyoming summer stop. Local Events: Black Hills National Forest’s Moon Walk series returns for its 31st year with guided evening hikes near the full moon. Tourism Trends: Wyoming is pushing its Frontier Stable Tokens as a new way to pay, aiming to attract visitors and investment.

Roadside landmark hit: An I-70 crash near the Colorado/Utah line smashed the iconic “Leaving Colorful Colorado” sign into pieces; the driver said a blown tire caused the swerve, and while the Colorado/Kansas and Colorado/Wyoming signs still stand, the Utah “Welcome” sign was unharmed. Wyoming public lands & wildlife: A 25-year effort to protect Wyoming’s pronghorn migration corridor is nearing the finish line, with protection awaiting a governor’s signature. Cheyenne community build: Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County’s Pronghorn Crossing Blitz Build is underway in Cheyenne, bringing volunteers from across the country to construct six duplex-style homes for 12 families. Tourism safety reminder: Yellowstone visitors are being warned again after a viral bison “photo op” showed a family getting dangerously close to wildlife. Weather watch: Severe storms and flooding risk continue across the central/eastern U.S., and Wyoming travelers are also being urged to stay alert for summer hazards. Local travel planning: WYDOT says Green River I-80 tunnel repairs are nearly complete, with testing and barrier removals scheduled soon, plus a temporary Morrison Jeep Trail closure in Park County.

Wyoming Crypto & Travel Economy: Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Tokens are live, letting shoppers pay with the state’s own stablecoin—an experiment that could reshape how visitors spend while Wyoming courts “money of all kinds.” Wildlife & Visitor Safety: A Yellowstone-area viral incident shows why wildlife distance matters; plus a separate Yellowstone nightmare involved a semi spilling an estimated 250 million bees, triggering stings and major cleanup delays. Public Lands & Outdoor Planning: Black Hills National Forest brings back its Moon Walk guided night hikes (free, 1–2 hours) starting June 27 near Sundance, and Wyoming fire managers are flagging high danger in Grand Teton/Bridger-Teton/Elk Refuge with reminders about campfires and fireworks. Road & Trail Updates: WYDOT says Green River I-80 tunnel repairs are nearly done with testing June 22–23, and Park County’s Morrison Jeep Trail faces a June 22–28 temporary closure for blasting. Family Travel & Health Claims: Stores near Grand Teton/Yellowstone are selling canned “scented oxygen,” but doctors warn the benefits are likely overstated—plan for real acclimation instead. Community Builds: Cheyenne’s Pronghorn Crossing Blitz Build (Habitat for Humanity) is underway with volunteers from across the country through June 25.

Public Lands & Wildfire Risk: Federal and local fire managers in Wyoming are raising danger levels across the Teton area, citing dry fuels and more abandoned campfires, with Grand Teton/Bridger-Teton/National Elk Refuge now flagged high. Conservation & Access: New federal draft guidance would allow fixed anchors on established rock routes (including in Wyoming’s Wind River Range), and agencies are asking climbers for input. Wildlife Protection: A long-running effort to protect Wyoming’s pronghorn migration corridor is nearing the finish line, with protection awaiting a governor’s signature. Yellowstone Visitor Safety: A viral Yellowstone clip shows a family posing dangerously close to a bison, sparking renewed calls for wildlife space. Travel Planning Notes: WYDOT says repairs on the westbound Green River I-80 tunnel are nearly done, with testing and barrier removal planned; Park County also has a Morrison Jeep Trail closure for blasting. Local Outdoors: Pine Bluffs highlights its free, public trail system for hiking, archery, and bird spotting. Family Travel Budget: A story on $19.99 canned “scented oxygen” near Yellowstone warns the claims may be weak and the relief short-lived. Community Builds: Habitat for Humanity’s Pronghorn Crossing Blitz Build is underway in Cheyenne, bringing volunteers together for new homes.

Highway & Park Updates: WYDOT says repairs on the westbound Green River I-80 tunnel are nearly done, with lighting tests June 22-23 and barrier removals June 24-25, while Park County’s Morrison Jeep Trail faces a temporary closure June 22-28 for blasting. Fire Season Watch: Fire danger has been raised to “high” around Grand Teton and nearby forests/refuges, with managers citing dry fuels and more abandoned campfires; fireworks are prohibited ahead of Fourth of July. Backcountry Safety: Federal agencies released draft guidance on rock climbing, including how fixed anchors can be used on established routes. Altitude Myth Check: Stores near Grand Teton and Yellowstone are selling $19.99 canned oxygen, but doctors warn the relief claims are weak and short-lived. Community Building: Habitat for Humanity’s Pronghorn Crossing Blitz Build in Cheyenne brings 120+ volunteers to construct six duplex-style homes for 12 families, running through June 25. Local Outdoors: Pine Bluffs highlights a free, town-linked trail system for hiking, archery, disc golf, and wildlife viewing. Travel Budget Reality: A gas-price calculator story breaks down how higher fuel costs are hitting drivers nationwide.

Wyoming Travel & Tourism Policy: Lawmakers are drafting a bill that would let the Wyoming Department of Audit withhold sales, use, and lodging tax money from public institutions that miss financial reporting deadlines for three years or more—aimed at fixing long-running enforcement gaps. Outdoor Recreation & Safety: Teton County and federal fire managers have raised fire danger to “high” across major public lands, citing dry fuels and more abandoned campfires, with no major restrictions discussed yet. Climbing Access: Federal agencies released draft guidance that keeps established rock climbing routes open and officially allows fixed anchors, with climbers invited to weigh in. Wildlife-Friendly Summer Prep: Wyoming State Forestry says it has contracted aircraft earlier than ever for an already-busy fire season, while Game and Fish volunteers repaired a wildlife “guzzler” to help animals through dry months. Local Getaway Ideas: Pine Bluffs’ trail system is free and open, with hiking, archery, disc golf, and interpretive stops like “Windows on the Past.” Community Events: Cheyenne’s June 19-21 Senior Olympics qualifying event and other Cheyenne-area weekend happenings include a tabletop adventure at the Historic Governors’ Mansion and the Wyoming Brewers Festival in Cheyenne.

Roadside Safety: AAA is urging drivers to “Slow Down, Move Over” during Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week (June 23-29), warning that roadside workers are often hit by careless drivers—last year, 15 roadside heroes were struck and killed. Wildlife Drought Help: Wyoming Game and Fish volunteers repaired a wildlife water “guzzler” near Woods Landing to keep water available for animals heading into a hot, dry summer. Local Events in Cheyenne: Cheyenne’s June 19-21 Senior Olympics qualifying event, plus the Wyoming Brewers Festival (June 19-20) and other family-friendly happenings, are set to bring visitors downtown. Historic Rail Buzz: The “Big Boy” steam locomotive (No. 4014) is expected to stop briefly in the region July 2, with officials warning traffic and parking will be a headache. Tourism Stop in Lander: Wyoming Catholic College will host the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum (“Freedom Truck”) in Lander July 1-3 ahead of Fourth of July festivities. Uinta County Growth: Uinta County commissioners approved a conditional use permit for Prometheus Hyperscale’s data center east of Evanston, clearing the way for construction under set conditions. Travel Disruption Alert: A semi crash near Yellowstone released millions of bees onto the highway, leading to closures and a major cleanup effort.