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Statewide Public Health Orders Reach Expected Final Phase The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is announcing the likely final phase for statewide public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the immediate removal of one of the two remaining orders. Statewide public health order #2, which affected indoor events of more than 500 people, is now eliminated. Mask use and physical distancing requirements in statewide public health order #1 related to K-12 schools will remain through May 31, while the same requirements for colleges are immediately eliminated. An extension of statewide public health order #1 past May 31 is not expected. “There are specific places where precautions such as mask use are still recommended for everyone, such as healthcare settings including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, correctional facilities and homeless shelters,” Harrist said. “Private businesses and organizations may also still choose to require masks and other precautions. We ask individuals to be respectful of requirements in those settings.” Information about getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Wyoming can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/. The updated remaining order, which goes into effect immediately and remains in place through May 31, can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-orders-and-guidance/. Yesness Pond
A Place To Fish In Casper Yesness pond in Casper, Wyoming is a good fishing spot for first-time anglers or anyone who is looking to fish without leaving Casper. The pond is located off of Wyoming Boulevard between Poplar Street and Casper Mountain Road. Be on the lookout for fishing events at the pond, especially around Wyoming's Free Fishing Day. Free Fishing Day happens annually in Wyoming on the first Saturday in June. Governor Gordon Appoints New Public Records Ombudsman Governor Mark Gordon has announced today the appointment of Darlena Potter to replace Ruth Van Mark as Wyoming's Public Records Ombudsman. Potter has served as Governor Gordon's Constituent Liaison since September of 2019, serving effectively as a conduit that provides assistance to both state agencies and constituents. Potter has previous experience serving in both state and federal government agencies. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming and a Masters in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. The Ombudsman position was created with the passage of Senate File 57 in 2019. The Public Records Ombudsman serves as a resource for the public to resolve issues regarding public records requests submitted to state and local government agencies. The position also provides aid to state and local governments to understand their obligations in response to such requests. The Ombudsman is also charged with mediating disputes relating to the timeliness of a records production, an agency's claim of privilege or confidentiality, and fees. “I am excited and honored to have this opportunity to provide a greater contribution to both Governor Gordon and the state,” Potter said, adding that she feels very fortunate to follow in Ms. Van Mark's shoes. Potter will interface with state agencies and their Public Information Officers to review their public records processes and procedures. She also plans to continue to streamline the dispute resolution process, as well as conduct outreach and education efforts to organizations and associations impacted by the Wyoming Public Records Act. WYDOT Road Check: 2021 More than 500 commercial vehicles and drivers were recently inspected at Wyoming ports of entry during the annual Roadcheck safety event. Featuring: Lt. Dustin Ragon, Wyoming Highway Patrol Commercial Carrier Section. WSGS Staff Spotlight: Ranie Lynds
Ranie Lynds—energy and mineral resources manager, 9.5 years. What do you do at the WSGS: I lead the Energy and Minerals Team. We are involved in many aspects of geology, from oil and gas, to coal, to critical and economic mineral research. We map quadrangles, produce databases of subsurface information, collect geochemical results, write reports, and interact with the public as much as possible. What makes your job interesting: Geologic diversity. One day I'm learning about anorthosites in the Laramie Range and the next I'm reading a geophysical well log to determine the depth to a top of a formation in the Wind River Basin. I've conducted fieldwork and research all over the state, and with each passing day I learn something new. How does your job help Wyoming: Wyoming depends on income associated with natural resource extraction, including oil and gas production as well as coal and hard-rock mining. Everything we do at the WSGS is aimed at providing useful, timely, and publicly available (free) geologic data. These data, in addition to being useful to the general public, are often picked up by industry and valued as baseline information that guide future exploration in Wyoming. What are some of your favorite geologic features in Wyoming: I find that every place I work across the state becomes my new favorite place. There is something exciting about spending a lot of time in an area and finally beginning to understand the rocks beneath my feet and the landforms on the horizon. I must admit that I love the eastern part of the Greater Green River Basin, north and south of Rawlins, along the Atlantic Rim and the flanks of the Rawlins uplift. The rocks, despite being more than 90 million years old (and some are much older than that), tell an interesting story of crustal deformation, continental seaways, uplift, and erosion. Attempting to untangle the geologic history is rewarding, especially in such a beautiful location. Newborn Wildlife is for Watching Not Touching If you’re outside this spring, there is a good chance you’ll see newborn wildlife. These young pronghorn, owlets and other babies are charismatic and an incredible sight to view and photograph. At the same time, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges people who come across young animals to leave newborn wildlife alone and keep a distance. “Newborn wildlife is one of the best parts of springtime in Wyoming. But please view animals from a distance and do not pet or pick them up,” said Will Schultz, Game and Fish biologist. “With all animals, the first few weeks of life are the most critical in determining their survival and interference from humans can most definitely put their lives at risk.” Most mammals hide their young and return periodically to nurse. People who find young animals without a mother nearby often assume the newborns have been abandoned, but this is almost never the case. “The mother knows where her young are and will almost certainly return to care for them,” said Schultz. Young birds sometimes fall out of or leave their nests before they are able to fly. The parents continue to care for the young bird while it is on the ground, bringing food and trying to protect the youngster while it is in this vulnerable situation. Getting too close to newborn wildlife can be very dangerous. A mother bear, bison, moose and even deer will display aggressive behavior when humans get close to their young. Leave the area immediately if you encounter aggressive wildlife with young. “The best option for people who come across newborn wildlife is to leave them alone,” said Schultz. “In short, wildlife don’t need your help; they have been rearing young just fine for centuries.” If children bring home a wild “orphan,” immediately return it to the exact spot it was found. In the rare instance when a fawn or other newborn is found and the mother is known to be dead, contact the nearest game warden, biologist or Game and Fish Regional Office; do not attempt to capture these animals yourself. State and federal laws forbid possession of game and many non-game animals, so adopting newborn wildlife is illegal. Citations can be issued for possession of newborn wildlife with a possible penalty of up to a $1,000 fine. (Sara DiRienzo, Public Information Officer - ([email protected])) Governor Gordon Announces Cabinet Changes
Governor Mark Gordon has appointed Deputy Director Stefan Johansson as Interim Director of the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and Information Services Administrator Timothy Sheehan as Interim Chief Information Officer of the Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). The appointments came after the resignations of WDH Director Mike Ceballos and ETS Chief Information Officer Gordon Knopp. “I want to thank Mike and Gordon for their service to the state of Wyoming, and I appreciate their efforts in guiding their agencies through the challenges of the past two years,” Governor Gordon said. “I appreciate Stefan and Timothy’s willingness to step up into these important roles to support these agencies on an interim basis.” Wyoming Researcher Taking Wildlife
Mapping Tech Worldwide By MIKE KOSHMRL Matt Kauffman was at an Italian conference and talking over coffee with fellow ecologists when he got to thinking that the challenges facing Wyoming’s migratory deer, elk and pronghorn are shared by wildlife around the world. The University of Wyoming researcher knew from his experience leading the Wyoming Migration Initiative that the migratory paths of ungulates from Scandinavia to Eastern Africa could benefit by being documented with precision scientifically. And if migration maps were produced, that could be the catalyst for conservation. “We just spontaneously got together, nine or 10 of us who work on migrations around the world,” Kauffman told the Jackson Hole News & Guide. “We realized that a lot of the same things we were trying to address by mapping migrations in Wyoming were applicable globally.” The impromptu conversation in 2019 was the genesis of an international collaboration that’s grown to include 92 scientists and conservationists. Their effort, named the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration, seeks to inventory the seasonal movements from Mongolian gazelles and saiga to Norwegian reindeer. The web of hundreds of routes would then be presented in an electronic migration atlas. Kristen Newlin and Emre A Basketball Life Kristen Newlin grew up in Riverton. At 6-foot-5, Newlin had stellar basketball careers at Stanford, and then professionally, playing for more than a decade in Turkey where she met her husband Emre. While Kristen is back in Wyoming raising their three children, Emre is now a coach for the WNBA Chicago Sky.
Governor Gordon Salutes Consumer Protection Division Efforts to Return Funds to the State Governor Gordon has recognized the efforts of the Consumer Protection Division of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office after a joint settlement returned more than $500,000 to the State to support consumer protection enforcement. In April, Governor Gordon signed Senate File 124, critical antitrust legislation that strengthens the Consumer Protection Division’s ability to investigate and seek relief from anti-competitive conduct that harms Wyoming businesses and consumers. Since 2016, the Consumer Protection Unit has obtained judgments and settlements awarding over $17 million to the State and consumers, while also obtaining injunctions to protect Wyoming residents from future scams. “This division has continued their efforts to return dollars to Wyoming consumers and residents,” Governor Gordon said. “The new legislation will also help us to defend our citizens who have been caught in the crossfire of multinational corporations.” The joint settlement by the Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is the result of an enforcement action filed to halt a ring of companies and individuals from sending direct mail solicitations that mimic invoices for payment or subscription renewal notices from actual magazine publishers and that misrepresent the savings associated with the subscriptions. The companies used deceptive mailers that sold overpriced magazine subscriptions designed to look like renewal notices for consumers’ legitimate existing subscriptions. The Wyoming and Colorado Attorney General’s Offices, as well as the Better Business Bureau, received hundreds of complaints—largely from consumers over the age of 60—about these deceptive mailers. Descriptions of recent cases by the Consumer Protection Unit, including this settlement, can be found on their website: http://ag.wyo.gov/cpu/resolved-matters. Masks/Physical Distancing Required in Schools Through May
Wyoming’s statewide COVID-19 public health orders will remain in place through the end of the month, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). Mask use and physical distancing requirements related to educational institutions remain. Indoor events of more than 500 people may be held at 50 percent of venue capacity with specific mask protocols for large indoor events. WDH recommends masks in indoor public places for people who aren’t fully vaccinated when common-sense physical distancing cannot be maintained among those who don’t live in the same household. The updated orders, which go into effect May 17 and remain through May 31, can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/novel-coronavirus/covid-19-orders-and-guidance/. Information about getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Wyoming can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/. A Century Mark for WHP The Wyoming Highway Patrol is nearly 90 years old, and recently celebrated a milestone in the agency’s history. Featuring: Sgt. Leo Ferguson, Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy Coordinator; Floyd Tillery, Wyoming Highway Patrolman - 1964 – 1969
Fossil Fish Festival Kits Available to Wyoming Students Kits containing educational activities about Wyoming fossil fish are available complimentary to students across the state. The Wyoming State Geological Survey teamed up with the University of Wyoming Geological Museum, Wyoming NASA Grant Consortium, and Science Kitchen to provide the kits in lieu of the annual in-person event held in previous years. The kits will be distributed in Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, Lander, Riverton, Jackson, and also by mail. Kits may be requested through an online survey. Within the survey, you will identify your location as well as choose a pickup time and date. Kits are free to pick up, however, shipping costs will be required for kits that are mailed. Numbers of kits are limited. For additional information, visit http://wyomingspacegrant.org/sciencekitchen/fossil-fish-festival/. The Fossil Fish Festival began in 2017 as a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Knightia as the Wyoming State Fossil. Knightia were the first fossils discovered in Wyoming and are a common fossil fish of the Eocene Green River Formation. They are related to modern day herring and once lived in an ancient lake system in southwestern Wyoming. “Fossil Fish from our Green River Formation quarries near Kemmerer, Wyoming, are some of the most common and popular fossils found in nearly every museum and rock shop in the world,” says UW Geological Museum manager, Dr. Laura Vietti. “One of our goals of the Fossil Fish Festival is to put a piece of this incredible Wyoming fossil resource in the hands of as many young Wyomingites as possible in hopes of sharing our state’s unique and important fossil history with the people who live in it." Activities in the kit are geared toward students in upper elementary school grades and explore aspects of Wyoming’s great fossil lakes that existed in the Greater Green River Basin of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah in the early Eocene—about 52 million years ago when Wyoming was a much warmer and more tropical environment. Each kit includes a partially covered fossil fish-bit (heads, tails, rib cages, fins) from the Green River Formation where participants will use the provided tools to learn to uncover, or "prepare," and keep their very own fish. Other activities focus on trona, one of Wyoming’s most unique resource that was deposited as a result of these large ancient lakes, as well as an activity about lake density, which directly resulted in the incredible preservation of fossil fish and deposition of trona. “This kit is especially relevant to Wyoming kids with its focus on the geology of Wyoming,” says Megan Candaleria, associate director for the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium and director of the Science Kitchen. “Kids will love the fact that they l actually get to prep a real fossilized fish!” WOGCC Supervisor Mark Watson to Retire Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Supervisor Mark Watson announced, Tuesday at the May 2021 Commissioner Hearings, his plans to retire in July of this year. Please find the press release here. My UPS Delivery Guy is From New York
Top 10 States Americans are leaving In the United States, you have good states and bad states. The good state are normally the ones that have people moving to them. The bad ones people are leaving so often you'd think they are getting paid to leave. Out of the 50 states, 39 had positive growth in population. Those states won't be on this list. These are the states that nobody wants to live in anymore.
Wyoming's Energy Future Randall Luthi is the Chief Energy Adviser for Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. In this interview, Luthi discusses both short-term and long-term energy policy in Wyoming in the midst of pressure on carbon-based fuels and new federal administration policies and guidelines. Coal, oil, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear power and geothermal opportunities are discussed.
Dying Light - Our Wyoming DYING LIGHT tells the story of a neon tube bender (Connie Morgan) and her mission to keep the craft and art of tube bending and neon signs alive. In the age of LED signs and cheap neon knock-off’s can this female tube bender follow her dreams and keep this dying art form alive in Wyoming? WGFD's Gross, Weird & Wacky Join us for an exploration of the gross, weird, and wacky wildlife right here in Wyoming! You are guaranteed to learn something that will make you think both "EW!" and "WHOA THAT IS SO COOL!" at the same time! State Superintendent Jillian Balow's Statement on Proposed U.S. Department of Education Rule Prioritizing Critical Race Theory Curriculum in K-12 Schools
The U.S. Department of Education has proposed priorities for American History and Civics Education grant programs published in the Federal Register. Those priorities include encouraging districts to use curriculum related to divisive author Ibram X. Kendi and the New York Times “1619 Project.” This is an alarming move toward federal overreach into district curriculum and should be rebuked across party lines. The draft rule is an attempt to normalize teaching controversial and politically trendy theories about America’s history. History and civics should not be secondary to political whim. Instead, history and civics instruction should engage students in objective, non-partisan analyses of historical and current events. For good reason, public schools do not promote particular political ideologies or religions over others. This federal rule attempts to break from that practice and use taxpayer dollars to do just that. America needs to update and renew our expectations for teaching and learning about history and civics. Every school board, state legislature, and state superintendent should be working to build local consensus about what should be taught and what materials to use in classrooms. Every family should be engaged in activities that ensure the rising generation is properly prepared to be informed citizens. Every student deserves a rich and engaging education about America’s triumphs, treacheries, losses, and victories. Our touchstone is our shared principle that all Americans have infinite value and individual freedom and responsibility. We must strive to find common goals and values as a nation, not tear each other and our country apart. The proposed federal rule is open for public comment until May 19 and can be accessed here, or by using the Google search for “Federal Register American history and civics education.” I intend to comment, and I urge you to research the issue and comment if compelled.
Governor Gordon, Senator Lummis Continue to Lead Wyoming's Rise in Digital Realm Governor Mark Gordon is welcoming news that the Federal Reserve has announced the opening of a comment period for proposed “Account Access Guidelines for the Reserve Banks”, a critical step towards approval of Wyoming-chartered special purpose depository institutions (SPDIs). SPDIs are custodial banks for digital assets that provide safekeeping and on- and off-ramps to the capital markets. Wyoming’s digital asset framework is the first comprehensive digital asset regulations in the United States. “Today’s announcement is encouraging news and the culmination of an extended effort where Wyoming took the lead,” Governor Gordon said. “This was an unprecedented task and I appreciate the collaborative work that has occurred throughout the process. I’m committed to ensuring that Wyoming remains a national leader in the digital asset realm.” In a release, the Federal Reserve stated that, “Recent years have seen the introduction of new financial products and delivery mechanisms for traditional banking services, notably leveraging emerging technologies, including from institutions with novel types of banking charters designed to support such innovation. To facilitate these activities, some such institutions have requested access to the payments system offered by Federal Reserve Banks” Wyoming has spent the last three years developing expertise in digital assets and the future of finance. In 2019, the Wyoming Legislature passed HB 74 which created special purpose depository institutions to serve businesses which may not be able to access traditional banking services, including blockchain businesses. Additional Wyoming legislation recognized digital assets as property and cleared the way for banks to act as crypto custodians. “Today’s announcement from the Federal Reserve is a major step toward promoting responsible innovation in our banking system,” Senator Lummis said. “The Account Access Guidelines recognize that access to our payment system is a privilege, not a right and that there are basic safety and soundness standards that all banks, including Wyoming’s special purpose depository institutions, must meet. Wyoming has developed the United States’ best regulatory framework for digital assets and others are beginning to recognize this fact too. “I’m proud of the Federal Reserve for thoughtfully considering Wyoming’s leadership. I look forward to working together with the Board of Governors, the Reserve Banks, the FDIC, NCUA and the OCC to promote responsible innovation in our banking system and on the United States Senate Banking Committee.” Camp Guernsey Prepares for Fire Season with Prescribed Burn and Bucket Drop Exercises 2nd Lt. Jamie Bridenstine, Camp Guernsey Community Relations Specialist Firefighters from Southeastern Wyoming were brought together at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Area for a prescribed burn and bucket drop exercise on April 29, 2021. Firefighters from Southeastern Wyoming were brought together at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Area for a prescribed burn and bucket drop exercise on April 29, 2021. Firefighters from Sweetwater County, Albany County, Laramie County, Hartville, Tie Siding, and Camp Guernsey Fire Department worked together to make sure the fire burned safely and effectively. The first call of fire on the ground happened around 9:15 a.m., and was officially called out at 5:03 p.m. In total, the fire burned 65 acres, and 11 buckets, or 5500 gallons, were dropped on the fire. The fire remained 100% contained for the duration of the exercise. A UH-60 Blackhawk also assisted with the burn. The helicopter picked up water nearby from the Guernsey Reservoir, just south of the North Training Area in the Guernsey State Park. Like the firefighters on the ground, the helicopter’s crew received valuable training on how to respond to a fire on Camp Guernsey.
Pronghorn License Reduction Wyoming hunters will see fewer antelope licenses this fall—in part due to the significant snowstorm that hit Wyoming in March. WY Board Engineers & Surveyors
Inside the Spring 2021 Board Bulletin
New Bighorn Sheep Trail Camera Footage
Enjoy this short compilation of footage from trail cams on one of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Wildlife Habitat Management areas in southeast Wyoming. Wyoming Chronicle - Senator Mike Enzi Senator Mike Enzi reflects on his nearly five decades of public service including his time in Jaycees, the Wyoming Legislature and his four terms in the United States Senate where he passed over 100 bills. Fraud Reports Ramp Up Related to WDH Information Breach
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is warning residents about fraudulent calls from people falsely claiming to represent the department. WDH recently described a mistaken exposure of laboratory test result data involving more than 164,000 Wyoming residents and others including hundreds from Colorado. The incident involved COVID-19 and influenza test result data and breath alcohol test result files mistakenly uploaded by an employee to private and public online storage locations. Jeri Hendricks, Office of Privacy, Security and Contracts administrator with WDH, said the department is hearing reports of Wyoming residents receiving fraudulent calls.. “The callers falsely claim to represent us, say they are calling about the breach and then ask the individuals they’ve reached for insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or other financial information. In some instances, it seems they have been able to make it appear as if the calls are coming from state government phone numbers,” Hendricks said. “No one representing the department will ask you for insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or personal financial information. No one representing the department will call you about the breach unless they are returning a call you made to us first,” Hendricks said. Hendricks emphasized the affected files did NOT contain social security numbers, or banking, financial, health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid information but did include name or patient id, address, date of birth, test results and dates of service. A special WDH information line dedicated to the breach has been established at 1(833) 847-5916. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, anyone who received a breath alcohol test performed by law enforcement in Wyoming between April 19, 2012 and January 27, 2021 who doesn’t receive a letter should also call. A year of free IdentityForce protection has been offered by WDH to people affected by the breach. IdentityForce provides advanced credit and dark web monitoring, along with identity theft insurance and medical identity theft coverage. Affected individuals can call the WDH information line at 1(833) 847-5916 for an IdentityForce verification code. Scams related to the health information breach should be reported to the Consumer Protection Unit in the Wyoming Attorney General’s office by calling 307-777-6397, by emailing [email protected] or by submitting formal complaints online. An official WDH notice about the breach can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/admin/privacy/.
WYOMING STUDENT SELECTED TO ATTEND THE 2021 NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE CAMP Danielle Jones has been selected to represent Wyoming at the 2021 National Youth Science Camp. Jones will graduate in May from Thunder Basin High School in Gillette and was selected by Governor Mark Gordon to attend the camp. "This will be a life-changing experience for Danielle," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. "No matter what path Danielle takes after high school graduation, she will have a jump on the skills it takes to work and compete in the 21st Century." The National Youth Science Foundation cancelled the in-residence portion of the 2021 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Held in West Virginia since 1963, this is only the third time that the annual program has not been held in the Mountain State. One hundred eight delegates representing the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago will, however, have the opportunity to connect from home for an exclusive virtual program. The 2021 Virtual NYSCamp features a lecture series, directed studies, breakout seminars, special events, and a panel discussion with STEM policy experts. Support from the National Youth Science Foundation allows delegates to attend the NYSCamp program free of charge. Don't Stop Retrieving Training Hunting Dogs There is nothing like bird hunting over a dog you've trained well. Join us live to see a demonstration of different bird dogs in action and pick up a few dog training tips and tricks along the way.
The WSGS Publishes Oil and Natural Gas Study of the Greater Green River Basin's Subsurface Geology Oil and gas production in the Greater Green River Basin of southwestern Wyoming has historically been from conventional, high-porosity reservoirs within well-defined traps. However, developments in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have shifted the overall focus of exploration in Wyoming toward geographically extensive, low-porosity and permeability unconventional reservoirs. In response to this shift, the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) has published a new oil and natural gas study about the Greater Green River Basin’s subsurface geology. The study establishes a baseline dataset for the stratigraphy and geometry of potential unconventional reservoirs, including the Lewis Shale, Baxter-Hilliard shales, Niobrara Formation, Mowry Shale, and Phosphoria Formation. “In 2019, 62 percent of the natural gas and 13 percent of the oil in Wyoming was produced from reservoirs in the Greater Green River Basin (GGRB),” says WSGS Director and State Geologist, Dr. Erin Campbell. “Publicly available data on the distribution and thickness of established and potential reservoirs is essential for guiding future exploration in this important region.” For the study, WSGS geologists interpreted the depths to formations, or “formation tops,” in more than 2,650 geophysical well logs for formations ranging in age from the Precambrian to the Eocene. The formation tops were used to define type logs for several subregions of the GGRB, generate contour maps of formation structure and thickness for key stratigraphic intervals, and populate WSGS’s spatial database of subsurface oil and gas geology. The study’s dataset also contains well-header information and downhole temperatures for selected wells. The database is available on the Interactive Oil and Gas Map of Wyoming, where users can view the formation tops and contour maps alongside other GGRB wells, oil and gas fields, and infrastructure. The well data and formation tops are downloadable in tabular format directly from the interactive map. Any future corrections to the dataset will be entered into the WSGS database and automatically updated in the interactive map. “The interactive oil and gas map aims to be the central location on the web where the public can readily access our agency’s oil and gas data,” says WSGS geologist Derek Lichtner. “Whether you’re interested in geologic structure or oil and gas fields and infrastructure, the online map is a good place to start any basin-scale investigation.” The 31-page Open File Report 2021-1—Greater Green River Basin Formation Tops Database, Structure and Thickness Contour Maps, and Associated Well Data, with a focus on Potential Continuous Reservoirs—is available as a free download from the WSGS website. The WSGS welcomes input and discussion, as its geologists hope to continually refine and expand the dataset. KULR-8 News, Billings Montana Wyoming Ranchers vs. Corporate Agriculture Carter Country Meats KULR-8, NBC interviews the Carters about the dramatic changes effecting North American ranching because of recent laws since 2015 that have favored the commercial food industry currently dominated by four corporations. Subscribe To “Carter Country Meats” eNewsletter HERE: https://bit.ly/3chHrEh Like "Carter Country Meats" on Facebook HERE: https://bit.ly/3psjXjp Follow "Carter Country Meats" on Pinterest HERE: https://bit.ly/3ornzAU Follow "Carter Country Meats" on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2NxxAQj A DIY European Skull Mount from WG&F
Sous vide machines work well for cleaning and whitening big game skulls and are the easy way to create a DIY European skull mount. While there are many ways to clean a European mount skull, the sous vide circulator trick is one that you can use to clean a skull without boiling it. We demonstrate using an antelope skull to show how effectively sous vide circulators are at cleaning the tissue out from underneath the horns. Since the This method removes tissue off of the skull at a lower temperature than boiling it would it doesn't smell as bad. Exposure of Laboratory Test Result Data Described
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is announcing a mistaken exposure of laboratory test result data involving the health information of thousands of Wyoming residents and others, as well as describing its plan to respond. The department became aware of a breach involving protected health information on March 10, 2021. It was discovered a workforce member inappropriately handled the health information of approximately 164,021 Wyoming residents and others as early as November 5, 2020. The incident involves an unintentional exposure of 53 files containing COVID-19 and influenza test result data and one file containing breath alcohol test results. These files were mistakenly uploaded by a WDH Public Health Division workforce member to private and public online storage locations, known as repositories, on servers belonging to GitHub.com. An official WDH notice about the situation can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/admin/privacy/. Sage-Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT)
The Sage Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) will meet May 5 in Cheyenne. The meeting will be held at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5400 Bishop Blvd., beginning at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend in-person or online. The full agenda and registration information is available online; times and agenda items may be subject to change. A live stream of this meeting will be provided via Zoom. Link for pre-registration below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9Equfki7RJqd3vQOJ_XJ3Q An agenda for this meeting can be downloaded here. James Chandler Wyoming Legal Thriller Author Wyoming author James Chandler’s rise to the top of Amazon’s legal thriller best-sellers chart is a surprise to the Gillette author. His first two books “Misjudged” and “One and Done” introduce us to Sam Johnstone, a troubled Army veteran who takes on a new job as an attorney in a small Wyoming town. Chandler’s books are thrilling page-turners. Department Meetings to Discuss Behavioral Health Plan Changes
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is seeking public input on the state’s behavioral health system through a series of planned meetings. A bill passed during the most recent session of the Wyoming Legislature (House Enrolled Act 56 or House Bill 38) requires WDH to consult with affected stakeholders as it develops a redesign plan for Wyoming’s state-funded behavioral health . To help gather information for this plan, the department will hold a series of public meetings over the coming months. The first session will be held in Casper on May 4 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Casper College in the McMurry Career Studies Center (CS) Room 160. Virtual participation will also be available through Google Meet, via computer or phone. The video call link is: https://meet.google.com/xxb-dzrj-ubk Or dial: (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 652 342 454 8306# Members of the public are welcome to attend. The department would encourage any in-person participants to ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Future meetings are planned in Lander on June 29 and in Rawlins on August 17. Important WY Hunting
Deadlines Approaching May 6: Tentative results day for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and wild bison May 20: Tentative results day for nonresident elk licenses June 1: Deadline to submit applications for resident and nonresident antelope and deer, as well as resident elk, licenses June 1: Deadline to submit applications for resident and nonresident fall turkey, sandhill crane and beaver as well as applications to the Glendo and Springer special pheasant hunts. See a listing of all important deadlines on the Game and Fish website. Sous Vide Roast Best Elk Roast Recipe This sous vide elk roast recipe is the perfect way to end up with a tender and delicious elk roast. Cooking venison can sometimes be tricky since the meat is so lean, but sous vide cooking can bring out the best in any game meat. The long 30 hour cooking time of this roast recipe makes the meat very tender without overcooking it. We walk through the recipe step-by-step to show how easy it is to get great results cooking a venison roast with a sous vide machine. ITC Testifies at Senate Hearing on Carbon Utilization Technology Jason Begger, Managing Director of the ITC, testified yesterday morning during the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resource's hearing on Carbon Utilization technologies. His testimony highlighted the importance of carbon research and investments in infrastructure that allow for technologies to be scaled up to commercialization. Watch the full hearing here and read Jason's full testimony here.
Game and Fish Commission Finalizes 2021 Hunting Seasons and Quotas The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met this week in Jackson, with two new commissioners assuming their posts. Ashlee Lundvall of Powell and Mark Jolovich of Torrington joined the rule-making body representing Districts 5 and 1, respectively. Pete Dube of Buffalo was elected for the second year in a row as president, and Gay Lynn Byrd of Douglas was voted-in vice president. Commissioners serve one six-year term and elect new officers annually. A big task for each April Commission meeting is to approve the annual hunting season regulations and quotas. After hearing season presentations and reviewing public comments, the Commission passed the 2021 hunting season regulations and quotas, as proposed. The finalized regulations and quotas will be available on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website and Hunt Planner by the beginning of May. The next commission gathering is scheduled for June 1-2 for a retreat at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp in Dubois.(Sara DiRienzo, Public Information Officer - ([email protected]))
Wyoming Guard Public Affairs Office Earns Top Honors in Military Media Two of Team Wyoming’s own are among the winners of the 2020 National Guard Bureau Media Contests announced in late March. The first contest that members placed in is the Department of the Air Force Public Affairs Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards (MMA). This competition is for Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Department of the Air Force civilians sponsored and administered by the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. The awards recognize military and civilian public affairs practitioners and military musicians for excellence in outstanding achievements in furthering Air Force, Space Force, and Department of Defense communication objectives. It also fosters an environment of innovation and growth, leading to more effective communication programs. Individuals and units receive awards for outstanding achievements in furthering Air Force, Space Force, and Department of Defense communication objectives. Technical Sgt. Jon Alderman of the 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs office earned a first-place award for “Military Photographer of the Year.” The requirement was a lengthy portfolio showcasing his work. Jon also took home first-place for a news photo titled “Wings Across Wyoming.” Second-place for his feature photo “The Departure” and second-place for his photo series that captured Wyoming Air National Guard members loading onto a C-130 Hercules during a cold and snowy, early morning departure to Southwest Asia. Master Sgt. Jacqueline Marshall of the State Public Affairs office earned a first-place award for “Communicator of the Year” and “Civilian Videographer of the Year.” Both entries required a lengthy portfolio displaying a variety of her work. In addition to these awards, the state public affairs team at Wyoming Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) office earned three additional awards in a second competition called the Defense Media Merit Awards (DMMA). The winners were announced earlier this month. The team consists of Capt. Alyssa Hinckley, Master Sgt. Jacqueline Marshall, and Cpl. Kristina Kranz. Finally, Jacqueline Marshall earned second-place for her video spot called “We are the Wyoming National Guard,” which compiled the entire team’s media into one fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping video. These individual and unit entries showcase the best of our public affairs talents in print, photography, broadcasting, and public affairs across the country. We applaud the dedication and efforts that these Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians give to our nation every day to bring the Guard story to the American public. Click the pictures to get the full spread WYDOT Customer Satisfaction Survey
A recent poll conducted by the University of Wyoming shows a high number of state residents are satisfied with WYDOT’s performance. Featuring: K. Luke Reiner, WYDOT Director Wyoming Sage Grouse Numbers Thirty-eight percent of the world’s sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) inhabit Wyoming—the state supports over 1,800 known, breeding ground areas. Watch for more info on sage grouse numbers in Wyoming.
Cutthroat Spawning Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Spawning of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (one of the five cutthroat trout subspecies in Wyoming) recently took place at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Ten Sleep fish hatchery. Ten sleep hatchery is home to one of only two captive broodstocks of Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) in the country. April is Designated as The Month of The Military Child Underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Join us in celebrating military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome. Watch this special message from Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, the adjutant general for Wyoming. Game and Fish Wildlife Habitat Management Areas Begin to Open May 1st The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has 44 wildlife habitat management areas (WHMAs) that provide crucial habitat for big game winter ranges. These areas are opening for the season, after being closed to minimize disturbance to wintering big game animals and other wildlife, while protecting habitat from resource damage. Several WHMAs open May 1. “Seasonal closures minimize stress-causing disturbance to wintering deer, elk and other wildlife. The closures also reduce the human and recreational impacts to the forage, which supports wintering wildlife,”said Ray Bredehoft, Wyoming Game and Fish habitat and access branch chief. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation to help animals make it through the winter and we are excited to open up these lands for the public to enjoy.” Bredehoft also asked the public to be cautious around wildlife during the spring when elk, deer, pronghorn, moose and other wildlife begin to have their young and bears emerge from winter dens. “For a lot of wildlife, May 1 will be the first time in months they see humans, so practicing safety is very important. Pack bear spray and stay alert,” Bredehoft said. Users are reminded to stay on designated travel routes, obey all signs and camp in designated areas where required. If roads become too wet due to spring moisture, users are asked to try and avoid traveling those roads to reduce resource damage. Antler hunters should be aware that the closure to collect shed antlers on public lands ends 6 a.m. May 1 within the antler hunting area boundaries. Collect means to search for, locate, stockpile or possess shed antlers and horns of big game animals on public land during the closed season. More details on antler collection regulations and maps are available on the Game and Fish website. Elk Sounds Crescendo to Stampede Watch -- and listen -- as these cow elk and their calves vocalize back and forth with various noises and sounds. Over 50 animals pass by in this quick 2 minute clip.
Drought Could Leave Wyoming Ranchers with Tough Choices By GREGORY HASMAN Ranch hand J.W. Thrush slogged through mud to tag a heifer calf on a sunny, 60-degree day at the Tarver Heart X Ranch in northern Campbell County last week. After it was tagged so it could be matched with its mama cow, Tyler Kern on horseback trailed the calf out of the corral and onto the pasture by Olmstead Road. It may be a normal chore on the ranch, but doing it in heavy, thick mud instead of dry dirt was a positive sign after an unseasonably dry winter that has much of northeastern Wyoming in a drought. The ranch received about an inch of precipitation last week, which helped the land turn a bit greener. “We’re just so thankful that it’s starting to turn green,” said Jaime Tarver. Before the recent precipitation, “the moisture content was next to nothing.” The Tarvers and other ranchers hope the recent precipitation is a sign of a nice, moist spring ahead. If not, the drought will continue for the foreseeable future and with it the possibility that ranchers will have to make tough decisions. Click the Drought Graphic to Read more
Mule Deer in Wyoming Trail Camera Video This trail camera video compilation shows mule deer in Wyoming wintering on the Thorne/Williams Wildlife Habitat Management Area. Wyoming Wetlands Living in Wyoming, which is the fifth driest state in the country, it may not be surprising to hear that wetlands only make up about 2% of the state’s land. What might surprise you, then, is that about 90% of wildlife species in Wyoming use wetland habitats daily or seasonally throughout their lives, and about 70% of Wyoming bird species cannot survive without wetland habitat. So we know that wetlands are important to wildlife, but what exactly is a wetland? A wetland habitat is an area where the land is sometimes or always covered by shallow water. Because of this, wetlands can support animals that live in water, those that live on land, and especially ones that like both, like frogs. Not only do wetlands provide lots of food for animals in the form of plants, insects, fish, and smaller animals, but they also do lots of other things. These include filtering out pollution from the water and helping to keep the land stable because all the roots that wetland plants have hold soil together. Wetland areas also act like sponges to soak up water during a flood and release it slowly throughout the rest of the year. Finally, people use wetlands for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and nature photography. Because wetlands make up such a small part of Wyoming’s landscape but they do so many great things for nature and people, it is very important to be sure that our wetlands stay healthy now and in the future. If you would like to learn more about wetlands, be sure to check out our wetlands website. Fly Tying with Free Shipping For the next two weeks, you can get 10% off fly tying materials and tools at our online store! The offer ends on April 29th! Until May 31st, you can get free shipping on our entire site! Feel free to use both deals on the same order!
Wyoming Outdoor Expo unveils ExpoLive presentation schedule12 interactive presentations planned for coming weeks Live animals, cooking demonstrations, art classes and famous guns. There’s only one place in Wyoming where people can learn it all — the Wyoming Outdoor Expo. This year's event is called ExpoLive and held May 6-8 online. With a full schedule of unique activities, anyone interested in the outdoors will find something engaging. Make plans to attend and sign up online. ExpoLive boasts 12 upcoming live presentations and tons of ideas on how to explore nature and recreate outside. The state’s largest outdoor education event, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and numerous partners, is the official kickoff to summer, and gets kids, families and outdoor-lovers ready for the warmer weather. ExpoLive session schedule Beginning May 6, the full ExpoLIVE event kicks off. Watch these sessions either on wyomingexpo.com, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Facebook page, here on Wyo-Newsbreak, or Wyoming Game and Fish YouTube Page. Rent Adventure The Spirit of Adventure Our passion for the outdoors relived in a quick tale of inspiration and passion for adventure. From hunting to fishing, rivers to oceans, mountains to deserts we explore. From young and old to veterans and beginners this clips for you. Ranching 2021 The Hard Truth from Carter Country Carter Ranch is nestled in the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains. 40,000 wild acres, fed by twenty-seven natural springs, a mosaic of juniper, sagebrush, red dirt and limestone cliffs. Some of the finest natural rangeland in the world. Wyoming Drone Fleet to Help with Investigations & Inspections
The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol have received $100,000 through a federal grant that will help launch a statewide program that would use drones to assist with investigations. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Erik Jorgensen secured grant funding and has been working with the transportation department and the University of Wyoming to put the drones in action, The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported Wednesday. “I am pretty excited about it,” Jorgensen said. “It’s another tool in the box to help us serve the public.” Lt. Matt Brackin, the Highway Patrol’s first certified pilot, said there are endless options where drones can be used, including crash reconstruction, avalanche safety and bridge or other infrastructure inspections. Brackin said drones can fly over crash scenes to take photos, allowing investigators to estimate speeds and directions. They could also be used to help in avalanche rescues to determine surface stability. Sheri Taylor, a program manager under the department of transportation, said she formed a task force and hired a consultant to start the program and figure out operating procedures and best practices.
New Wyoming Law Will Allow People to Take Road Kill to Eat Thousands of times a year, motorists inadvertently smash into Wyoming wildlife like mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope, littering highway right-of-ways with carcasses that sometimes include dozens or hundreds of pounds of fresh, lean, edible meat. Salvaging that meat has been illegal for generations. That’s about to change. On Monday, Wyoming Gov. Gordon signed a bill into law that directs the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of Transportation to create rules governing the harvest of road-killed carcasses by July. A change that gives Wyoming residents who have the misfortune of striking an animal the same liberties as people in about 30 other states, including western neighbors such as Idaho, Colorado and Montana. “It’s really hard to guess and estimate how much interest there will be,” Game and Fish Chief Game Warden King told the Jackson Hole Daily. “Montana has been averaging about 1,000 salvage permits a year.” WDEQ Grants Benefit Wyoming Breweries and Distilleries
People in Wyoming appreciate well-crafted beer and spirits, especially if they’re made locally. Supporting neighbors and small businesses is part of the Wyoming way of life. This year, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is using grant money to support Wyoming’s locally-owned breweries and distilleries. Brian Hall, WDEQ’s outreach manager, said, “We work hard to benefit our environment and our communities in as many ways as possible. In this case, we’re doing both by helping these Wyoming businesses get pollution prevention audits that can help them save money and be more sustainable.” The federal Source Reduction Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hall explained that the grant requires WDEQ to use the grant on a national emphasis area, and WDEQ chose to focus on food and beverage manufacturing. “Because we get such a small amount of grant money, we drill down further, and this year, we decided to focus on breweries and distilleries,” he said. In the past, WDEQ has used the grant to provide audits for meatpacking facilities and ag production facilities. Through the grant, WDEQ pays for 100% of the cost to send contracted engineers to audit these brewery and distillery operations and provide findings in a follow-up report that includes money and energy savings opportunities, approximate implementation costs and estimates of possible financial savings. For more information about these audits, visit http://deq.wyoming.gov./
Rare Earth Elements and Wyoming The Rare Earth Element (REE) research program at the University of Wyoming was created to stimulate research and development in the area of rare earth element production and processing and the potential economic benefits to Wyoming. Scott Quillinan, Director of Research & Communications, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, discusses REE potential for Wyoming. A Look at the WYDOT Fabrication Shop The snowplows you see on the highways don’t come equipped with everything needed to keep the roads safe. WYDOT’s Fabrication Shop takes care of the rest. Featuring: Bryan Wenger, WYDOT Equipment Program Manager
Spring Signals Increased Fish Stocking Efforts It’s spring in Wyoming and that means the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is ramping up fish stocking throughout the state. Travis Trimble, Game and Fish assistant fish culture supervisor, said this year’s stocking plans are similar to 2020 when Game and Fish stocked 7.1 million fish in Wyoming waters. About two-thirds of those 7.1 million fish were trout and kokanee salmon raised in Wyoming’s 10 fish hatcheries and rearing stations. The rest were cool and warm-water fish brought in from out of state. Some of those species include walleye, channel catfish and crappie. Family, Youth Overnight Camps Offered at Whiskey Mountain Get away to Whiskey Mountain with your family this summer or send your youth for a week of summer fun. The best part? The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has all the details handled. Game and Fish is hosting a series of overnight family camps — as well as overnight camps for youth — this summer at the department’s top-notch outdoor educational facility near Dubois. “Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp is a great place to build knowledge in the outdoors and have a whole lot of fun,” said Ashley Leonard, conservation educator coordinator. “You’ll learn more about hiking, fishing, canoeing, photography, trees, fish, wildlife and more. No one gets too old for camp!” Full details, packing information, a listing of activities and registration forms are available on the website. All camps are subject to local COVID-19 health guidelines. Hunting in Wyoming 2021 Hunting Applications It's time to submit your Wyoming big game hunting application for the 2021 hunting seasons. View the Wyoming hunting application deadlines on the website: http://bit.ly/3riBjjp Wyoming Hunting License Fees: http://bit.ly/3pLQC3V 2021 fishing regulations As ice fishing season progresses, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department advises anglers to use extreme caution while venturing out. Ice on many waters may not be safe, especially when temperatures warm up. “Ice fishing is a fun winter activity but it does require attention to safety,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. “Many fisheries around the state are warmer than usual, so staying safe on the ice is very important to prevent accidents.” The Wyoming 2021 Fishing Regulations are available online as well as anywhere that sells licenses. It's important to review the regulations annually for changes |