Wyoming Pathways

Wyoming Pathways substantially met the four key program goals of its work plan for 2022: expand the movement, increase funding for community bicycle, pedestrian and trail systems, improve government policies, and build safe and inviting facilities. Organizationally, the base of supporters increased, along with the capacity to manage advocacy efforts though improved outreach. Over 1200 supporters regularly receive communications and action alerts, and the social media outreach was expanded. The staff and board completed dozens of meetings statewide with local and state government agencies, and met with community groups, clubs and advocates around Wyoming. Staff also visited or video conferenced with many public lands offices, with significant partnership efforts with the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in Laramie, Lander, Thermopolis, and Jackson Hole that are creating enhanced public trail systems.

Wyoming Pathways has developed a very successful trail building partnership program and participated meaningfully in the public planning process of a number of state and federal agencies, to improve agency policies and planning decisions. Over the grant period this includes comment efforts with USFS, DOI, and the BLM public land agencies. Forest Service partnerships continue to help improve the Pole Mountain trail system on the Medicine Bow NF that serves Laramie and Cheyenne. Almost four miles were completed connecting Pole Mountain to Happy Jack and the Tie City parking lot. The partnership with the Lander BLM continued trail improvements at Johnny Behind the Rocks area, serving Lander WY and the visiting public. The new "J-Line" trail is a downhill optimized first-of-its-kind trail on public lands. Wyoming Pathways completed the Thermopolis,WY "Round Top" trail which is the end point of the trail that will connect Hot Springs State park through T-Hill and old airport. Wyoming Pathways programs supported protecting our public lands while enhancing access to enjoy them.

Wyoming Pathways regularly met and corresponded with officials on the benefits and needs of biking and walking in Wyoming and to support funding programs. Educational and encouragement efforts included the local governments, Wyoming Legislature, state agencies, and with WY Governor Gordon's office. The impact can measured with progress with key State Agencies that resulted in measurable impact, including training for community leaders and advocates on bicycle pedestrian design best-practices, general program improvement, assisting communities with pathway and trail fund raising plans, and promoting budget choices to better support bicycle, pedestrian and trail programs and policies. Departments of Health, WYDOT, State Parks, Business Council, State Lands, Governor's office are all engaged, and continued progress is evident.