Wildfire Safety: Black Hills National Forest has moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions across South Dakota and Wyoming, banning campfires, charcoal grills, smoking outside enclosed vehicles, welding, open-flame torches, explosives, and off-trail driving/parking on forest lands until Dec. 27, 2026. Outdoor Grants: The Wyoming State Trails Program is taking applications for a one-time $800,000 Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program (natural-surface trails, maintenance, and trailhead/kiosk/restroom upgrades) with shovel-ready projects only. Road Work at Hawk Springs: Road 22 at Hawk Springs State Recreation Area will run single-lane starting July 24 for about two weeks of culvert and drainage improvements; the area stays open. Reservoir Drawdowns: Glendo and Guernsey State Parks will begin annual reservoir lowering the week of Aug. 9, about a month early due to drought, with boating access and navigation expected to tighten through August. Wildlife Viewing Tips: A reminder for Wyoming visitors: keep distance from wildlife (25 yards for most animals, 100 yards for bears/wolves), don’t feed or touch, and use zoom lenses for safer photos. Travel Culture Spotlight: Grand Targhee’s Driggs Plein Air Festival continues to draw artists and visitors to the Tetons, including a “paint out” from the Dreamcatcher lift. Community & Education: Central Wyoming Section of SME donated $100,000 to create the Arch and Lynne Swank Scholarship for Wyoming students pursuing mining-related physical sciences. Historic Rails: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 made a public stop in Hays, Kansas, as part of its Coast-to-Coast 2026 tour.