AGP Executive Report

Eclipse & Weather: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will briefly plunge parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and the Atlantic into “midday night,” with temperatures dropping as the Moon blocks the Sun—expect a noticeable chill during totality and a partial eclipse beyond the narrow path. Hiking Safety in Teton Pass: Bridger-Teton National Forest closed the History Trail near Trail Creek to the top of Teton Pass after a human-bear encounter; Wyoming Game and Fish says the injured hiker used bear spray, injuries weren’t life-threatening, and no further actions are planned. Wildfire Updates: The Bare Fire in the Wyoming Range is now about 443 acres with crews strengthening lines; the Weiser Knoll Fire near Lander remains around 13,350 acres with a Level 3 “Go” evacuation order for the Twin Creek drainage area. Outdoor Events: Cheyenne Audubon hosts a free birdwatching hike at Curt Gowdy State Park on Aug. 15, and the Shire of Windegate’s Whipping Winds event runs Aug. 13–16 at Williamson Park (public welcome; waiver required). Community & Travel Planning: Gov. Mark Gordon urges Wyoming residents to check board-and-commission vacancies and apply, a reminder that local service shapes the visitor experience too.

Wildfire Updates: The Bare Fire near Big Piney was cut to 443 acres after improved mapping, with lightning suspected as the cause; meanwhile the Weiser Knoll Fire in Fremont County jumped to about 13,350 acres, with crews working to hold it west of key roads. Fire Weather & Travel Safety: A Red Flag Warning and Air Quality Alert remain for Wyoming as hazy skies and breezy conditions keep fire danger high, with pop-up showers possible later. Wyoming Waterfall Guide: A new roundup spotlights Wyoming’s best waterfalls, including Lower Yellowstone Falls, Grand Teton’s Hidden Falls, and easy-access spots like Shell Falls in the Bighorn National Forest. Wildlife Conservation: A multi-zoos effort is pushing to save the Wyoming toad from extinction, including reintroducing tadpoles back to the Laramie Basin. Local Roads & Tourism: Residents are pushing for solutions to Teton Pass traffic after a deadly crash, with a community meeting citing heavy daytime vehicle counts. Sports & Visitors: Wyoming men’s basketball added a free-attendance exhibition at TCU on Oct. 17 in West Texas. Outdoor Photo Inspiration: Travelers shared standout national park trip photos on Reddit, from Glacier’s Many Glacier Hotel to Wrangell-St. Elias. Scam Watch (Out of State): BBB Scam Tracker rankings flagged a few cities in Illinois and Minnesota with reported online purchase scams.

Teton Pass Safety Talks: A packed Wilson schoolhouse meeting pushed new ideas after a dump-truck crash killed two people and highlighted how heavy traffic mixes with tourists and commuters on the busy corridor. Wildfire Watch (Wyoming): The Weiser Knoll Fire, sparked by a mechanical issue, surged on South Pass and is now Wyoming’s largest wildfire of 2026, with crews working to keep it contained near major roads. Public Health (Teton County): Commissioners rescinded the local measles emergency after no new linked cases for a full incubation window, following an outbreak tied to worker housing near Grand Teton. Public Lands & Grazing Lawsuit: Environmental groups filed notice of intent to sue over Forest Service approval of cattle grazing in a grizzly-conflict-prone area southeast of Yellowstone. Tourism & Night Skies: Teton County became the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, a win for stargazers and evening outdoor plans. Jackson Hole Housing Boom: A new analysis says home values in Jackson Hole have surged up to 2,000% in 30 years, driven by scarcity and destination demand. Travel Practicalities: Gas prices stayed relatively steady statewide, with AAA reporting regular around the mid-$4 range in Wyoming.

International Dark Sky: Teton County became the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, with Jackson-area updates to lighting and new rules aimed at cutting light pollution—great news for stargazers and night-sky tourism. Yellowstone Visitor Safety & Maintenance: Yellowstone’s boardwalks aren’t “set and forget”—about 2,000 feet are moved, replaced, or rebuilt each year due to shifting ground and wildlife impacts, including bison damage. Colorado River Water Watch: Lake Mead hit a record low, intensifying the ongoing Colorado River crisis and raising stakes for Southwest travel plans tied to reservoir recreation. Wildfire & Smoke Alerts: Fire danger stayed high across the Northwest and Western Canada, with evacuations and smoke impacts that can reach popular parks and outdoor areas. Road-Trip Inspiration: A new look at U.S. Route 89 highlights an epic Western road route connecting major parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Local Events for Travelers: Newcastle’s Moving Wall (Vietnam Memorial tribute) runs Aug. 13–17, free and open 24/7, timed with Sturgis rally week. Community Back-to-School: Kiwanis Club of Wyoming Area’s Stuff-A-Bus drive stocked backpacks and supplies for students returning to class.

Wildfire & Flood Watch: Extreme heat, dry conditions, and severe storms are expected to sweep much of the U.S., raising wildfire risk in the Northwest and flash-flood danger in parts of the East and Central regions—plan Wyoming trips with flexible routes and check smoke and weather alerts. Colorado River Water Woes: Lake Mead hit its lowest level since it filled about 90 years ago, and Lake Powell is also shrinking, forcing marinas and recreation operators to adapt—expect changing access and services around reservoir-area attractions. Public Lands & Health: A new study finds many U.S. parks sit near toxic chemical-reporting and hazardous-waste sites, a reminder to stay informed about local environmental conditions before hiking or camping. Wyoming Events for Visitors: Newcastle’s Moving Wall Vietnam memorial tribute runs Aug. 13–17, and Fort Phil Kearny is offering a few remaining covered wagon tour seats Aug. 9. Community & Culture: Wyoming Fringe Festival heads to Laramie this month, and Cheyenne’s Depot Days spotlights train buffs. Safety Note: A bison attack in Poland is another reminder—keep distance from wildlife and never approach for photos.

Wildfire Smoke Watch: Pacific Northwest fires are pumping smoke into Wyoming, with NWS noting basins can trap it and make mornings/evenings especially rough for air quality—plan hikes and drives with caution. Colorado River Reality Check: Lake Mead hit its lowest level since it was filled, and Lake Powell is also dropping fast, forcing marinas and recreation operators to adjust ramps and access—expect changes around Hoover Dam and Lake Mead/Lake Powell tourism. Wyoming Energy Spotlight: Kemmerer is seeing major attention for a Gates-and-Buffett-backed small nuclear plant project, promising faster construction and new jobs as coal declines. Local Aging Leadership: AARP Wyoming named Ann Clement as state director, focusing on healthy aging, caregiving, and livable communities. Public Lands & Mining: The Forest Service is taking public comments on a proposed rare earth open-pit mine near Mato Tipila (Bear Lodge), raising concerns for sacred lands, wildlife, and water. Cheyenne Events: Depot Days is set to bring train buffs to Cheyenne, and a new Cheyenne adventure park is turning a junkyard into a fun stop. Outdoor Safety: Wyoming’s fire weather remains active, with ongoing restrictions and advisories affecting travel plans. Culture & Tickets: The Wyoming Fringe Festival lands in Laramie Aug. 21–23, and UW’s planetarium is hosting Phoebe Bridgers “Lost Weekend” shows Aug. 13–14.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Pacific Northwest fires are pumping smoke into Wyoming, with basins trapping it after a cold front—expect hazy skies and plan outdoor time carefully. Bear Safety in Parks: A guide highlights where grizzlies are most likely to show up (including Yellowstone), urging hikers to carry bear spray and hike in groups. Cheyenne Rail Tourism: Depot Days is drawing international train fans to the Cheyenne Depot Museum, turning the city into a must-stop for rail buffs. New Cheyenne Adventure Spot: Wits End Adventure Park opens in a former junkyard, offering free-to-enter games plus paid activities like paintball and airsoft. Laramie Events: The Wyoming Fringe Festival lands in Laramie (Aug. 21–23) at the Plains Civic Center, and UW’s planetarium hosts Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” experience Aug. 13–14. Road Safety Reminder: Wyoming Highway Patrol is stressing seatbelts after an uptick in fatal crashes statewide. Bighorn National Forest Bear Removed: A food-conditioned black bear that tried to enter tents was lethally removed after WGFD confirmed DNA links to earlier incidents. Local Travel Boost: A new study ranks Yellowstone among top summer destinations, with Cody as a convenient base near the East Gate.

Wildfire Smoke Watch: Pacific Northwest fires are pumping smoke into Wyoming, with basins trapping it all week—expect hazy sunrises/sunsets and worse air quality at dawn and dusk. Cheyenne Rail Fun: Depot Days is drawing train buffs from around the world to the Historic Depot Museum, celebrating Cheyenne’s railroad roots. Laramie Events: The Wyoming Fringe Festival lands at the Laramie Plains Civic Center Aug. 21–23, and the city is also set to open the Laramie Bike Park Aug. 22 with clinics and a pump-track ribbon cutting. Planetarium Night: UW’s Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium will host Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” experience Aug. 13–14. Outdoor Safety: A food-conditioned black bear in the Bighorn National Forest was lethally removed after it tried to enter occupied tents. Road Safety Reminder: Wyoming Highway Patrol is urging seatbelt use after an uptick in fatal crashes. Local Tourism Funding Vote: Laramie County residents will weigh in on Aug. 18 sixth-penny sales tax projects that support amenities and tourism.

Wildfire & closures: The 800-acre Bare Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is holding steady with spot fires, while crews focus on containment and structure protection; hot, dry, windy weather and lingering smoke are expected, and road/area closures are in place. Bear safety: A food-conditioned black bear in the Bighorn National Forest that tried to enter occupied tents (Fool Creek area) has been lethally removed after DNA matched an earlier July incident. Road safety reminder: With fatal crashes up statewide, WYDOT and Wyoming Highway Patrol are urging drivers to buckle up every trip—seatbelts cut severe injury risk sharply. Cheyenne fun spot: Wits End Adventure Park opened to the public, turning a former junkyard into a low-cost hangout with free games and paid activities like paintball/airsoft. Local travel planning: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking anglers to shift catch-and-release earlier in the day (or stop after noon) as warm water threatens trout. Tourism spotlight: A Cody Yellowstone travel feature highlights the park’s wildlife-viewing odds from Cody and the area’s museums and outdoor options. Food safety: National outbreaks tied to recalled iceberg lettuce and jalapeños continue to be tracked—check recall guidance before eating.

Fishing & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish urges anglers to protect trout during hot spells—shift catch-and-release to early mornings, stop after noon at 70°F+, and harvest instead at 65°F. Road & Access: WYDOT will mill and pave WY22 from the US89 “Y” to the base of Teton Pass starting Aug. 10, with two lanes by day and alternating-lane work at night (possible 20-minute delays). Public Lands & Recreation: A new Wyoming poll finds 91% of voters oppose selling federally managed public lands. Wildlife on the Move: Game and Fish says drought is pushing deer and other big game to cluster along roadsides for food and water—slow down and scan. Outdoor Safety: Smoke from Pacific Northwest wildfires is funneling into Wyoming basins, making mornings and evenings especially rough for air quality. Local Tourism Boost: Ten Sleep’s tiny library earned a national “exceptional” award, a feel-good win for Wyoming communities. Health Care: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center performed Wyoming’s first Amulet procedures for some AFib patients, bringing a stroke-risk option closer to home.

Medical Milestone: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center performed Wyoming’s first Amulet procedures for atrial fibrillation, offering an option that can reduce stroke risk without long-term blood thinners. Public Lands Vote: A new statewide poll finds 91% of Wyoming voters oppose selling federally managed public lands, with support cutting across political lines. Wildfire Updates: Willow Fire evacuation zones were downgraded back to pre-evacuation status, with some areas reopened for residents; meanwhile, a new Bare Fire is burning in the Bridger-Teton/BLM area near Big Piney. Roadwork for Travelers: WYDOT will mill and pave WYO 22 from the “Y” intersection to the base of Teton Pass starting the evening of Aug. 10, with possible up to 20-minute delays and night lane reductions. Wildlife Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish says drought is pushing deer and other big game to feed along roadsides, urging drivers to slow down and watch roadside green ditches. Outdoor Access: Game and Fish highlights Public Access Areas that give visitors access to certain private lands—check signs/maps for rules before you go. Community & Travel Events: The Moving Wall Vietnam memorial heads to Newcastle Aug. 13–17, free and open 24/7 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week.

Teton Pass Safety Push: About 200 residents packed a meeting to demand faster action after deadly crashes on the 8,431-foot pass, pointing to a 2024 corridor study that found “substantial safety, access and capacity challenges” and calling for steps like better signage and truck rules. Local Law & Safety: Carbon County deputies successfully talked down a suicidal, armed man in the Medicine Bow National Forest, then transported him for a mental health evaluation. Wildlife & Outdoor Etiquette: Wyoming Game and Fish urged people not to release county-fair goldfish into the wild, warning they’re illegal and can harm fisheries and native species. Roadside/Travel Notes: A wildfire smoke update says smoke from major fires in the Pacific Northwest could reach Wyoming and other states, with air quality impacts expected. Community & Family Fun: Laramie’s Little League is set for the Mountain Region Tournament with a chance to reach the Little League World Series, and the state Office of Tourism named five “Mavericks of Wyoming.”

Wildfire & air quality: Wyoming and nearby states are under smoke/particulate advisories as wildfire smoke carries lung-irritating toxins; officials urge staying indoors, shutting windows, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Forest fire updates: Sublette County’s Bare Fire has grown to about 431 acres with air tankers, helicopters, smokejumpers, and crews working to slow it. Climbing access: Devils Tower National Monument has lifted temporary climbing closures, bringing back weekend climbing plans. Local travel infrastructure: Cheyenne-area growth gets a boost as Laramie County commissioners approve a zoning change for Aspen Valley that could temporarily host up to 328 RVs for traveling workers. Teton Pass safety: After a deadly July crash, nearly 200 people packed a meeting demanding faster action to improve safety on the Wyoming-Idaho corridor. Recreation spot update: Lake DeSmet’s north shore public access is expanding, with a new boat ramp planned next month. Wildlife management watch: Montana is rolling out a new plan for managing its “other” grizzly population in remote forests—an issue that could shape future regional tourism and wildlife viewing.

Extreme Heat & Health: The National Weather Service explains how a heat dome pushed record-tying temperatures in Laramie, while wildfire risk stays elevated across the region; the Red Cross is also sharing tips for coping with poor air quality. Astro Camp in Wyoming: Middle-schoolers from across Wyoming and Colorado spent a week at the University of Wyoming’s Windy Ridge Foundation Astro Camp, building spectrometers, rockets, and doing field hikes in the Snowy Range/Medicine Bow National Forest. Pinedale Summer Music: Pinedale’s free Soundcheck Summer Music Series heads into August with two American Legion Park shows (Aug. 8 and Aug. 14), featuring Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers and Low Gap. Fall Foliage Planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Fall Foliage Map, including expected peak leaf-turn dates across the Rocky Mountains and beyond—useful for Wyoming road trips. Cheyenne Library Ballot Info: Cheyenne’s Laramie County Library held an open house on Aug. 18 “sixth-penny” proposals, including library-focused projects in Cheyenne and Pine Bluffs. Road & Wildlife Updates: WYDOT is taking public comment on its STIP planning tool, and Wyoming Game and Fish says the Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing project is moving ahead to help protect deer and pronghorn. Local Travel Reality Check: A look at how far some Wyoming residents drive just to catch a movie highlights the state’s long distances and the cost of getting there. Grand Targhee Bluegrass: The Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival returns for its 36th year this weekend with major roots acts at Grand Targhee Resort.

WYDOT Planning: Cheyenne-area drivers won’t see dirt work yet, but WYDOT has opened public comment on its 6-year State Transportation Improvement Plan—ask for safer crossings, pathways, and construction timing via 511. Road Safety & Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish says the Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing on U.S. 189 is moving ahead of schedule, aiming to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions later this year. Health Care: Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County welcomed nurse practitioner Calie Wilson back to its Pediatric Clinic, expanding local care for families. Arts & Culture: Ucross Foundation announced 60 fall fellows for its northern Wyoming residency program, fully funded with studio time and meals. Events: Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival returns for three days of music with tickets still available. Travel Disruptions: United delayed some O’Hare route launches due to extended FAA flight cuts—plan for alternate options if you’re flying through Chicago. Wildfire Reality Check: Utah wildfire conditions remain severe, with USU Extension urging residents to protect homes now as smoke and fire risk linger across the region.

Tourism Spotlight: The Wyoming Office of Tourism is rolling out its “Mavericks of Wyoming” picks, honoring five residents (including people from Sheridan and Cheyenne) with custom jackets for helping create lasting memories. Wildfire & Air Quality: Smoke from out-of-state fires is pushing hazy skies over southern Wyoming, with air quality concerns for sensitive groups; Black Hills counties are also tightening burn rules ahead of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Outdoor Safety: Wyoming Game and Fish and the BLM are managing rocky mountain juniper spread on Casper Mountain through 2027 to protect grasslands and water; meanwhile, Devils Tower is reopening after wildfire impacts. Community Back-to-School: Cheyenne’s North Cheyenne Baptist Church is giving away free backpacks and school supplies for students and teachers. Local Travel Notes: A Casper-area tech partnership highlights privacy and “quantum-safe” security for regulated real-world assets—an unexpected but relevant signal for Wyoming’s growing tech-and-travel ecosystem. Road & Trail Updates: CDOT says it has finished a major five-year Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project connecting key bases.