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Rockslide blocks North Piney OHV trail on Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 7/5/2024)
Opening of trail may be delayed
Bridger-Teton National Forest
BIG PINEY, WYOMING – The Big Piney Ranger District on the Bridger-Teton National Forest is working on removing a rockslide that has obstructed the North Piney Lake Off Highway Vehicle trail (Trail #2059) at approximately the two-mile mark.
The trail is scheduled to open seasonally every year on July 16th, depending on snow drifts and weather conditions, but with the size of the boulders blocking the trail that opening date may be delayed.
"We are working on moving the boulders," said Big Piney District Ranger Cary Swain, "but the six-foot diameter size of some of them is making it quite challenging, so right now we have an unknown completion date," he said.
The North Piney Trailhead provides access to North Piney Lake and North Piney Meadows Off-Highway Vehicle trails and the Lunch Creek motorcycle trail. The North Piney Trailhead also provides access to foot and horse users to Roaring Fork Lakes, Box Canyon Pass and the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail.
Motorized use is allowed seasonally from July 16 - October 14 each year to protect elk and big horn sheep winter range. Recreationists are asked to please plan accordingly if visiting North Piney Lake.
For updates, please contact the Big Piney Ranger station at 307-276-5800.
For other news, events and information, you can call 307-739-5500, or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf, or follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Facebook @BridgerTetonNF or on X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
Wyoming initiates lawsuit over Biden Fuel Efficiency Standards (posted 7/5/2024)
Rules manipulate free market to require auto manufacturers to produce electric vehicles
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Wyoming has initiated a lawsuit along with 25 other states, challenging the Biden Administration’s latest attempt to force a consumer transition to electric vehicles (EVs). In a lawsuit filed in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the states are seeking to block a new rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That rule imposes unworkable standards that leverage the weight of the federal government to require auto manufacturers to produce EVs.
"Our federal government should not be issuing overreaching mandates that manipulate the free market," Governor Gordon said. "Wyoming residents drive thousands of miles each year through remote areas. They should be able to decide what vehicle technology is most suitable for their needs, not the Biden Administration."
In January, Governor Gordon joined 15 Republican Governors in signing a letter to President Biden opposing the proposed rule calling the mandates "unrealistic, costly and prescriptive solutions that harm American consumers."
There are approximately 1,000 EVs registered in Wyoming, which account for just over one-tenth of 1% of total vehicle registrations in the state.
The coalition is comprised of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
TerraPower begins construction on nuclear project in southwest Wyoming (posted 7/5/2024)
In mid-June, 2024, TerraPower celebrated the start of construction on the Natrium reactor1 demonstration project in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
The ceremony brought together TerraPower leaders, government officials, Natrium project partners, industry and community supporters, including TerraPower Chairman and founder, Bill Gates.
Approximately 1,600 workers will be needed for construction at the project’s peak. Construction is set to span five years. Once the plant is operational, the company estimates that 250 people will support day-to-day activities, including plant security. It will be a boon to the economy and employment opportunities for Kemmerer and Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Upon completion, the Natrium demonstration plant will be a fully functioning commercial power plant. It is being constructed near a retiring coal-fired power plant near Kemmerer, in southwest Wyoming. It is the only coal-to-nuclear project under development in the world.
The project features a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. The storage technology can boost the system’s output to 500 MW of power when needed, which is equivalent to the energy required to power around 400,000 homes. The energy storage capability allows the plant to integrate seamlessly with renewable resources and is the only advanced reactor design with this unique feature.
Earlier this year, TerraPower submitted its construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Natrium reactor. TerraPower is the first to submit its construction permit application for a commercial advanced reactor to the NRC. Due to its unique design, non-nuclear construction is beginning while nuclear construction will begin after this application is approved.
Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a public-private partnership, this Natrium reactor demonstration project is intended to validate the design, construction and operational features of the Natrium technology.
TerraPower is a leading nuclear innovation company that strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science. Since it was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded individuals, TerraPower is an incubator and developer of ideas and technologies that offer energy independence, environmental sustainability, medical advancement, and other cutting-edge opportunities.
Related Links:
www.terrapower.com
Teton Pass reopens after massive landslide takes out highway (posted 7/2/2024)
A reduced speed limit and 60,000-pound vehicle weight restriction are in place
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reopened Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass to vehicle traffic on June 28th, just three weeks after the catastrophic Big Fill landslide on June 8th. The fix is a temporary detour which reconnects the communities in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Idaho.
WYDOT wants to reassure highway users that the slide area will be continually monitored as engineers and other professionals now look to designing and planning the reconstruction of the section of highway impacted by the slide. The goal is to have Teton Pass completely rebuilt before the worst of winter arrives.
Evans Construction and its subcontractors worked around the clock, through Father’s Day weekend, to build the temporary detour. WYDOT commends Evans for their dedication, responsiveness and efficiency as their crews accomplished this massive undertaking.
Avail Valley Construction worked on the mudslide cleanup and culvert installation at mile marker 15. Understanding the need to relieve commuters from the strain of a nearly four-hour commute, Avail agreed to continue work with traffic to allow the detour to open. WYDOT thanks Avail for their flexibility and responsiveness.
The Wyoming Transportation Commission held two special meetings to quickly approve emergency funding in order for Avail and Evans to continue moving forward. WYDOT appreciates the extra time their Commissioners put in to support the repair process.
WYDOT would like to thank Governor Gordon for the quick emergency declaration, which sped up the emergency federal funding on this project. This vital funding helped WYDOT stay on track with the highway maintenance and construction work needed elsewhere in the state. The US Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have also been extremely supportive with emergency funding assistance.
Congressional delegates of Idaho and Wyoming were also instrumental in WYDOT’s quick receipt of emergency federal funding thanks to letters to the USDOT and FHWA and other vocal support.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has been an essential partner as WYDOT engineers worked on the detour through the National Forest land, expediting permitting procedures and collaborating with engineers live onsite. WYDOT extended specific thanks to the work of District Ranger Jay Pence.
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) crews assisted with the mudslide cleanup at mile marker 15, especially in the aftermath of the Big Fill slide on June 8th. ITD also provided WYDOT with concrete barriers for the detour, among other assistance.
WYDOT extended appreciation to the Teton Valley communities in both Idaho and Wyoming for acting quickly in assisting commuters and tourists with travel adjustments and other relief efforts in the wake of the extended highway closure.
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Fire Danger increased to Moderate (posted 6/26/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Teton Interagency fire managers announced the fire danger has been elevated to "moderate" for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. The potential for fire activity has increased due to summer curing of vegetation combined with warmer and windy conditions.
A moderate fire danger rating means fires can start from most accidental causes. Unattended campfires and brush fires have potential to escape, especially on windy days, in dry, open areas.
When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, trees, and dead and downed materials; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources both locally and nationally.
As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton counties in Wyoming. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention.
As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, visitors are reminded that personal fireworks are never allowed and that campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. To extinguish a campfire, several gallons of water must be used as opposed to a single water bottle. The process requires you to soak the campfire, stir the ashes, feel for heat, and to repeat the process until no heat remains.
When enjoying a campfire, remember it should always remain attended and must be completely extinguished before leaving. Simply pouring water on the remains of a fire is not sufficient. The charred remains must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring. All embers and logs, not just the red ones, should be broken up and covered with dirt. Before leaving the area, the campfire remains must be cold to the touch.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at TetonFires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
New WSGS pamphlet shares geology of the South Pass area (posted 6/26/2024)
Wyoming State Geological Survey
The newest information pamphlet published by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) explores South Pass, an area known for its rich history of mining that dates back centuries and continues today. The pamphlet is the twelfth in a series that shares geology of Wyoming state parks; the South Pass publication is the first to focus on state historic site.
"This publication series continues to be popular, and after we finished with state parks, it made sense for us to expand the focus to geologically oriented historic sites in Wyoming," says Dr. Erin Campbell, WSGS Director and State Geologist. "The geology at South Pass is impressive, and our new pamphlet offers a glimpse at some of the uniqueness of the area."
South Pass is on the southeastern edge of the Wind River Range and south of Lander. It has a wide range of known and potential mineral resources, such as gold, copper, and iron. The Carissa mine in South Pass City opened in 1867 and was the largest gold-mining operation in the region. Today, visitors to the historic site can tour the Carissa.
"The South Pass area is fascinating for both its 3 billion years of geologic history and its potential for hosting gold and other metals in various types of mineral deposits," says WSGS geologist Dr. Chris Doorn. "The South Pass City State Historic Site provides the unique opportunity to learn about ancient geologic processes and to delve into Wyoming’s rich mining history."
The pamphlet includes a geologic map and provides an overview of South Pass’s geologic history, noting how the area looked much different billions of years ago compared to what is seen today. The publication also notes rocks and mineral resources.
Other pamphlets in the series highlight the geology of Bear River, Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Curt Gowdy, Edness K. Wilkins, Glendo, Guernsey, Hot Springs, Keyhole, Seminoe, and Sinks Canyon state parks.
Pamphlets are available at their respective state parks and historic sites, as well as at the WSGS office in Laramie and as free downloads.
Next phase of Monument Ridge Vegetation and Recreation Management Project to begin (posted 5/21/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
BIG PINEY, WYOMING — The Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest plans to initiate the next phase of the Monument Ridge Vegetation and Recreation Management Project during the month of June. The project area is located near the town of Bondurant in Sublette County. The habitat/fuels treatment area is situated within the wildland urban interface (WUI), an area where human development meets with undeveloped, natural areas like forests and wildland vegetation, creating a zone that is at risk for wildfires. Monument Ridge borders the western edge of the treatment area, and the residential area along the Hoback River borders the eastern edge.
The project, proposed by the Sublette County Collaborative, is multifaceted and includes fuels reduction actions within the WUI, wildlife habitat enhancement activities, and safety and access improvements for recreation. These activities will improve forest health; promote wildlife populations for elk, mule deer, and sage grouse; and provide sustainable recreation opportunities well into the future.
Fire managers plan for implementation of the project to occur in June on 2,150-acres north of the Monument Ridge Lookout and Hoback Guard Station. The Forest Service prepared this area in 2020 by felling trees and allowing the fuels to cure during the subsequent time, preparing an adequate fuel bed for the planned prescribed fire.
The Forest Service will implement the prescribed fire with weather and conditions to meet project objectives. Forest personnel plan to treat the area in a mosaic pattern, producing a complex mix of burned and unburned patches. These activities will enhance wildlife habitat by increasing forage (i.e., grass, forbs, and shrubs) and will stimulate aspen growth in areas where stands have declined due to the lack of wildfire.
During operations, smoke may be visible from the communities of Bondurant, Jackson, Pinedale, and Big Piney. Resources will implement ignitions over the course of three to five days. A Closure Order will be in effect for the impacted area, roads, and trails, during the prescribed burn.
For more information, call Big Piney Ranger District at (307) 267-3375 or visit https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc/home/information/prescribed-fires.
BLM proposes No Future Coal Leasing for Buffalo Field Office Management plan (posted 5/17/2024)
30-day comment period open until June 17, 2024
Bureau of Land Management
BUFFALO, WYOMING – The Bureau of Land Management has issued a final supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) and proposed amendment to its Buffalo Field Office land use plan. Release of the final SEIS and proposed amendment opens a 30-day public protest period.
The BLM developed the SEIS and plan amendment in response to a 2022 order from the United States District Court for the District of Montana. The BLM’s proposed alternative, Alternative A, would amend the 2015 Buffalo Field Office resource management plan and make BLM-managed coal resources in the planning areas unavailable for future leasing. Federal coal production is anticipated to continue through 2041 under existing leases.
As required by the court’s order, the supplemental analysis evaluates alternatives for federal coal leasing in the Buffalo Field Office and includes updated information and analysis regarding the health impacts, both climate and non-climate, of developing fossil fuels in the area.
The 12 active surface coal mines within the Buffalo Field Office produced approximately 220 million short tons of federal coal in 2022, down from roughly 400 million tons in 2008.
Both U.S. total coal production and Powder River Basin coal production peaked in 2008 and have since declined steeply, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Written protests must be received by June 17, 2024. Please visit the BLM Filing a Plan Protest page for instructions.
To review the proposed resource management plan amendment and associated analysis, visit the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, contact project manager Tom Bills at 307-684-1133.
Wyoming files two lawsuits challenging Biden Administration’s EPA Rules that target Wyoming’s coal industry (posted 5/10/2024)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING. – Governor Mark Gordon announced that Wyoming has filed two lawsuits challenging new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that target Wyoming’s coal and natural-gas fired power plants.
Today (Friday, May 10, 2024), Wyoming joined a coalition of 24 states challenging the Biden Administration’s recently released power plant regulations. The states argue that the new rule exceeds EPA’s authority and ignores the United States Supreme Court’s 2022 decision vacating Obama-era greenhouse gas limits for power plants. The suit asks the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review and declare the regulations unlawful.
On May 8, Wyoming and 22 other states filed a lawsuit challenging another EPA rule that would require certain air emissions from coal-fired plants to be reduced drastically, with no corresponding health benefits and with great costs to Wyoming and its industries.
"The Biden Administration’s EPA seems determined to use unlawful rulemaking to continue its attacks on Wyoming’s core industries," Governor Gordon said. "The only goal appears to be destroying Wyoming’s fossil fuel industry by further burdening our power plants, increasing costs to consumers, and threatening the stability of our nation's electrical grid."
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First Class Stamp price to increase to $.73 cents in July 2024 (posted 5/10/2024)
Pinedale Online!
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will again increase the price for mailing services that will take effect on July 14, 2024. The price of a first-class mail Forever stamp will increase five cents, from 68 cents to 73 cents. There will be no price increase for Post Office Box rental fees, and the Postal Service will apply a price reduction of 10 percent for postal insurance when mailing an item. The proposed adjustments, if approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.8 percent.
This is the sixth price increase since January 2021,
incrementally increasing the cost of a first class Forever stamp from $.55 cents to $.73 cents. And the Postal Service has indicated there will be more regular increases in the near future. In their December 29, 2023 report to the Postal Regulatory Commission, the US Postal Service said they anticipate to implement price changes for all of their market dominant classes in January and July in each subsequent year after this upcoming increase in July 2024. The price increases, along with their legal obligation to be financially self-sufficient, will help them achieve financial sustainability while improving customer service.
USPS Forever Stamp Historical Prices
(Requested: July 14, 2024: $0.73)
January 21, 2024: $0.68
July 9, 2023: $0.66
January 22, 2023: $0.63
July 10, 2022: $0.60
August 29, 2021: $0.58
January 24, 2021: $0.55
January 26, 2020: $0.55
January 27, 2019: $0.55
January 21, 2018: $0.50
January 22, 2017: $0.49
April 10, 2016: $0.47
January 26, 2014: $0.49
January 27, 2013: $0.46
January 22, 2012: $0.45
May 11, 2009: $0.44
May 12, 2008: $0.42
April 12, 2007: $0.41
Source: https://foreverstampprice.com/
As the name suggests, Forever stamps can be used at any time after purchase, regardless of whether the postage rate goes up in the future. So if you stock up on Forever stamps at the current price before the July increase, the stamps will still be good after this new and any future price increases.
New Prices for July 2024):
Letters (1 oz.) 68 cents (Current Price) 73 cents (Planned Price)
Letters (metered 1 oz.) 64 cents (Current Price) 69 cents (Planned Price)
Domestic Postcards 53 cents (Current Price) 56 cents (Planned Price)
International Postcards $1.55 (Current Price) $1.65 (Planned Price)
International Letter (1 oz.) $1.55 (Current Price) $1.65 (Planned Price)
The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters increases from 24 cents to 28 cents. The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products, including Certified Mail and money order fees.
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