Parks for America

Cover

Contents

Foreword

Summary

Findings and Recommendations

Planning Elements

Parks for America

Big Horn Canyon, where a reservoir project is under construction, is being studied for its potential as a national recreation area.

WYOMING

WYOMING is one of the Nation's prime vacation States. It is sparsely settled, with an average density of 3.4 persons per square mile. The 2 largest cities are Cheyenne, with a population of 43,505, and Casper, 38,930. The population is expected to increase from 330,066 in 1960 to 393,000 by 1976.

The tourist industry ranks third in the State's economy and has the greatest growth potential. It has shown steady gains on mineral production and agriculture.

There are many beautiful mountain ranges including the spectacular Teton Range, the Absaroka, Wind River, Big Horn, and Medicine Bow Ranges. The wonders of Yellowstone are international tourist attractions. Wilderness, forests, free-flowing streams, wild life, and western atmosphere contribute to the recreation assets. As other States become more crowded, Wyoming's outstanding natural resources and small population will make the State more valuable as a vacation destination.

Many out-of-State hunters and fishermen are attracted by excellent big-game hunting and fine trout fishing.

Large reservoirs on the high plains are important to residents for water-sports activities.

Interesting geological formations and important archeological and paleontological discoveries are scattered throughout Wyoming.

There are many historic sites associated with early exploration, the fur trade, pioneer routes, the Pony Express, military and Indian affairs and battles, the mining frontier, and the cattlemen's empire. Much of this historic resource needs preservation, interpretation, and development. Independence Rock, South Pass, Tom Sun Ranch, the Horner site, Fort Phil Kearny and related sites, and the Green River Rendezvous site possess exceptional value in commemorating the history of the United States and are eligible for Registered National Historic Landmark status.

EXISTING PUBLIC AREAS

NATIONAL: The National Park Service administers two national parks, a national monument, a national historic site, and a national recreation area with a combined acreage of 2,466,799. The 1960 attendance was 3,035,800. There are 9,145,316 acres of national forest land in nine national forests administered by the Forest Service. These forests contain 150 recreation areas totaling 1,100 acres and 2,483,520 acres in 8 designated wilderness and wild areas. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife manages 73,265 acres in four national wildlife refuges. There are 17 million acres of public domain administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

STATE: The Wyoming State Parks Commission manages eight State recreation areas totaling 151,866 acres. The 1960 attendance was 662,747. One State park of 1,640 acres is under the Wyoming Board of Charities and Reform. The State Archives and Historical Department has 17 historic sites, totaling 158 acres, and 17 historic markers. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages 11 public fishing areas of 3,018 acres, and 24 wildlife management areas containing 33,883 acres. The Wyoming Highway Department maintains 56 highway rest stops.

LOCAL: There are two parks of 494 acres and two scientific monuments of 530 acres.

PRIVATE: The Wind River Indian Reservation has a designated 183,520-acre roadless area.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: Private outdoor recreation facilities include dude ranches, resorts, pack and outfitting stations, winter sports areas, and reservoir boating facilities. Many of these facilities are on leased Federal and State lands. Guide service is required by Wyoming for big-game hunting in national forests.

PARK AND RELATED NEEDS

Although existing recreation areas and Federal lands meet needs of most Wyoming residents, a need still exists for more scenic, historic, and scientific areas for a well-balanced State park system. There is need for additional park and related areas readily available to the people of Cheyenne and Laramie. Many Wyoming towns do not have adequate areas nearby for day and weekend recreation. Out-of-State visitors whose vacation destinations are generally in the national parks and national forests of western Wyoming or who are bound for other States would use more camping areas en route and would visit historic sites and other points of interest if these were interpreted and made available. There is also a need for local action to supplement the State areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Existing recreation resources and many potential areas are shown on the accompanying tabulation and map. The following recommendations are made to help provide needed outdoor recreation opportunities for public enjoyment and use.

NATIONAL: Explore feasibility of establishing a Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. Further study of the proposal to establish Fossil Butte as a national monument.

STATE: Enlargement of the State Park system to preserve valuable resources and provide additional recreation opportunities by the addition of three parks, two reservoir recreation areas, four scientific monuments, and seven historic monuments. Further study of one scientific monument and three historic monuments. Designation and protection of 18 scenic roads, 13 free-flowing streams, and 12 canoe trails.

Supporting recommendations include—

1. Study of all State-owned lands to determine which are most suitable for State park purposes.

2. Provision for a State system of campgrounds along main highways to supplement those provided in national forests and national parks.

3. Study by the State Archives and Historical Department of acquisition and preservation possibilities for historic sites of State significance, and advisory service by the Department to the State Parks Division on the interpretation of historic sites.

4. Study the potentialities of an Oregon Trail Tourway utilizing existing roads where possible and providing preservation and interpretation of historic sites and other points of interest en route.

(Table omitted from online edition)

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Last Modified: Mon, Sep 6 2004 10:00:00 pm PDT
parks_america/wyoming.htm