Contact: Gary Schoene, 307-777-7014

The Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails, in conjunction with various other state agencies celebrate Wyoming Public Lands Day September 28. As part of the celebration, day-use fees to all Wyoming state parks and historic sites that day are waived.

In proclaiming September 28 as Wyoming Public Lands Day, Gov. Mark Gordon said, “Anybody that lives in Wyoming appreciates the value of public lands. And in Wyoming, our public lands are many.”

According to the legislation sponsored by Representative Andy Schwartz of Teton County, Wyoming Public Lands Day is a tribute to the importance of public lands in the state and to acknowledge the multiple uses of public lands.

The intent of public lands day is also to recognize the value of public lands to the state’s economy, open spaces, diversity of mineral, grazing and forestry resources and wildlife and recreational opportunities.

Additionally, the goal of Public Lands Day is to get people out to Wyoming’s parks and historic sites to enjoy the values of public lands and to become stewards by helping with specific projects.

An annual event, Wyoming Public Lands Day will serve as a reminder of these values as well as an opportunity to highlight outdoor opportunities and public lands.

Scheduled events are:

Seminoe State Park – cleanup day, meet at the North Red Hills Visitor Center/Office, cleanup will be from 9 a.m. until 12 noon.

Fort Fetterman State Historic Site – Asks for volunteer to help pain linseed oil on some of the buildings from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Edness Kimball Wilkins State park – Volunteers to cleanup where the trails stop. Meet at the Mountain View Shelter for bags and pick up sticks, pick up from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Guernsey State Park – Sandy Beach cleanup, remove sucker growth vegetation from the shoreline along the campground. Meet at Sandy Beach Campground at 3 p.m. cleanup lasting until 6 p.m. Evening movie at the park will follow, tentatively beginning with Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites preview at 6:30 p.m.

Keyhole State Park – Lake Shore cleanup, meet at pat’s Point Boat Ramp at 9 a.m. to be ferried to newly established primitive camping area.

Trail End State Historic Site – Leaf cleanup, meet in the Carriage House Courtyard at 9 a.m., cleanup lasting until 12 noon, rakes and leaf bags will be provided.

Fort Phil Kearny -- Interpretive sign cleanup at Fort Phil Kearny, Wagon Box and Fetterman Trail. Meet at the FPK Interpretive Center at 8:30 am to get assignment. Buckets and cloths provided. 

Buffalo Bill State Park – Buffalo Bill Reservoir cleanup, meet at BBSP Park Office at 9 a.m. Travel to south side of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and collect litter along the No Fee Area roadways.

Hot Springs State Park – T-Hill trail construction from 8 a.m. until noon. Lunch will then be provided by the Friends Group at the new Disc Golf Park located along Highway 20 across from Park Headquarters. Volunteers need to meet at 8 a.m. at the bison corrals just off highway 20. Bring shovels, rakes, picks, digging bars, sunscreen, bug repellent & water

Med Lodge State Archaeological Site -- Noxious and invasive weed removal near the new flood plane in sites 1 and 2 and along the overflow stream channel.  Participants will also help remove the temporary irrigation system at the vehicle bridge.  Please dress accordingly for a half day of work. Bring work gloves and wear appropriate footwear to work in grassy, possibly wet, areas.  Meet at the barn/park HQ at 10 a.m.  Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Medicine Lodge.

Boysen State Park -- Litter patrol and cleanup at Brannon boat ramp and the swim beach. Meet park staff at Brannon Lawn at 8 a.m. Bring sunscreen and bottled water, sturdy shoes.

Curt Gowdy State Park -- Superintendent Patrick Harrington will lead a short hike. Participants should meet at the Aspen Grove trail head shelter at 9:30 a.m. and the hike should conclude by 11:30 a.m. Hikers are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring snacks, and plenty of water.

Bear River State Park -- Volunteers are needed to help the park's staff clear trails along the Bear River, which will include trimming back brush and willows and removing any fallen limbs and branches.  Cleanup scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Fort Bridger State Historic Site -- Volunteers are needed to help whitewash historic stone buildings. Participants will learn how to make and apply whitewash.  Free pizza lunch will follow. Whitewashing scheduled from 11a.m. until 1p.m.

Sinks Canyon State Park -- Volunteers are needed to pick up trash in the park, along the trails, and in the campground.  The person who picks up the most trash will receive a prize. Also, an Interpretive program on trail ethics and key recreation resources in the park will be held. This event is free, family friendly, and all are encouraged to join. Cleanup scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site -- Wetland Trash pickup from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.  Meet at the East West McCue Trailhead at the banana flag to help pick up trash around the park on Public Lands Day!

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