AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Wind Wall Rally: Cheyenne drew ranchers and conservationists urging a deeper review of southeast Wyoming’s industrial wind buildout, warning about cumulative impacts on golden eagles, wildlife, ranching, and rural tourism. Colorado River Update: Federal water managers say a 10-year Colorado River operating framework could be imposed by late summer if states can’t agree, with Colorado and Nevada negotiators pushing back on parts of the plan tied to reservoir releases. Wildfire Prep in the West: After a dry winter, UNR researchers are using about $3.5 million to reduce hazardous fuels on roughly 300 acres in eastern Sierra areas near communities. Outdoor & Travel Safety Signals: Wyoming’s measles count has topped 2,000 nationwide for the second straight year, with most cases linked to unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status—an important reminder for travelers and families. Local Wildlife Moment: A Powell couple reported spotting 73 moose in Park and Sheridan counties near Burgess Junction, a sign of spring “green-up” drawing them into open areas. Game & Fish Leadership: Casper region supervisor Brian Olsen is retiring after decades with Wyoming Game and Fish, marking a big change for local outdoor outreach.

Wyoming Wind Watch: At the Wyoming Capitol, a “Save the Eagles, Stop Wind” rally urged state leaders to pause and review industrial wind projects in southeast Wyoming, with speakers warning rapid buildout could harm golden eagles and change rural landscapes. Road-Trip Reality Check: A new national roadway condition report highlights how much maintenance is still needed, while Wyoming stands out with only 3.0% of major roadways rated in poor condition—2nd best in the U.S. Big Boy Train Buzz: Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America’s 250th birthday tour, with recent sightings drawing crowds as it steams through the Midwest toward the East Coast. Wildlife on the Move: A Powell couple reported spotting 73 moose near Burgess Junction in the Bighorn Mountains, pointing to spring “green-up” as the reason they gathered. Outdoor Safety Reminder: A Bighorn National Forest hiker’s disappearance ended tragically after weeks, underscoring how quickly conditions can turn on high-country treks. Fuel & Travel Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Campbell County hit $4.02 for the week ending May 30, while Wyoming’s average regular gas also dipped slightly.

Continental Divide trail tourism: Winter Park and Fraser are celebrating their Continental Divide Trail “Gateway Community” status with a June 4–6, four-day event series tied to National Trails Day on June 6, spotlighting access to the CDT and the mountain communities that support hikers. Northern lights watch: NOAA upgraded the aurora outlook with a Strong Geomagnetic Storm (G3) watch for June 4–5, and Wyoming is included in the potential viewing states—just remember clouds can spoil the show. Big Horn Lake update: The Bureau of Reclamation held a public meeting on Big Horn Lake’s slower-than-normal fill, with drought and low snowpack affecting launch elevations; officials shared the summer operating plan and current water status. State parks via libraries: Wyoming libraries statewide are offering “check-out” Wyoming State Parks day-use passes, plus some kids’ outdoor backpacks at select locations. Wildfire readiness: The Wyoming National Guard joined state and local partners for a wildfire tabletop exercise in Cheyenne to tighten coordination and communication ahead of the season. Gas prices (week ending May 30): Regular averaged $4.49 statewide, with Uinta County’s low at $4.42; diesel averaged $5.46 statewide, with Sweetwater County’s low at $4.99. Road conditions & funding pressure: A national roadway-conditions report highlights how deferred maintenance remains a travel-safety issue, with attention on the need to extend federal road funding beyond October 2026.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is forecasting a strong aurora show this Thursday and Friday, with possible visibility as far south as many mid-latitude states—Wyoming stargazers should keep an eye on the sky. Wolf & Working Lands Tour: State and federal officials toured Sierra Valley to discuss gray wolf impacts on deer, wildfire resilience, and habitat restoration—plus what it means for ranchers and the future of working landscapes. Moose Spotting in the Bighorns: A Powell couple counted 73 moose near Burgess Junction, with Wyoming Game and Fish saying the sightings likely tie to fresh spring grazing. Grand Teton Trail Help: GTNP is hosting a National Trails Day volunteer event June 6 at Taggart Lake to remove social trails and improve access. Jackson Summer Guide: A local roundup highlights standout 2026 Jackson Hole experiences beyond the usual parks-and-views checklist. Safety & Travel Alerts: Afton officials urged extra child safety around irrigation ditches after a toddler was rescued from a culvert; WYDOT bridge work near Alpine may bring delays starting Thursday. Fire Season Readiness: Experts warn federal staffing cuts could slow prescribed burning and thinning, raising wildfire risk across western public lands.

National Trails Day in Grand Teton: GTNP is inviting volunteers to help remove social trails and do trail maintenance at Taggart Lake on Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Wildfire readiness in Wyoming: Experts warn that federal public-lands staff cuts are slowing prescribed burning and thinning, raising concern for the coming fire season. Outdoor safety in the Snowy Range: Albany County deputies and search-and-rescue teams responded after a hiker fell into the Middle Fork Little Laramie River near Falls Overlook; the incident involved remote communications and a rapid escalation to water rescue. Cheyenne summer fun indoors: Tilt, a new arcade/VR/mini-bowling venue, opened at Frontier Mall, giving families a year-round option when weather turns. Cheyenne Greenway mural call: Artists are being sought for a spring 2027 mural at a major Greenway underpass, pairing experienced artists with youth and focusing on mental health themes. Big Boy steam locomotive tour: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its 250th-anniversary coast-to-coast run, with Wyoming-area rail fans getting more chances to see the historic engine. USFS app for remote trips: The USDA launched a National Forests and Grasslands app with offline maps, trail and campsite info, and safety alerts for Wyoming visitors. Jackson Hole summer ideas: A local guide highlights standout 2026 experiences beyond the usual national-park checklist. Riverton EMS memorial stop: A national memorial procession honoring fallen EMS workers will pause in Riverton Friday morning at Central Wyoming College.

Wyoming Politics: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 U.S. Senate primaries, including U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman and rancher/tech entrepreneur Sam Mead, with other GOP challengers pitching land protection, rural support, and mental health access. Big Boy Train Stop: Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy No. 4014 (built 1941) is scheduled to make a public whistle-stop in Ripley on Tuesday, June 9, arriving around noon and departing at 12:30 p.m., with a free display in Buffalo June 10. Cheyenne Family Fun: Tilt, a new 14,000-square-foot indoor entertainment center with arcade games, virtual reality, and mini bowling, opened at Frontier Mall in Cheyenne—an all-seasons option as summer heats up. Cheyenne Greenway Art: Cheyenne is seeking artist proposals for a Greater Cheyenne Greenway mural near the Walterscheid Boulevard underpass, with youth collaboration and an installation planned for spring 2027. Wildlife & Ranching Funding: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-backed program to help farmers and ranchers protect migratory big-game corridors on private land, now covering Wyoming and 16 other states. Road Trip Costs: AAA reports gas prices remain high nationwide, and a potential fuel-tax suspension debate could affect WYDOT funding for major highway work. Safety & Travel Alerts: Wyoming Highway Patrol reported a fatal rollover on Highway 34 near Wheatland, and Rock Springs police warned of a rental scam targeting would-be tenants.

Fuel & Road Costs: WYDOT warns that a proposed fuel tax suspension could cost the agency roughly $9.5–$10.5 million per month, threatening major highway work as gas prices stay high. Truckers & Agriculture: A federal Hours-of-Service waiver lets fertilizer haulers drive up to 16 hours in 24 (with a 6-hour sleeper break) across 34 states from May 26 to Aug. 26—good news for farm logistics heading into summer. Lodging & Tourism: First Chair Destinations launches a new vacation-rental brand based in Steamboat Springs, with a Wyoming presence among its portfolio of about 3,500 homes. Big Game & Public Lands: USDA unveiled a migratory big-game conservation framework for elk, pronghorn and mule deer across 17 states, aiming to keep working lands working while supporting wildlife. Wildlife Safety: Wyoming’s mountain-lion encounters story reminds hikers that attacks are rare, but knowing how to respond matters. Local Planning: Teton County commissioner candidate Melchor Dylan Moore highlights a platform tied to private property rights and protecting ranching, tourism and small businesses.

Public Lands & Wildlife: A major BLM oil-and-gas lease sale in northwestern Colorado will open tens of thousands of acres tied to the nation’s largest elk herd, with migration and winter habitat corridors reaching into southern Wyoming near Dinosaur National Monument. Community & Housing: Laramie County commissioners will vote Tuesday on a Cheyenne workforce housing plan (“man camp”) that could add up to 800 modular units and thousands of residents, after a public hearing drew strong opposition. Safety & Travel Disruptions: Wyoming’s latest “Around Wyoming” updates include a fatal hiking accident near Albany County’s Falls Overlook, prescribed burns near Labarge, and road work slowing traffic in Rawlins. Family Fun: Cody and Lovell host Free Kids Fishing Day events, plus Wyoming State Parks are waiving fees for Free Fishing Day. Outdoor Planning: With summer crowds looming, a new roundup highlights national forests as lower-cost alternatives to many paid national parks. Local Sports: Green River Knights and Rock Springs Stallions return to Wyoming Senior American Legion Baseball action with road doubleheaders.

Public Lands & Wildlife Protection: Wyoming’s “Path of the Pronghorn” is one signature away from stronger protections after a long push to safeguard the migration corridor used by pronghorn moving between I-80 and Grand Teton. Outdoor Safety & Recreation: Free Kids Fishing Day is coming to Cody and Lovell on Saturday, June 6, with free poles for the first 350 kids (ages 14 and under) in Cody and family fishing activities at the Bighorn Canyon Visitor’s Center in Lovell. Local Travel Planning: Curt Gowdy State Park is launching a master plan process after years of rising use, asking visitors what they want next—beyond trails, including campsite and water improvements. Road & Summer Travel Disruptions: Casper drivers should expect summer construction headaches starting June 1, including a signal repair closure at 15th/Wolcott and upcoming Poplar Street work. Tourism Spotlight: Airbnb is calling out “playcations” for summer 2026, with booking growth near golf, boating, and surf—plus mentions of Cheyenne, Wyoming, as a golf-friendly getaway. Wyoming Power Project Watch: State and federal officials heard testimony on the Seminoe pumped storage project, a plan to add an upper lake and underground powerhouse to shift energy production. Family-Friendly History on Rails: Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 continues its America’s 250th tour, with Wyoming’s Cheyenne departure highlighted as the locomotive heads east.

Historic Rail Excursion: Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014—built in 1941 and the last operating “Big Boy”—departed Cheyenne and is now heading east for America’s 250th birthday stops, including an Illinois pass and later Philadelphia; rail fans can plan around scheduled overnight stops like Fort Wayne (June 5). Local Government & EMS: Sheridan County commissioners will consider pre-paying $200,000 for a new ambulance for Wyoming Regional EMS, plus other county resolutions and agreements at the Tuesday meeting. Wildlife & Visitor Safety: Yellowstone visitors are furious after a drone operator was caught circling a mama grizzly and cubs near Grizzly Lake, raising concerns about dangerous proximity to wildlife. Public Lands & Recreation: Critics warn a major federal oil-and-gas lease sale in northwestern Colorado could threaten elk migration habitat that extends into southern Wyoming, with tourism and dark-sky concerns in the mix. Travel Perks for Flyers: WYDOT’s WYFly passport program is inviting travelers to visit Wyoming’s 34 paved airports, collect stamps/badges, and enter prize drawings. Road-Trip Budget Watch: AAA reports the national regular gas average is easing after Memorial Day, with big regional swings—useful for planning Wyoming summer drives. Outdoor Fishing Spotlight: A proposed pumped-water storage project at Seminoe Reservoir is drawing testimony over potential impacts to the North Platte’s “Miracle Mile” trout fishery and nearby bighorn sheep.

Yellowstone Wildlife Safety: Visitors are furious after a drone operator was caught on camera circling a mama grizzly and her cubs near Grizzly Lake, raising fresh concerns about how close aircraft get to wildlife. Public Lands & Recreation: A major federal oil-and-gas lease sale in Colorado would open hundreds of acres tied to elk and other migration habitat that reaches into southern Wyoming, with tourism and dark-sky concerns in the spotlight. Wyoming Outdoors Policy: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a pumped-water electricity storage project near Seminoe Reservoir, with critics warning it could harm the Miracle Mile trout fishery and affect bighorn sheep habitat. Travel Perks for Families: Wyoming libraries and Wyoming State Parks are partnering to offer free day passes for checkout statewide, plus a “Library of Things” backpack option for park trips. Historic Rail Tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive is on a coast-to-coast America’s 250 journey, with a scheduled Fort Wayne stop after departing Wyoming. Local Sports & Community: Wyoming Cowgirl Volleyball released its 2026 schedule, and Cody High School’s new “No Phone Zone” policy is being credited with improved focus and grades.

Wyoming Public Lands & Off-Road Access: The Trump administration rescinded two long-standing Nixon (1972) and Carter (1977) executive orders that restricted off-road vehicles on federal lands, a move that could loosen bans in many national parks. North Platte Water & Wildlife Fight: Critics testified against Wyoming’s proposed Seminoe pumped-storage project, warning it could harm the Miracle Mile trout fishery and a bighorn sheep herd tied to wildlife management. State Parks Perks: Wyoming libraries are partnering with Wyoming State Parks to offer free day passes for checkout statewide, and some locations also include a “backpack” loan for outdoor exploration. WYFly Passport Program: WYDOT’s aviation passport program is back, encouraging travelers to visit Wyoming’s 34 paved airports for stamps, badges, and prizes. Summer Safety & Planning: Officials are preparing for a potentially active wildfire season across Wyoming, urging residents to take extra care with fire as drought and early-drying fuels raise risk. Jackson Hole Wildlife on Trails: A new look at Jackson Hole’s busiest trails highlights how wildlife and visitors are coexisting in ways that may inform future conservation management. Cheyenne Area Recreation: Cheyenne Mountain State Park expansion in Colorado adds nearly 500 acres—good news for travelers planning hikes and camping in the broader region. Travel Budget Watch: A new report flags Grand Teton as the priciest national park camping weekend in the U.S., with Yellowstone also among the costly options.

Wyoming State Parks & libraries: All 23 Wyoming counties are now part of a partnership letting residents check out free state park day passes for two weeks via local libraries—plus “Library of Things” backpacks with outdoor gear like binoculars and wildlife-track guides. Wildfire prep: Gov. Mark Gordon and state, county, and federal partners held Wyoming’s Wildland Fire Interagency briefing warning of an active, potentially extended fire season as drought and early-drying fuels raise risk. Pronghorn protection: Wyoming’s “Path of the Pronghorn” is nearing protections after a quarter-century fight, with a state-led working group completing its review of the migration corridor. Outdoor access & recreation: While not in Wyoming, the Cheyenne Mountain State Park expansion story is a reminder of how land deals can boost hiking, camping, and boating—useful context for Wyoming travelers watching similar projects. Cheyenne data centers: Microsoft is seeking major Cheyenne-area data center expansion, raising local questions about energy, water, and environmental impacts during drought. Summer travel planning: A new report flags Grand Teton as the priciest national park for camping weekends—helpful for Wyoming visitors budgeting for peak season. Community & culture: The sixth annual “Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways” drew thousands to Jackson Hole with powwow events, storytelling, and free public programming.

Park Costs & Planning: A new report flags Grand Teton as the priciest national park for camping in 2026, with a weekend average around $439—while Yellowstone and Olympic also land near the top, a reminder to budget for fees, meals, and rentals before you hit the trail. Cheyenne Tech & Land Use: Microsoft is seeking major data center expansion around Cheyenne, including new sites tied to land owned by the Lummis family, raising fresh local questions about energy, water, and environmental impacts during drought. Outdoor Access Expansion (Nearby): Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado is growing by hundreds of acres, adding new campsites and expanding recreation access around Rosemont Reservoir—good news for Front Range campers and boaters. Wyoming Public Lands Debate: Critics are pushing back on a proposed pumped-water storage project at Seminoe Reservoir, warning it could harm the North Platte’s “Miracle Mile” trout fishery and affect bighorn sheep habitat. Summer Safety Reminder: AAA is urging Wyoming drivers to start the season with safer habits as Memorial Day kicks off its “100 Days of Safe Driving” push. Native Culture Spotlight: The sixth annual “Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways” and the Teton Powwow drew record crowds in Wyoming, bringing Indigenous storytelling, art, and community events to visitors and locals. Big Boy Rail Tourism: Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive continues its coast-to-coast America 250 tour, with Wyoming’s Cheyenne as the launch point and major public stops drawing rail fans.

Summer Driving Safety: AAA is urging Wyoming-area travelers to kick off the Memorial Day-to-Labor Day “100 Days of Safe Driving,” pointing to high teen-driver and impaired-driving fatal crash rates during summer. Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming officials say it’s “fire year-round,” with drought and early-drying fuels raising concern for an active, potentially extended season. State Parks & Camping: Wyoming State Parks’ Library Program returns for free park access—kids get a backpack with maps and field guides when they check out a day-use pass through participating county libraries. Cheyenne Tourism Boost (Out of State, Still Useful): Cheyenne Mountain State Park expansion adds hundreds of acres and new campsites, plus more Rosemont Reservoir recreation—good inspiration for regional trip planning. Big Boy Train (Road-Trip Buzz): Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 left Cheyenne and is building a coast-to-coast itinerary; Wyoming travelers can catch it on the way east (public stop noted in Ohio). Local Access & Planning: CPW and partners are also moving ahead with Table Mountain WHMA land acquisition discussions via a virtual Game and Fish Commission meeting.

Wyoming State Parks Library Passes: Wyoming State Parks is relaunching its 10th-year Library Program, letting kids and families check out a free day-use park pass plus an outdoor backpack through participating county libraries statewide—good for up to 14 days and for everyone in one vehicle. Summer Outdoor Safety: Wyoming officials are reminding campers and hikers to check current fire restrictions before lighting anything, use existing fire rings when possible, clear a 10-foot area, and fully extinguish fires. Teton Crest Trail Rescue: Teton County Search and Rescue airlifted two out-of-state backpackers after they became sick and struggled through snow near Hurricane Pass; the team warns conditions above 9,500 feet can still be dangerous. Roadwork Near Jackson: Flat Creek Bridge repair continues south of Jackson on US 26/89/189/191, with traffic switched back May 30 and more deck work next week, targeting completion by June 10. Cheyenne Entertainment Corridors: Cheyenne is considering an ordinance that could shift historic horse racing approvals to the city level and create entertainment corridors aimed at drawing both locals and visitors. Family-Friendly Youth Sports: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is expanding summer sports, adding Summer Basketball (including 3v3) and lacrosse growth, plus a rebranded Logan Wilson Flag Football League. Big Boy Train Tour (Out of State, Big Draw): Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 will make stops across Pennsylvania in June and July as part of America’s 250th birthday, including a Wyoming pass-through in the schedule.