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WYDOT unveils new Rodeo, Search and Rescue specialty license plates (posted 1/5/2026)
Wyoming Department of Transportation
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is unveiling two new specialty license plates that will be available to the public starting January 1, 2026.
The Rodeo and Search and Rescue specialty plates were created by the Wyoming Legislature during the 2025 session, and both plates aim to raise funds for Wyoming causes. Applications for each plate will be available in January, and both plates can be purchased through a County Treasurer or WYDOT.
The Search and Rescue plate
The Search and Rescue specialty license plate features a winter rescue scenario.
In addition to standard registration and specialty plate fees, the plate will cost $150 the first year and has a $50 annual renewal fee. The additional fees go toward Search and Rescue activities within the state. There is also an option for additional voluntary donations toward the cause.
A select number of plates with low or special numbers will be sold at auction in early 2026. All auction earnings will go toward search and rescue activities in the state. More information will be announced.
At least 1,000 plates must be sold by 2032 for the plate to be a permanent specialty plate offered by WYDOT.
The Rodeo plate
The new Rodeo specialty license plate features an historic photo of Steamboat, the iconic bucking horse that is now a symbol for the state, courtesy of the University of Wyoming. The plates also note rodeo as the official sport of Wyoming.
Beyond standard vehicle registration and specialty plate fees, the plate includes the voluntary opportunity to donate $20 or more to the rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges.
A select number of plates with low or special numbers will be sold at auction in early 2026. All auction earnings will go toward Wyoming collegiate rodeo programs. More information will be announced.
At least 500 plates must be sold by 2031 for the Rodeo plate to be a permanent specialty plate offered by WYDOT.
Game and Fish enters next phase in feedground management plans (posted 1/5/2026)
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will move forward in 2026 with developing Feedground Management Action Plans, a key component of the broader Wyoming Elk Feedgrounds Plan.
As part of the Game and Fish’s statewide Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan, the Wyoming Elk Feedgrounds Plan was established to guide the department’s overall and long-term approach to elk management for the 21 feedgrounds in the state. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved the final draft of this strategy in March 2024, following nearly four years of collaborative planning with more than 60 volunteer stakeholders.
The development of individual FMAPs is the next step in this process, and the department will be working closely with stakeholders and the public to address key concerns and priorities.
"Game and Fish remains committed to the management of our state’s feedgrounds in an adaptable manner that utilizes the best science available," said Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce. "Supplemental winter feeding of elk has continued to grow in complexity. These plans will allow us to adjust to current and future conditions in feedground management."
Specific FMAPs will be developed for each of the six elk herds and their corresponding feedgrounds in the Jackson and Pinedale regions. They are intended to be a playbook of strategies guiding feedground management through biological, social and economic factors. FMAPs are designed to be adaptable as on-the-ground-conditions change and science emerges.
Game and Fish will work closely with key stakeholders and the public during this development phase. In early 2026, draft FMAP documents will be shared during a series of public meetings. They will be presented to the Game and Fish Commission later that year.
USPS shipping service prices to increase Jan. 18, 2026 (posted 1/5/2026)
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is increasing shipping service prices by 5-8% starting January 18, 2026, including hikes for Priority Mail (6.6%), Ground Advantage (7.8%), Priority Mail Express (5.1%), and Parcel Select (6%). The price of a First-Class Mail stamp will remain unchanged for now.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Source: U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Competitive Prices for 2026 usps.com, Nov. 14, 2025
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Flag Half Staff notice – Interment of Judy Catchpole (posted 12/29/2025)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - Dec. 29, 2025 -United States and Wyoming flags will remain at half staff statewide until dusk, January 5, 2026, following the interment of former Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole. Flags will be placed at full staff at dawn, January 6, 2026.
Governor Mark Gordon applauds BLM Sage-Grouse Plan for Wyoming (posted 12/23/2025)
ROD recognizes the State’s authority over wildlife and management of the greater-sage grouse
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon media release
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - Today (Monday, Dec. 22, 2025) Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) received the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Greater Sage-grouse Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) for Wyoming. The ROD recognizes the State’s authority over wildlife and management of the greater-sage grouse. The plan is a result of years-long effort to finalize.
"Wyoming has consistently advocated for a finalized Greater sage-grouse RMPA that recognizes the State’s management authority over the species utilizing the best-available science," Governor Gordon said. "Wyoming has been a leader in the sage-grouse conservation for six decades, and the State of Wyoming’s Executive Order Greater Sage-Grouse Core Area Protection strategy has spanned three Governors in its foresight to have a state-lead conservation strategy. We will continue to invest in sage-grouse conservation alongside responsible development in Wyoming. I’m glad to see the BLM’s plan affirms this Executive Order after a collaborative process with the State."
The Governor’s Sage-Grouse Implementation Team, established by statute to work collaboratively to protect the Greater sage-grouse under the State of Wyoming's Sage-Grouse Executive Order (2019-3), will meet at 10 a.m. January 8, 2026 at the Game and Fish Headquarters in Cheyenne.
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Illegals who self-deport by end of year can get free flight home and $3K stipend (posted 12/22/2025)
Department of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to deliver this holiday season on its promise to help illegal aliens in the United States return home.
Illegal aliens who sign up to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to a free flight home. Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the country.
"Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally - offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year," said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. "Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return."
Self-deportation through the CBP Home app (https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome) is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families this holiday season. It’s a fast, free, and easy process: Just download the app, fill out your information, and DHS will take care of the rest – including arranging and paying for your travel back home.
Those illegal aliens who don’t take advantage of this special offer today have only one alternative: They will be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States.
BLM approves Dry Piney helium and carbon sequestration project (posted 12/17/2025)
Bureau of Land Management
PINEDALE, WYOMING — The Bureau of Land Management today (December 17, 2025) approved the Dry Piney helium and carbon sequestration project planned on public, private, and state lands near LaBarge in Sublette County. The project is estimated to be capable of producing more than 800 million cubic feet of bulk liquid helium per year from subsurface mineral estates.
With this approval, Blue Spruce Operating, LLC, may construct a natural gas plant to process and separate raw gas streams into saleable helium and methane products. The project includes nine gas production wells, access roads, buried gathering and utility lines, a natural gas residue sales pipeline, and an acid-gas injection facility to permanently sequester excess carbon in federal pore space deep underground. Commercial operations are expected to begin during the summer of 2028.
Additional information, including the decision record, environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, and other planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, contact the Pinedale Field Office, at 307-367-5300 or BLM_WY_Pinedale_WYMail@blm.gov.
Windstorms cause almost 40 blow-over crashes in three days (posted 12/13/2025)
Wyoming Department of Transportation
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – The ongoing high wind event has caused 39 vehicles to crash on Wyoming highways so far this week, especially Dec. 9-11. With winter being the state’s windiest months, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol want to remind drivers of all vehicle types to use caution and pay close attention to highway signage.
Most crashes occurred on Interstate 80 near Cooper Cove west of Laramie, Interstate 25 on Wyo Hill south of Cheyenne, and I-25 near Wheatland at Bordeaux. Many blown-over vehicles were underweight, and some trailers were even empty.
WYDOT updates the minimum weights listed on overhead digital messaging signs based on real-time wind speeds. Drivers should check weight-based wind closure information often to ensure travel is permitted.
It’s not just commercial vehicles that are at risk – campers, toy-haulers and other large trailers are also susceptible to blowing over in strong winds.
Drivers can check wind closures and wind speeds anytime at www.wyoroad.info or via the Wyoming 511 mobile app.
During powerful wind events, WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol urge all travelers to heed wind closure warnings. Driving a prohibited vehicle during these closures can lead to hefty fines, including fines for any damage to the roadway. In addition, a single blow-over event often occupies several troopers, along with additional towing and emergency vehicles, tying up critical resources that may be needed elsewhere and sometimes forcing the highway to close to all traffic for debris cleanup.
Vehicles not included in wind restrictions should use caution on windy days, too. Stay alert for blowing snow, slick spots and other potential hazards.
Crash totals and details are preliminary, and final totals may change as crash reports are processed.
Governor Gordon advances consideration of Sublette antelope migration corridor (posted 12/13/2025)
Applications for local working group members accepted until Dec. 31
Governor Gordon media release
CHEYENNE, WYOMING - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announced today (December 10, 2025) that he will proceed with the consideration of the Sublette antelope migration corridor, following the recommendation from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to officially designate the pathway.
"My determination is that work on the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor will proceed, with focus on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s recommendation of the eight segments within the identified corridor for designation consideration, including North, Bondurant, Foothills, East of WY -191, Central, Southwest, Fontenelle, and Calpet. This decision is underscored by the best available scientific information on the value, conservation risks and opportunities detailed along these routes," Governor Gordon said.
The Governor’s actions follow steps outlined in the Executive Order 2020-1 (EO), Wyoming Mule Deer and Antelope Migration Corridor Protection. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission identified the Sublette antelope corridor in March 2025, the first step in the official Corridor Designation and Review Process. The Commission voted to advance the corridor for designation to the Governor in September 2025.
Next the Governor will appoint a local working group to analyze and evaluate the corridor. As outlined in the EO, the local working group will be composed of an appointed representative from each county affected, to include Teton, Sublette, Lincoln, and Sweetwater.
"The Migration Corridor Conservation Strategy established by the Executive Order creates a state-led approach to support conservation for mule deer and pronghorn migration while preserving multiple-use opportunities for the State of Wyoming. I look forward to the next steps as the corridor is reviewed and elevated by a diverse local working group," Governor Gordon said.
The Governor has opened an application process for prospective representatives from the following groups, as detailed in the EO:
• Agriculture (2 representatives)
• Industrial users - oil, gas, mining and renewable (2 representatives)
• Wildlife/conservation/hunting (2 representatives)
• Motorized recreation (1 representatives)
The local working group is ultimately charged with reviewing the Game and Fish’s risk assessment, corridor components, potential impacts to socio-economic conditions of the region, conservation opportunities, highway projects, and other factors appropriate to the potential designation. Following their analysis, the working group will make a final recommendation to Governor Gordon, who has the authority to either designate the corridor, return the recommendation to Game and Fish for refinement, or reject the proposal for designation.
Applications for the working group will be accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 31. Following the Governor will review prospective representatives and make final appointments. Questions regarding the local working group and process should be directed to Sara DiRienzo, deputy director of policy at sara.dirienzo1@wyo.gov.
Volunteers sought for National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey (posted 12/13/2025)
Pinedale Survey January 10, 2026
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management Kemmerer and Pinedale field offices are inviting volunteers to participate in the national Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. The Kemmerer survey is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, while the Pinedale survey will take place on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Volunteers should call the Kemmerer and Pinedale field office by Wednesday Jan. 7, 2026, to be assigned survey routes along public roads in Sublette and Lincoln Counties in Wyoming and to receive instructions on survey methods and eagle identification. The Kemmerer field office will add an additional route in the Star Valley area of Lincoln County. Two-person observation teams are needed so one person can safely drive while the other observes and documents eagles.
Since 1979, federal and state agencies as well as volunteers from the public have counted bald eagles throughout the United States every January. By monitoring and estimating national and regional count trends, an index of the total winter bald eagle population in the lower 48 states has been established.
For additional information:
• Pinedale Field Office: Contact Theresa Gulbrandson at 307-367-5359.
• Kemmerer Field Office: Contact David Merz at 307-828-4556.
Seasonal closures approach for WHMAs (posted 11/28/2025)
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
CHEYENNE, WYOMING — Seasonal closures for Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Habitat Management Areas are in place or will be enforced soon. These closures are important in protecting wildlife on their winter range.
"Seasonal closures are essential for minimizing stress-causing disturbances to wintering deer, elk, bighorn sheep and other wildlife," said Ray Bredehoft, Game and Fish Deputy Chief of Services. "These closures also reduce the human and recreational impacts to forage, which supports wildlife on their winter ranges."
Game and Fish maintains more than 500,000 acres of land through WHMAs. The areas include access to nearly 225 miles of streams, more than 21,000 lake surface acres and more than 148 miles of road right-of-ways. Management of these areas plays an important role in maintaining healthy winter habitats for species.
Closure dates of WHMAs can vary. For specific area details, visit the WHMA page on the Game and Fish website (https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Public-Access/WHMA.
The page contains maps, general regulations and rules governing each unique area.
Here are the WHMA’s in the Pinedale area:
Half Moon Pinedale Dec. 1-April 30 Closed to human presence.
Soda Lake Pinedale Dec. 1-April 30. Closed to human presence.
Fall Creek Pinedale Dec. 1-April 30. Closed to human presence.
Luke Lynch Pinedale Nov. 1-April 30.
Closed to vehicle traffic Nov 1-Dec 1. Closed to all human presence Dec 1- April 30.
Black Butte Pinedale Dec. 1-April 30. Closed to human presence.
Source and more info: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/seasonal-closures-approach-whmas
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