Tuesday Trail Talk: April 29, 2025
State Land Forum
This past week, Central Wyoming Trail Alliance had the opportunity to attend the Emerging Issues Forum on State Trust Land. We also participated in a workshop aimed at addressing new concepts the state is considering for managing trust land.
The forum began with informative presentations and discussion panels that explored the intricacies of state lease management on trust land. There were numerous representatives from statewide organizations and agencies present, including members of the Office of State Lands and Investments, state legislators, lobbyists, organization directors, and citizens.
Day two consisted of additional discussion panels, one of which featured land management representatives from Montana, Colorado, and Arizona. They shared insights into how their organizations view state land and manage these properties. The workshop included small-group discussions focused on identifying Wyoming’s needs and proposing solutions, which were then presented to the Office of State Lands and Investments for potential implementation in future management programs.
A key takeaway from the forum was the state’s view of trust land—not as public land, but as land managed for the fiduciary responsibility of its beneficiaries. These beneficiaries include K-12 schools, the University of Wyoming, and various other educational institutions across the state.
A common theme in discussions was the idea of stacked lease options, which allow multiple uses—such as grazing, extraction, recreation, special use, and temporary leases—to coexist on a single property. We were thrilled to be part of this event, as it may shape the future of state land management.
As CWTA, our primary objective is to secure recreational use access on specific trust lands. This responsibility also involves acquiring state leases and considering management and maintenance strategies for these properties. We will continue working closely with the Office of State Lands and Investments and its staff to promote recreational opportunities throughout Wyoming, with a focus on the central region.
Emerging Partnerships
Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail Reconstruction Project
This past Friday we had the amazing opportunity to present to the Wyoming geological association on our Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail reconstruction project. This presentation consisted of project highlights and details as well as a request for more information and potential partnerships on this particular trail system. We made many great new contacts with some retired geologists as well as the Tate museum staff.
We are looking forward to this project in partnership with Natrona County School District on providing an incredible resource to our community that focuses on education for our communities use. We will be providing updates on these budding partnerships as well as project details in the future. We are looking at a start date for the trail construction efforts this fall if you would like more information on this unique trail, please contact us.
Earth Day Cleanup
One of our board members and his family participated in the Earth Day Cleanup hosted by the City of Casper last Wednesday. Here’s a brief mention of what they contributed and some details about the event.
“The weather had been super nice several days before and we hoped for another great afternoon for trash pick-up. However, it is Casper in the spring and we all know it’s super unpredictable. So of course we are out there and the wind is howling and the temps are frigid. Makes it difficult to hold the trash bag open and even put the trash in the bag because it wants to fly out.
Despite the weather, the turnout was really good at the N. Walsh and Yellowstone intersection. A ton of volunteers were out picking up trash. The city had coned off parts of the street areas to make it safer for the volunteers. It’s amazing how much trash is in such a small area. The plastic trash that is snagged on fences that is blowing in the wind is the obvious. But so much was on the ground that is not visible from the street. After removal, the area looked so much cleaner and we really made a difference.
Three of my family members were helping for about an hour and a half. It was a very nice way to do good in our community.”
– Ben Emery
Trail-Building Class Success
This past Saturday, Central Wyoming Trails Alliance held its first trail-building class for volunteers in Douglas, Wyoming. The class emphasized volunteer efforts, trail stewardship, and best practices, covering topics from safety protocols to essential trail construction techniques.
The event began with a morning lecture, followed by a field session where participants engaged in hands-on trail-building skill development.
We extend our gratitude to the outdoor enthusiasts of Converse County, the Converse County Library, and the City of Douglas for supporting this initiative. Their assistance allowed us to conduct the class and access the newly developed Douglas Mountain Trail system for instruction.
We are planning to host another trail-building class in Casper in mid-June. Stay tuned for date and location announcements!
Douglas Mountain Update
We're back on the trails, digging in the dirt! Despite a wet spring, we’ve continued making progress on the Douglas Mountain Trail project. Our efforts have focused on trail finishing, beginner trail development, and additional hand-built alternate trails to enhance the overall user experience.
Major trail-building efforts will begin next week (weather permitting), and we anticipate achieving 90% completion by May 31. Phase One of the Douglas Mountain project will provide users with multiple loop options on a multi-use trail, including mountain bike-optimized features and bike-specific paths.
We deeply appreciate our ongoing collaboration with the City of Douglas and the outdoor enthusiasts of Converse County. This project is a testament to what local nonprofits can achieve by harnessing local talent to create exceptional trail experiences. We look forward to future projects and continued partnerships with local organizations!