Category: Wyoming outdoors

FROM THE PARKS: Free Yellowstone Area Xeriscaping Guides

Posted on by wlmeditor

With This Ring 2015

Thanks to Smith's in Jackson for being a new distribution point for WLM! Don't forget to say hello to Mitch Alm, Manager of Smith's! Thanks guys!
Thanks to Smith’s in Jackson for being a new distribution point for WLM! Don’t forget to say hello to Mitch Alm, Manager of Smith’s! Thanks guys!

2014_1202_WYLifestyle_web_958_460Free Greater Yellowstone Area Xeriscaping Guide Now Available

 

As another growing season is beginning, the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee encourages people to be mindful and efficient in their water use and to utilize practices that use less water in their residential or business landscaping. The committee’s Sustainable Operations Subcommittee is now offering a free, illustrated, color booklet entitled “Xeriscape Landscaping in the Greater Yellowstone Area” which includes suggestions for water-conserving plants and landscaping techniques.

“This year’s lower-than-average snow pack across most of the Greater Yellowstone Area has caused renewed interest in water-wise landscaping,” said the booklet’s co-author and project coordinator, Jane Ruchman, Landscape Architect for the Custer Gallatin National Forest. “Decreasing our landscaping water use also decreases the energy required for pumping and distribution.  It’s a win-win approach to landscaping.”

Water and energy conservation is a priority for the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, a group that is comprised of the Greater Yellowstone Area federal land managers. While some of the West’s great rivers that inspirit and sustain this extraordinary environment originate on federal land in the Greater Yellowstone Area, we all share the responsibility to use our water wisely.

For a free copy of this booklet, call your local Forest Service office on the Custer Gallatin, Shoshone, Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee national forests, or the Madison Ranger District in Ennis. Blake Nursery, which provided valuable assistance in the creation of the guide, also has copies available for the public in the Big Timber area. An electronic copy is posted online at http://fedgycc.org/SOSOverview.htm. For more information, contact Jane Ruchman at (406) 587-6966.

MADE IN WYOMING: Bill Sniffin’s book, “My Wyoming 101 Special Places”

Posted on by wlmeditor
Check out Dead Drift Fly Fishing Company's new mini store at 107 E. Grand Ave in Downtown Laramie Wyoming!
Check out Dead Drift Fly Fishing Company’s new mini store at 107 E. Grand Ave in Downtown Laramie Wyoming – for unique Wyoming wear for that avid Wyoming fan & fisherperson on your list… Click the image to connect with Dead Drift online!

 

Bill Sniffin book cover comp
Bill Sniffin releases his new Wyoming coffee table book, just in time for the holidays!

Sniffin Publishes Second Coffee Table Book about Wyoming Just in Time for Christmas

Wyoming author and journalist Bill Sniffin has just made available copies of his newest coffee table book about Wyoming, called MY WYOMING 101 Special Places. The book is a 156-page effort featuring 42 photographers and 156 color photos about the state, including 14 foldout pages.

His earlier book, Wyoming’s 7 Greatest Natural Wonders, published in 2012, has already sold 15,000 copies and is believed to be the best selling coffee table book in the state.

Sniffin, of Lander, is a photographer, journalist and entrepreneur who has lived in Wyoming for 44 years.  His weekly newspaper column appears in several newspapers each week including the Rock Springs Rocket Miner, Rawlins Daily Times, Lander Journal, Riverton Ranger, the Cheyenne Wyoming Tribune Eagle, the Evanston Uinta County Herald, Sheridan Online and occasionally in the Casper Journal, Laramie Boomerang, Pine Bluffs Post, Powell Tribune, Sundance Times, Kemmerer Gazette, Moorcroft Leader, Afton Star Valley Independent and others.

Sniffin’s newest book, MY WYOMING 101 Special Places, will be on sale the end of November. With the success of the first coffee table-style book, it only seemed practical to follow up two years later with a companion book that featured not only “natural” images but photos of man-made places and people in the photos enjoying Wyoming.

Sniffin has written three other books, which are available at fine bookstores and online at www.wyomingwonders.com.  They are all compilations of his columns.  They include Strong Winds, Blowing Snow, Slick in Spots which was published in 2011; High Altitudes, Low Multitudes in 2003; and The Best Part of America in 1993.

Over the years, Bill has been honored with the state tourism industry’s highest awards, the BIG WYO award and the Tony Bevinetto Friend of Tourism Award. His wife Nancy was honored in 2011 with Wyoming’s highest award for volunteerism, the Jefferson Award.

Sniffin and his wife are former owners of newspapers in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Hawaii. The Sniffins have raised four children and have ten grandchildren. Most recently, they sold an advertising agency they founded called Wyoming Inc. and also sold, along with daughter Shelli Johnson, an internet tourism company, yellowstonepark.com.

Bill is the former chairman of the Wyoming Travel Commission, vice-chairman of the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission and has also been a member of the Wyoming P16 Education Commission. Sniffin ran for governor in 2002, losing in the Republican primary. He is on the board of directors of the Mountain West AAA Auto Club, for Alaska, Montana and Wyoming and the Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition.

More information can be found at the web site www.billsniffin.com.  One can also mail a request for the book to Box 900, Lander, WY 82520.  His Facebook page is “Wyoming books, columns by Bill Sniffin.”

Dead Drift Fly Fishing Company

Posted on by wlmeditor

Cheyenne 2015 Expo Ad

958x460_DeadDriftFlyFishing


Visit Dead Drift Fly Fishing Company Online

 

Created in Laramie, Wyoming, Pinedale natives Grant & Drew Doorn create Wyoming, Colorado (and soon Montana!) -inspired designs for the fisherperson in your life with an eye for style as much as trout. Proudly made in Wyoming, Dead Drift Fly Fishing Company is the perfect gift for the holidays – you can’t go wrong with a little brown & gold…

*click on the images to connect with their page on Dead Drift’s website…*

1385330_866892386663739_8035455045086117908_n

“Sure the Wyoming flag has a buffalo, but Dead Drift Fly Fishing Co. thinks a trout fits just as well. Get the best fly fishing t shirts on the market today!”#thewestiscalling 

1506594_865523113467333_2026207102514025850_n

Here’s a look at one of Dead Drift Fly Fishing Co.‘s new Colorado fly fishing designs. This is their take on the Colorado flag, “…and we thought it turned out awesome!!” #thewestiscalling

10676202_863668003652844_3436130916840551430_n

Dead Drift Fly Company’s version of Brown and Gold! This shirt design plays off the local colors, and state pride of Wyoming, but with a Dead Drift twist. “The design style is vintage making this a classic for any fly fisherman’s closet. Not only have we made this tee true to Wyoming, we’ve made sure to create accurate markings on the Brown Trout and Gold Trout for those sticklers.” #thewestiscalling 

 

ARTS in WY: Plein Air in Wyoming

Posted on by wlmeditor

Bighorn National Forest Plein Air Celebration of Wildflowers

From June  25-28, the first Bighorn National Forest Plein Air Celebrations of Wildflowers was held at Spear O Wigwam, Mountain Campus in the Bighorn Mountains.  The spring wildflowers were spectacular and all were inspired.

The Powder River Energy Best Artist of the Workshop $400 Cash Award was presented to Gayle Barnett a watercolor artist from Meeteetse, Wyoming.

The Hospital Pharmacy, Daily Best  Awards of $125 each, were presented to:  Ruth Beckwith of Sheridan, Sally Labore of Sheridan,  Maya Gilmore of Sheridan and Gayle Barnett of Meeteetse.

Next year’s event will be held June 22, – 26, 2015 — All you artists out there, carve out time for this in your summer!

The four Hospital Pharmacy, Daily Best Award winners -- Ruth Beckwith, Sally Labore, Maya Gilmore and Gayle Barnett
The four Hospital Pharmacy, Daily Best Award winners — Ruth Beckwith, Sally Labore, Maya Gilmore and Gayle Barnett

Professional Artists to Capture Teton Scenery & Wildlife at Annual ‘Plein Air for the Park’

MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park will serve as both the inspiration and location for the third annual ‘Plein Air for the Park’ fine art exhibition co-hosted by Grand Teton Association (GTA) and the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters. Over 40 professional artists from across the United States will spend two weeks (July 7-20) painting in the park, as they capture on canvas the spectacular Teton landscape, wildlife and wildflowers.  All sessions/events are free and open to the public.

The ‘Plein Air for the Park’ event and art sale will include an opening reception on Wednesday, July 16, at 7 p.m.  in the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center at Moose, Wyoming. A fine art show and sale will take place from July 16-20, also at the Discovery Center. The two-week-long event will culminate with a quick draw at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, in the Menor’s Ferry Historic District. Park visitors and local residents are invited to watch paintings created from start-to-finish. All paintings may be purchased for a fixed-price immediately following the quick draw.

Plein air artist Wes Newton_2012 Quick Draw
Plein air artist Wes Newton_2012 Quick Draw

Forty percent of the proceeds from sales made during ‘Plein Air for the Park’ will benefit GTA and help fund  ongoing educational, interpretive and scientific programs in support of Grand Teton National Park.

“We look forward to welcoming the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters who will share their creative and artistic talents with our park visitors throughout much of July,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela. “This free public event offers a unique opportunity to glimpse the power, beauty, and inspiration of the Teton landscape through the eyes of an artist.”

 

2014 EVENT SCHEDULE:
For complete information visit  www.pleinairforthepark.org

JULY 7-19:
Artists paint in and around Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 12:
Artists in the Environment Demonstration
3 –  6 PM:  Bradley/Taggart parking area & Cottonwood Creek picnic area

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16:
Full exhibition opens to the public.  Reserve works will be available for viewing and purchase.
12 Noon:  Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
7 – 9 PM:  Gala Opening Reception
7:45 PM:  Announcement of Awards

 

THURSDAY, JULY 17:
Group Painting Demonstration
5 – 8 PM: Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Area Visitor Center, North Cache Street in Jackson

 

SATURDAY, JULY 19:
Quick Draw & Sale
9 AM – 12 Noon:  Menor’s Ferry Historic District/Chapel of the Transfiguration. Sale immediately following.

 

ON THE CALENDAR: June 28, 2014 & Beyond

Posted on by wlmeditor

LJD-2014-block (4) Pinedale Fine Arts June 28 2014

Pinedale’s Soundcheck Mini-Music Fest Returns Saturday, June 28

The Pinedale Fine Arts Council is proud to present the seventh annual Sound Check Mini-Music Festival on Saturday, June 28 at 5 p.m. at American Legion Park in Pinedale, WY. The event is free to attend so dust off that cooler, grab your camp chair and head to Pinedale for an evening of amazing music!

Headlining this year’s Soundcheck will be Portland, OR singer/songwriter Laura Gibson. Gibson currently records for the independent U.S. label Hush Records. In 2008, she toured the United States as the opening act for Colin Meloy of the Decemberists. Since the release of 2009’s Beasts of Season, which NPR called “nothing short of a masterpiece” and Mojo called “both quietly devastating and life-affirming”, Gibson has seen her career swell to include everything from modeling in a Japanese fashion magazine, to receiving a standing ovation from an auditorium full of prison inmates.

Playing the Soundcheck middle slot this year is Olympia, WA/Minneapolis, MN duo The Lowest Pair. The Lowest Pair is a quirky, old-time roots influenced duet, featuring the high lonesome harmonies of banjo pickin’ songsters Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee. They perform both traditional and original music, often nestling-in somewhere between. With their city folk front and back porch sentiment, this new, sweet, and powerful duo are turning heads across the country.

Opening the 7th annual Soundcheck will be Austin, TX duo Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay. Leigh and McKay craft story songs with equal measures heart and humor. “Before the World Was Made,” the Austin-based songwriters debut collaboration spotlights the celebrated troubadours in peak form via modern day country duets a la George Jones and Melba Montgomery but with very sophisticated songwriting.

Following this year’s Soundcheck will be an official after party at Rock Rabbit featuring Austin, TX trio Loves It! Born in Austin, Texas in 2010, Loves It is the duo comprised of songwriters of Vaughn Walters and Jenny Parrott that has already played hundreds of shows in the US, Europe and Asia in that short time. The harmony driven pair often switches between guitars, fiddle, and banjo, adding special guests to create a bigger sound, and playing with a veneration for tradition, and a determination to bring a modern voice to their favorite folk, country, gospel and punk sounds.

The annual Soundcheck Fest was first conceived 7 years ago by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council as a means of testing a new sound system they purchased with grant money from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. The Town of Pinedale and the Sublette County Recreation Board helped support this event.

For more information please visit www.pinedalefinearts.com or call 307.367.7322. And be sure to find PFAC on facebook!

SONY DSC

Catch the Fast Rodeo Action During the World’s Oldest Paid Rodeo in Lander, WY. — by Wind River Country

The 120th Pioneer Days Rodeo, The World’s Oldest Paid Rodeo is July 3rd and 4th in Lander, Wyoming at the Lander Rodeo Grounds. It has western action and excitement for everyone!

The rodeo events (6:30 p.m.) include saddle bronc, Jr. bull riding, bareback riding, barrels, steer wrestling, ultimate miniature bull riding, team roping, and much more!

 

On both evenings, the Indian relay is a fast and entertaining race. Native American riders ride bareback around the track exchanging horses after each lap.

Pre-sale tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids (6-12). At the gate tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Call the Lander Chamber of Commerce – 307-332-3892 for tickets. On July 4th stay for the festive fireworks after the rodeo at dusk.

 

Start July 4th at the Lander Senior Center for the Pancake Breakfast 7-9 a.m. $5, 205 South 10th Street. The July 4th Pioneer Days Parade is a favorite and starts at 10 a.m. on Main Street, Lander. This is the World’s Oldest Historical Pageant Parade. The parade starts with the Annual Lander Half Marathon, walkers 6 a.m., runners 6:30 a.m.  After the parade, head on down to Lander City Park for the annual buffalo BBQ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  Tickets ($7) are usually sold during the parade or purchase tickets at the Lander Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $8 at the door.

Casper’s Nicolaysen Art Museum Celebrates Nic Fest June 27-29

Nic Fest June 2014

 

 

Beauty & the Beast Rodeo in Ten Sleep + Special Beauty & Beast Gear from Outlaw Rodeo Wear!

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

Click the Food & Photo Festival image to be connected with our festival schedule & ticket sales!

UPDATES ON THE BEAUTY & THE BEAST RODEO!!  Check out the update from the Beauty & the Beast Rodeo held in Ten Sleep over Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 24, 2014! Call 307.366.2311 for more info – and visit their website at www.tensleeprodeo.com! 

Bulls and bareback are full! Barrel racing still open: prizes to 6th place and $1000 added money! Kids events: barrel racing and mutton bustin’. WILD HORSE RACE!!

AND!!! Outlaw Rodeo Wear is offering a limited edition Beauty & the Beast hoodie for $35. Know anyone that might like to have one? Check out this special & lots more cute western wear for the whole family at www.outlawrodeowear.com!

Visit our shopping listing to learn more about Outlaw Rodeo Wear & to see more samples of their work!

 

MADE IN WYOMING: High Country Horse

Posted on by wlmeditor

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring High Country Horse of Laramie, WY

Oliver “Ollie” Hill, High Country Horse Laramie, WY 307-745-4553  Ollie_wy@hotmail.com  www.highcountryhorse.net

Ollie Hill got started because of his love for horses and hunting and fishing trips in the back country of Colorado and Wyoming.  His first high country experience was during a high school graduation fishing trip with his brother.  Ollie’s will to take a horse on this trip out weighed his knowledge on how to do so.

Ollie participated in Al Richardson’s noted Packing and Outfitting course during graduate school.  He became inspired to teach others how to enjoy riding, packing, cooking and learning survival skills for high country adventures.  This is when he became interested in sharing this experience and information with others to help them learn.  Packing schools and demonstrations are very much hands-on, with a custom arrangement with tack and saddle shops and with universities and colleges.

Ollie began authoring books and teaching credit courses, as well as teaching one day packing courses and demonstrations.  There are now five “how to” books that are on the market in over 40 states and over 20 countries.   These “how to” books provide information on animal packing and outfitting:

  • Packing and Outfitting Field Manual
  • Dot It Yourself Plans for Rawhide Panniers
  • Do It Yourself Plans for Mini-Pack Horse
  • A Do-It-Yourself Guild to Improvements, Repairs and Complete Rigging of Crossbuck and Decker Pack Saddles
  • Do It Yourself Plans for Deluxe Portable Camp Table

The newest product is an educational game for kids and their horses–”Kid’s Arena Horse Play Game.”  This game was created to provide a fun learning experience for kids and their horses.  Kids complete the arena course by successfully answering horsemanship questions and performing riding skills required to move on to each station.  The questions address both Western and English riding and cover a wide range of horse health, anatomy, tack and equine knowledge.  The game is for three age groups.

To order any of High Country House books or the game, visit their web site: www.highcountryhorse.net.   Customers can also order by phone or mail.

 

Wind River Country to Have a Team in Cowboy Tough Adventure Race

Posted on by wlmeditor

click here & view our current issue

Chuck Schuster and Karla Wagner competing in Leadville. Photo credit: Shad Hamilton

Fremont County, WY – The Rev3 Cowboy Tough Adventure Race will return to Wyoming for a second year, and this year not only will a considerable portion of the race take place in Fremont County, but the county will have its very own team.

The Wind River Visitors Council is sponsoring a local four-person team for the three-and-a-half-day race on July 17-20. The Wind River Country Team will be the local team to root for as the race makes its way from South Pass City to Casper. Adventure racing mixes outdoor sports like mountain biking, trail running, trekking, and water sports with navigation challenges over a course that, in this case, totals 290-390 miles.

Casey Adams is part of the Wind River Country Team in the Rev3 Cowboy Tough Adventure Race. Photo credit: Kelsi Dean

“We are so fortunate to live in a place with such incredible outdoor and recreational opportunities and community support from organizations like the Wind River Visitors Council,” said team captain Casey Adams. “We are very grateful to the council for making this race possible for us.”

The Wind River Visitors Council is looking forward to following the team, comprised of Adams, Shad Hamilton, Chuck Schuster and Karla Wagner, as they prepare for the race in the Southern Wind River Mountains of Wyoming over the next four months. These competitors will keep the public updated about their adventures in preparing for the race, while helping spread the word about the amazing access and recreational opportunities Wind River Country has to offer.

Shad Hamilton screaming down the Powerline descent at Leadville. Photo Credit: Shad Hamilton

Wind River Country is hosting the start of the Adventure Race on July 17, as well as a significant portion of the route on July 18. The race will start at South Pass City State Historic Site. Competitors will hike, bike trek and paddle through the Shoshone National Forest, Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Boysen Reservoir and Boysen State Park. On July 19, competitors will head toward Casper for the final portion of the race.

According to Paula McCormick, Marketing Director of the Wind River Visitors Council, a partnership with Governor Matt Mead’s Office, Wyoming Office of Tourism and Central Wyoming College are making it possible to host the start of the race in Fremont County.  Joining the Wind River Visitors Council in supporting this team already are the National Outdoor Leadership School, the Lander Cycling Club, Brooks Running and Deuter.

Shad Hamilton screaming down the Powerline descent at Leadville. Photo Credit: Shad Hamilton

“The Wind River Visitors Council is working with our partners to make this race great for the competitors and for locals and visitors who may want to watch portions of the race. We are very proud that Fremont County was selected to be the start of the race in its second year in Wyoming,” McCormick explained.

Fremont County is a great place for adventures—an outstanding location to train for an adventure race such as the Cowboy Tough. Not only do the mountains afford excellent training grounds, but the communities also provide support like an extended family.

About The Wind River Visitors Council:

The Wind River Visitors Council is Fremont County’s Lodging Tax Board that oversees tourism promotion for the county and its communities. For a complete calendar of events go to www.windriver.org/calendar, or to request a vacation packet, please visit us at Wind River Country or call 800-645-6233.

International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Kicks Off TONIGHT!

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & find a WY vendor

We dare you to say the name 10 times fast – or even the acronym, IPSSSDR — I always get hung up on S #2. 🙂 This beyond awesome, annual event finds dog teams mushing across the western half of Wyoming, stopping in small towns along the way, and bringing together a whole lot of folks excited to see this wintry spectacle. The event kicks off TONIGHT, January 31, in Jackson (see event details below!) – and continues through February 8 with stops detailed below… Stay tuned to their website & Facebook page for pictures, details, updates & more!

Photos in this blog post taken from IPSSSDR Facebook page

The excitement of the 19th annual IPSSSDR will be unleashed tonight at the Town Square in downtown Jackson, Wyoming. It’s easy to find the starting line if you listen for the enthusiastic howls and excited barking of more than 300 sled dogs. And they are ready to run!! Prepare yourself for a full evening of events as this week shifts into high gear.
The first teams leave the starting chute at 6:30PM so come early to take advantage of the unique opportunities this race offers. You can meet and greet the mushers, see the lovely Rebecca Podio, Miss Wyoming 2013, watch video of previous races, and, on this cold night, enjoy some hot food and drink. You can even win prizes at the PEDIGREE® tent. Then pick out a choice spot to watch the teams as they race through the streets of Jackson on their way to the Snow King Resort. After you’ve seen the two and four footed athletes head down the block and out of sight, catch the free shuttle START BUS from Town Square to the Snow King Center. At the finish line you can congratulate the mushers and maybe even pet a dog or two, then watch the torch light parade as it snakes down the mountain (see photograph), the Jackson Hole Air Force participate. And if that isn’t enough, there will be dazzling fireworks, too.


The race continues for the next eight days, covering 330 miles with stops in Alpine, West Yellowstone, Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and, crossing the final finish line February 8, in Evanston. Follow the race right here on Facebook or visit the official race website atwww.wyomingstagestop.org for exclusive coverage, photos, and current standings.

Gain Free Entry into Grand Teton National Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Posted on by wlmeditor

MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees on Monday, January 20, 2014 in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Grand Teton will join the more than 400 other units of the National Park System to acknowledge this special day as part of an effort to encourage families and individuals to visit and experience the wonders of their national parks. The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks normally costs $25 for seven days.

In addition to waiving entrance fees during this upcoming holiday, Grand Teton will also offer free admission on eight other days throughout 2014. The additional fee-free dates for the calendar year include:

•             February 15-17 (President’s Day weekend)

•             April 19-20 (National Park Week opening weekend)

•             August 25 (National Park Service’s 98th anniversary)

•             September 27 (National Public Lands Day)

•             November 11 (Veterans Day)

Weekend visitors to Grand Teton can enjoy winter activities from auto-touring, wildlife viewing and photography to cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing across the snow-covered landscape.  A popular winter trail—that spans the unplowed Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge—is open, and although not machine groomed, it is packed and tracked by previous skiers.

In addition to skiing, photography and wildlife watching, ranger-led snowshoe hikes take place each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday day at 1:30 p.m. from the Taggart Lake parking area. The two-hour guided walks offer an opportunity to learn about snow science and winter ecology. Previous experience is not necessary, and snowshoes are available for a rental fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years or older. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399.

For complete information about winter activities in Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, go to http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/upload/Winter_Guide_14.pdf. Visitors can obtain winter season information about Grand Teton and the JDR Parkway in the following ways:

  •  The park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte.
  • The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on North Cache Street in Jackson.
  • The park’s information line at 307.739.3399, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday— Saturday.

MADE IN WYOMING: Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company of Jackson, WY

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company, Dan Marino — PO Box 1770, 1325 S. Hwy 89, #110 Jackson, WY 83001 — 800-543-6325  or  307-733-7244 — www.jhbuffalomeat.com   info@jhbuffalomeat.com

The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company is based in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It was established in 1947 as the “Jackson Cold Storage Company.”   After 50 years of business, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was purchased by Dan Marino.   Dan has always had an interest in hunting and game processing, which led him to the purchase and business of processing buffalo and elk.  The Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company was fairly small and he thought he could develop and grow the company.   With a strong core of long time employee, you could definitely say this is a family business.

For 60 years Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company has specialized in only the finest 100% buffalo and elk meat products. Their buffalo graze naturally on open range grasslands in a ranch setting.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company supports the ranching traditions of the Great American West.  They believe in raising animals on the open range; rejecting growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics; and, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company works to preserve grasslands for the next generation.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company does take custom orders.  They have a retail store in Jackson, and many stores in Jackson carry their product.  There are also stores throughout Wyoming who carry Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products.    Purchases can also be made on the website at www.jacksonholebuffalomeat.com ; you can also request a catalog or give them a call at 800-543-6328.

Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company prices vary with the products that are sold; buffalo and elk meat range from $8.95/ lb to $40.50/lb.  They also have package deals, and there is a wide variety of gift packages and steak packages available to please almost anyone.  Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company products are made in the Jackson store.

SE WY Cross Country Skiing in WY – by Just Trails

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

We greatly appreciate Just Trails & Rebecca Walsh for sharing some tips on cross-country skiing in Southeast Wyoming! Check out their website to learn more about Wyoming outdoor resources — it’s a great tool!

3 Easy Cross-Country Ski Trails in Southeastern Wyoming

text & images by Rebecca Walsh, Just Trails

 

One of the advantages of living above 7,000 feet is that winter comes early and stays late. As our friends in other parts of the United States are enjoying scenic fall colors we’re dusting off our cross-country ski equipment and keeping an eye on the snowpack in the mountains. 

Medicine Bow National Forest isn’t famous for its cross-country skiing but it should be. There are dozens of miles of trails just a short drive from Laramie. Trails are perfect for both novice and experienced skiers. 

If you’re looking to spend a nice easy day on the ski trails we recommend the following locations:

 

Chimney Park

The Chimney Park trail system is the perfect place to learn how to cross-country ski. Trails wind their way along old logging roads with very little elevation change. While the trails are relatively flat, there are a few gentle rolling hills. The trails at Chimney Park have the added advantage of being tucked into a forest of lodgepole pines and aspen trees making it a great location to escape the Wyoming wind. 

There are 4 trails at Chimney Park: Woods Creek Loop (2.9 miles), Porter Loop (4.0 miles), Lodgepole Loop (3.0 miles) and Jelm View Loop (3.1 miles) and trails range in elevation from 8,800 feet to 9,000 feet. 

To get to Chimney Park travel southwest from Laramie on Highway 230 towards Woods Landing. The trailhead is just over 6 miles past Woods Landing on the south side of the highway between mile markers 33 and 34.

Ski trails at Chimney Park are sometimes groomed by the Forest Service; we recommend calling the Laramie Ranger District to find out if they’ve been groomed before heading to Chimney Park. There is a $5.00 day use fee payable at the trailhead. You can download a free trail guide for Chimney Park here.

Medicine Bow Rail Trail

The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is one of our favorites for easy backcountry skiing. The trail follows the old railroad bed of the Hans Peak and Pacific Railroad through the Medicine Bow National Forest for 22.4 miles. There are several different trailheads, most of which aren’t open or accessible during the winter. We recommend starting from the Woods Creek trailhead which is just past the Chimney Park trailhead off of Highway 230. This trailhead is not plowed in the winter, but there are places to park alongside the road.

The rail trail wanders through a pine forest along easy and flat terrain. Because this trail isn’t groomed, touring or backcountry skis with medal edges are recommended. This is a lesser known ski trail in the area and it’s a great place for solitude; rarely do we see other skiers here. You can download a free trail guide for the Medicine Bow Rail Trail here.

Tie City

While the cross-country ski trails at Tie City are more technical and challenging than those at Chimney Park or along the Rail Trail they have the advantage of being close to both Laramie and Cheyenne and they are regularly groomed by the Medicine Bow Nordic Association.

There are over 14 miles of trails at Tie City which span across a wide variety of terrain. Some of the more difficult trails offer challenging climbs while others offer gentle terrain through open meadows and dense forests.  Trails at Tie City range in elevation from 8,400-8,900 feet. The Tie City Trailhead is strategically placed in what feels like one of the windiest places on Pole Mountain, making just getting of to the car the hardest part of any ski trip there. However, once you start skiing and get into the tree’s the wind is hardly noticeable.

To get to the Tie City Trailhead take the Happy Jack exit off of I-80 and follow Happy Jack Road (Highway 210) down from the summit. The trailhead is between mile markers 36 and 37.

Ski trails at Tie City are groomed and maintained by the Medicine Bow Nordic Association. There is a $5.00 day use fee payable at the trailhead. You can download a free trail guide for Tie City here.

For more information about trails in Southeastern Wyoming and all the information you need to plan an outdoor adventure, visit us at http://www.justtrails.com.

NEWS FROM THE PARKS: Report on Grizzlies in Yellowstone Ecosystem

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

AGENCY REPORTS AT MEETING PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY GOOD NEWS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM GRIZZLY BEAR RECOVERY

BOZEMAN – Managers from the state, tribal, and federal agencies responsible for recovery of the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem heard good news at their recent meeting in Bozeman, Montana.  Despite being a poor cone production year for the already beleaguered whitebark pine trees (WBP), managers heard reports of surprisingly few conflicts between humans and grizzly bears, even though a record count of 58 unduplicated females with cubs were observed in the ecosystem this year.  Especially promising was that a female with cub was documented in each of the 18 bear management units used to keep track of the bear population.

In addition to reports of minimal conflicts from all of the states and national parks, managers also heard a report on the annual population status from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST).  Utilizing existing statistical  methods the population estimate for the Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2013 is 629.

Because grizzly bears have yet to enter their dens for hibernation, all of the information presented regarding conflicts was labeled as “Draft,” but current data shows 25 known grizzly mortalities recorded so far, which represents less than half the mortalities in 2012.

The IGBST also presented a synthesis of information on the effects of changes in bear foods on the health of the Yellowstone grizzly population. The IGBST had been tasked in the spring of 2012 to do this work so the Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee (YES) managers would have the best available information on which to make a recommendation to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) on whether a new proposed delisting rule should be prepared or not. According to van Manen, “Our extensive analysis of existing research and monitoring has shown us that grizzly bears are resilient and resourceful in the face of changing food resources.”  Additionally he said, “Our findings indicate that the decline in WBP due mostly to mountain pine beetles is not a major threat to the future of  the Yellowstone grizzly bear population. Data show the observed slowing of population growth since 2002 is  a result of  increased grizzly bear population density and resulting declines in subadult survival.”

The food synthesis research was presented to the YES members who then voted to conditionally support the findings, pending completion of a final section of the report and having all the research peer reviewed and published in professional journals.  The IGBST will be presenting the same information to the IGBC at their December meeting in Missoula, Montana. Both the YES and the IGBC will make recommendations of the USFWS, the agency responsible for deciding on whether a new proposed rule proposing to again delist Yellowstone bears would be developed and published for public comment.  USFWS will likely make a final decision in late December or early January on whether to produce a new proposed rule or not.

According to Recovery Coordinator Chris Servheen, “If delisting were to occur it wouldn’t be until later in 2014.” Careful monitoring and management would continue if delisting were to occur.  According to van Manen, “Our team will continue to monitor how grizzly bears respond over time and keep a close eye on the thresholds established to ensure a sustainable population.”

To learn more about grizzly bear recovery visit: www.igbconline.org. To view reports by the IGBST regarding the Yellowstone grizzly bear population visit: http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/igbst-home.htm.

ART IN WY: Karen McLain, Sage Community Art Center & More

Posted on by wlmeditor

artists Jamie Barron & Sonja Caywood

SHERIDAN:  Sagebrush Community Art Center Presents “East Meets West in Wyoming”

Sagebrush Art Center hosts “East Meets West in Wyoming,” paintings by Sonja Caywood & Jamie Barron.  This show features a common theme in two artistic styles:  

Jamie Barron, born in North Dakota, currently resides in New York City, where she earned her MFA in Fine Art.  Barron says of her work: “I like to engage the viewer by using familiar iconography from everyday life experiences such as barns, cows and horses but changing them just so subtle to make one stop and look.  Sometimes using glitter or glazes to create an ethereal image. I find one can easily transplant his or herself into my paintings and remember, dream or reflect. “

Jamie Barron, “Blue Moon Beauties”

Sonja Caywood was born in Sheridan and attended Sheridan College.  Caywood explains: “Raised in a ranching family, I deeply value the land and the livestock of the Bighorn Mountain region.  It’s essential for me to record this vestige of ‘the west,’ as subjects once thought to be permanent fixtures of our landscape disappear.  I strive to express my affection for my subjects in painterly strokes of color with an emphasis on light.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonja Caywood, “Golden Opportunity”

The exhibition runs October 11th- November 16th at the Sagebrush Art Center (located in the Historic Train Depot, 201 E. 5th St. in Sheridan). An Opening Reception and artists’ talk was held on October 11. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Karen McLain, “Freedom on Top of Mountain”

KAREN MCLAIN:  Capturing the Beauty of Wyoming’s Wild Horses

We appreciate Arizona artist Karen McLain sharing her love of Wyoming and its wild horses with us – she has tireless captured our state and its wildlife in paint and the result is exquisite. The following is a description from Karen of her most recent trek through Wyoming…

This was the fifth summer that I have gone to visit the wild horse ranges, but the first year that I made it to Wyoming. The trip included stops at the Little Book Cliffs, Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks and Pryor Mountain areas.  The beauty of Wyoming was very inspiring and the horses were ones that I wanted to visit for many years. I traveled with my 1972 Shasta trailer, “The Paint Box” and stayed out on the ranges. (Although some areas required truck and tent camping), I had a very comfortable month-long painting adventure.

The McCullough Peaks horses were rugged and handsome, a  classic wild horse. Even tough it was windy, I did get some paintings done while I was there. The range is easy to access and the location as the gateway to Yellowstone is easy for visitors to be able to get to on a day trip.  After spending three nights at McCullough Peaks, I headed up to the Pryor range.  The beauty just blew me away. The open meadows, Tea Cup  and Mystic Waterhole  areas allowed for wonderful photo and video opportunities. It was a real treat to spend time with Cloud and his band. I know I will be back next year.

 

“McCullough Peaks Paint”

“Fishing Yellowstone”

On the way home to Arizona, I spent a few days in Yellowstone. While I was there, I was able to get two buffalo paintings done, even though I had to move three times while working on one of them. The buffalo clearly had someplace to go!

Wyoming is a painter’s paradise, and I look forward to my next visit!

“Stallion Bunch”

“Wild Rainbow”

“Thundered Into Our Hearts”

“When They Got to the Top”

 

 

 

 

 

FROM THE PARKS: Closure for Peregrine Falcon Area Lifted

Posted on by wlmeditor

visit our website & read the current issue

 

Closure Lifted After Peregrine Falcon Chick Fledges
from Baxter’s Pinnacle Nest

 

MOOSE, WY — The public closure at Baxter’s Pinnacle and Descent Gully near the mouth of Cascade Canyon was lifted on Thursday, August 15. This area closure went into effect on May 1 to protect an active peregrine falcon nest. Due in part to the protection provided by this wildlife closure, the adult falcons successfully reared and fledged one chick.

The Baxter’s Pinnacle peregrines experienced little to no human interruption during their incubation and chick-rearing phases thanks to active support from the park’s two authorized concessionaires for guided climbing services, and to the cooperation of Jackson Hole’s climbing community that demonstrated responsible behavior and respected the closure. Peregrines are cliff nesters and can be sensitive to human disturbance, especially during their nesting period. Falcons are quite territorial and will often abandon nests to defend their territory, which leads to nest failure and low reproductive success.

Decimated by the harmful effects of the pesticide DDT, it is believed that peregrine falcons were virtually eliminated from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) by the 1960s. In 1980, efforts to reintroduce peregrine falcons to Grand Teton National Park were initiated in conjunction with similar efforts elsewhere in the GYE and western United States.  Between 1980 and 1986, 52 fledgling falcons were released at several sites in the Teton Range; seven to eight birds were released each time. After sufficient recovery was achieved, peregrines were delisted from the endangered species list in 1999. However, peregrine falcons remain a species of concern in Grand Teton National Park where only four nesting pairs exist. The Baxter’s nest area was first discovered in 2010, and it has produced one chick in three of the last four years (2010, 2011, and 2013). One other Teton site fledged two chicks this year.

The public closure served a second purpose: to also protect climbers from the peregrines as they will defend their nest site by dive-bombing perceived intruders. The peregrine falcon is among the world’s fastest birds, flying at 40-55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph while defending a territory or striking prey. This posed a safety risk to climbers who may have been knocked off their rock ‘perch’ and injured.

Seasonal and temporary closures for wildlife protection are common in Grand Teton to protect both wildlife and park users. Entering a posted wildlife closure is a violation that can result in a citation and fine under the code of federal regulations.