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Commission awards $33 million in contracts in October

CHEYENNE – Construction crews will resurface a section of Interstate 80 between Sinclair and Walcott Junction to improve the road surface.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, a $7.3 million contract for the work in Carbon County. The commission awarded that and nine other projects totaling $33 million at its recent meeting in October.

For the I-80 work, crews will resurface about 6 miles in the eastbound and westbound lanes starting at mile marker 221.27. Crews will also make repairs to the approach slabs on a bridge at a nearby interchange.

The work will improve the surface and eliminate ruts and cracks. While the work is taking place in one direction of travel, traffic will be diverted to a single lane in the opposing traffic lane. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2022.

The other contracts the commission awarded included surface repair, minor bridge work and stockpiling of materials.

The commission awarded Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, a $6.8 million contract for a resurfacing and curb and gutter contract on 16 miles of US 26 at various locations between Lander and Ft. Washakie in Fremont County.

Crews will perform Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work on all sidewalk corners to bring them up to current standards. They will also do paving work to improve the road surface and make electrical upgrades at the intersections for traffic lights. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021.

Northern Improvement Co., of Fargo, North Dakota, was the low bidder on a $4.7 million resurfacing project on 13 miles of US 85 between Lusk and Newcastle in Niobrara and Weston counties.

Crews will perform a mill and overlay and make minor bridge repairs to improve the surface. They will also replace worn culverts. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022.

Knife River, of Cheyenne, won a $4.2 million resurfacing project on 8 miles of WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper in Natrona County.

Crews will resurface the road and add about a 1,000-foot passing lane to improve the surface and traffic flow in that area. Crews will also install new fencing. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022.

Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $3.9 million to Riverside Contracting, of Missoula, Montana, for a resurfacing and settlement repair on WYO 120 between Cody and the Montana state line by Oct. 31, 2021; • $2.7 million to S & S Builders, of

Gillette, for rehabilitation work to four bridges in Laramie, Natrona and Platte counties by Nov. 30, 2021; • $1.4 million to Avail Valley Construction, of Afton, for a stockpiling contract for crushed surface material at several locations in Lincoln, Sublette,

Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties by Aug. 30, 2021; • $877,670 to Highway Improvement

Inc., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a crack sealing contract at various locations in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater and Uinta counties by May 15, 2021; • $510,522 to Z & Z Seal Coating Inc., of Billings, Montana, for a crack sealing contract at various locations in

Albany, Carbon and Laramie counties by March 31, 2021; and • $444,332 to Z & Z Seal Coating Inc. for a crack sealing contract at various locations in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties by

April 30, 2021.

WHP participates in the national Crimes Against Children patrol operation CHEYENNE – Oct. 23-25 the Wyoming Highway Patrol participated in the national Crimes Against Children (CAC) patrol operation in Wyoming.

The CAC patrol operation was intended to increase law enforcement awareness to the most vulnerable population – children and their safety. WHP participated in this operation because of their commitment to proactively protecting children during regular duties, including but not limited to traffic stops, investigations, and consensual contacts, such as motorist assists. This can only be achieved by being aware and vigilant of indicators for when a child is at risk of victimization or that another person, typically an adult, is a high-risk threat to children.

The CAC patrol operation focused on: • Increasing awareness of uniformed officers’ objective to remain alert for opportunities to protect children. • Identifying missing, exploited and atrisk children. • Identifying individuals who may be a high-risk threat to children. • Identifying registered sex offenders who may be out of compliance with requirements.

WHP reminds citizens to say something if they see anything suspicious. Remember, sometimes adults are the only voice for these children. To report an issue, please call 911 or your local law enforcement office.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

CHEYENNE – On Oct. 13 a traffic stop 23 miles south of Gillette on WYO 50 resulted in a seizure of close to 2 pounds of methamphetamine by Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers.

A trooper stopped Jerry Dawson, a male resident of Dickenson, North Dakota, for speeding when he was observed traveling 92 mph in a posted 70 mph zone. Dawson was driving a 2020 Chrysler 300 at the time of the stop.

While the trooper was speaking with the passenger, Bobby Dickerson, of Bakersfield, California, he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle and noticed a marijuana bud on the passenger seat. This prompted a search of the car. In the trunk of the Chrysler, troopers located approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine.

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The passenger standing with a back-up trooper began to flee on foot from the traffic stop. A short time later, he was apprehended in a field north of the initial stopped location.

The driver and passenger were arrested and taken to the Campbell County Detention Center. They have been charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance and felony possession with intent to deliver.

The methamphetamine is believed to have originated in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a final destination of North Dakota.

2021 STIP approved

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2021.

The STIP is available on the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s website. Monthly updates will be available on the website.

The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, capital improvement projects, and statewide communication work that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during this fiscal year that began Oct. 1. The STIP is published annually and updates are issued monthly.

Besides 2021 projects, the STIP includes a listing of planned transportation projects slated through 2026. It also includes a summary of pass-through federal funding for public transportation throughout the state.

Highway projects are listed by county and note the general character of work for the various transportation system projects. These projects include highway, transit, airports and others. District 1

WYDOT begins damage repairs at Fort Steele Interchange on I-80

RAWLINS – Crews with S&L Industrial and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began a bridge damage repair project at the Fort Steele interchange on I-80 on Oct. 26.

The interchange structure was damaged after a crash last winter. Fortunately, inspections showed the impact did not affect the structural integrity of the interchange.

The damage repair work anticipated minimal impacts to traffic on I-80, but lane closures were in place on County Road 347 under the interstate. Traffic was directed through a single lane by flaggers, with intermittent stoppage on the county road.

In June, the Fort Steele Rest Area (milepost 228) closed along with nine other rest areas around the state as a cost-saving measure. Public access to facilities and parking at the rest area is prohibited.

The nearly $100,000 project is expected to be complete in a month’s time. All WYDOT project schedules are subject to change, including due to inclement weather and material or equipment availability.

Photo: WYDOT Damage to the Fort Steele interchange on I-80 is undergoing repairs.

Multi-year project brings more truck parking to I-80

RAWLINS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working to bring additional winter semi-truck parking and other safety improvements to Interstate 80. Crews started work on the project at the end of October.

WYDOT’s I-80 Winter Freight project will bring nearly 100 new semi-truck parking spaces to both the Fort Steele Rest Area about 7 miles east of Sinclair (milepost 228) and at the Quealy Dome truck parking area 20 miles west of Laramie (milepost 290) for a total of almost 200 new spaces.

“If weather conditions are poor or I-80 is closed, the new truck parking will provide additional options for truck drivers to park safely while they wait for conditions to improve,” said Tim Morton, District 1 Construction engineer.

Additionally, semi-truck climbing lanes will be installed on 2 miles of I-80 eastbound over Halleck Ridge (about 8 miles west of Elk Mountain, between mm 250.5-252.5) and about 2 miles of I-80 westbound between Cooper Cove and Quealy Dome (mm 279.5-281.5) near the Albany County line.

“Climbing lanes help with traffic flow, especially on inclines with steep grades,” Morton said. “They also help prevent secondary crashes when I-80 reopens after an extended road closure.”

Motorists on I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins will see minimal impacts as Simon Contractors begins the multi-year project today. Activity will start in and around the Fort Steele Rest Area.

The Fort Steele Rest Area closed along with nine other rest areas around the state in June as a cost-saving measure. Both facilities and parking at the rest area will remain closed during I-80 Winter Freight project construction. Please do not park on the on- and off-ramps of the interstate as it will potentially impede work in the area.

Once the project is complete, the Fort Steele Rest Area will reopen to the public.

The $20 million project is funded by a federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant and is expected to be complete in October 2022. All WYDOT project scheduling is subject to change, including due to inclement weather and material or equipment availability.

Avoid placing signs in rights-of-way

LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation would like to remind residents, businesses and elected officials to keep all signs and advertisements out of WYDOT rights-of-way.

WYDOT understands communities affected by the Mullen Fire are using signs as a way to express gratitude to deserving firefighters, and local campaigns are ramping up efforts ahead of a fast-approaching election. However, all signage must be placed within private property and not in highway rights-of-way.

Objects within the rights-of-way can create safety hazards for motorists,

pedestrians and highway maintenance staff. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24-10-104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Placing signs or objects within highway rights-of-way is prohibited, including on right-of-way fencing or on trees, traffic signs or traffic signal poles within the right-of-way.

Businesses and residents who believe their signs may have been removed by WYDOT crews may contact the nearest WYDOT maintenance office to make arrangements to pick up the signs.

Campaign signs, for sale signs, thank you signs and the like are not allowed in state rights-of-way.

Photo: WYDOT

I-80 bridge work required overnight closures of County Road 140 near Hillsdale

CHEYENNE – Bridge work at the Hillsdale interchange of I-80 involved overnight closures of County Road 140 (Stuckey Road) Oct. 5-7.

Part of a multi-year bridge replacement project at the interchange, S&S Builders worked overnight hanging girders for the westbound structure at exit 377 on I-80. Crews used a crane parked on CR 140 to lift the girders into place, which necessitated the closure of the county road.

To minimize traffic impacts, work took place Oct. 5-7 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. A detour was in place to guide traffic around the work zone.

Traffic on I-80 continued to move head-to-head in the eastbound lanes from mile markers 372-382 until returning to the normal configuration.

The bridge replacement project is expected to be complete fall 2021. Concrete repairs on US 287 south of Laramie

LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation worked on a roadwork project on US 287 (Third Street) just south of Laramie.

Located just south of the I-80/US 287 interchange, crews completed some concrete repairs in the southbound driving lane (right-hand lane) of the highway structure that crosses over the railroad tracks.

Motorists through the area were encouraged to stay alert and be ready to slow down for workers and heavy equipment in the roadway in addition to expected lane closures.

Traffic delays on I-80 near Cheyenne

CHEYENNE – Traffic on I-80 west of Cheyenne experienced a brief delay on Sept. 29 when contractors with Black Hills Energy and the Wyoming Department of Transportation worked to remove overhead power transmission lines that are no longer in use.

The removal required temporarily stopping both eastbound and westbound interstate traffic for 10 minutes.

The work zone, which is about a mile west of the Roundtop Road interchange at mile marker 357 caused delays for motorists.

“The electrical line work did not result in any outages for customers,” said Dustin McKen, director of operations for Black Hills Energy in Wyoming. “The overarching project that this work is a part of, will provide more reliable service as well as help to provide safe, clean energy for customers.” District 2

Pursuit ends safely north of Cheyenne

WHEATLAND – A Rapid City, South Dakota resident is in custody following a pursuit that took place Oct. 20.

The pursuit started shortly after 11:20 a.m. when a Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper attempted to stop a reported stolen vehicle headed southbound on I-25 north of Wheatland. The stolen car was a 2017 Hyundai Veloster taken from the Pennington County, South Dakota area.

The driver of the stolen vehicle fled south on I-25 at speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit continued south and entered into Laramie County where troopers were able to deploy spike strips to deflate the vehicle tires. This slowed the stolen vehicle to a slower speed, but the car continued south. In the interest of public safety, the trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver. The stolen vehicle exited the roadway before coming to a stop.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. She has been identified as 19-year-old Rapid City, South Dakota resident Tinan Sky Trudell.

Trudell was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of the stolen vehicle, fleeing to elude, reckless driving, speed, and other traffic-related offenses.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Department assisted with this incident.

Department adjusts intersection control, helps left turns during peak times

CASPER – On Nov. 2, motorists turning left from eastbound CY Avenue onto northbound Poplar Street had a better, and safer way of doing so.

WYDOT began restricting the left turn phase of the traffic signal during weekdays after school and through the evening commute. Meaning that during these times, traffic did not see a flashing yellow arrow signaling a permissive left turn when conditions are safe. Instead those turning needed to wait for the green arrow to turn.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on this intersection and have noticed that during peak times, left-turning traffic often cannot do so or drivers attempt to make the turn when it’s unsafe to do so,” said WYDOT District 2 Traffic Engineer Chad Aagard.

“It’s been observed that traffic favors one left turn lane but not both turn lanes. By allowing left turns with a green arrow only, it’s hoped that the use of the dual

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Briefs continued from page 5 left turn lane will increase, increasing the safety and efficiency of the intersection while reducing congestion.”

Currently, motorists turning left onto northbound Poplar Street are allowed to do so when it’s safe as the traffic signal indicates a flashing yellow arrow. During high afternoon traffic, the allowance is restricted and drivers are only able to turn when the arrow is green. Once the high traffic times have passed, the signal returns to normal allowing permissive left turns.

The hours of the restriction will be monitored. The idea is to help with after school and evening work traffic and congestion. WYDOT may need to adjust those times depending on traffic volume.

Photo: WYDOT

Traffic will not see a flashing yellow arrow to turn left from CY Avenue. Instead, traffic will need to wait for a green arrow to turn left onto northbound Poplar Street.

District 3

Green River exit was closed temporarily

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed exit 91 to Green River Oct. 15 to remove a high mast tower light that recently collapsed due to excessive winds. The closure was scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Green River was still accessible to westbound I-80 traffic by way of exit 89 on the west end of town.

Work begins at night on the Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Reiman Corp., began work on the Snake River Bridge Sept. 28. All the work on the Snake River Bridge will take place at night, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Crews closed one lane of traffic at night to perform the work. Drivers encountered flagger-controlled traffic delays beginning 8:30 p.m. each night until 10 p.m., at which time traffic was controlled by the temporary signals. Traffic was controlled by the signals until 5 a.m. and traffic saw flagger-controlled delays until 6 a.m.

After a safety inspection earlier this year, the bridge was subject to modified load limitations for trucks. The work allows the bridge to return to its unrestricted condition prior to the inspection until its replacement in 2023. After the work was complete, all posted restrictions were lifted.

The Snake River Bridge and the WYO 390 intersection are currently in the planning phases of construction and are set for reconstruction starting in spring of 2023. District 4

North Sheridan Interchange completion celebrated

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 14 to celebrate the completion of the North Sheridan Interchange and North Main Street project.

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the South Decker Road cul de sac on North Main Street – the former location of Decker Highway.

The old North Interchange was a trumpet style interchange which no longer met safety specifications. The new interchange, a diamond configuration, was relocated west of the old intersection and a portion of the North Decker highway was realigned to join the new interchange. The new location and realignment moves higher volumes of traffic through an intersection offering a safer, easier accessible and more fluid transition off of the interstate.

The project was awarded to the Joint Venture Group of High County Construction and Reiman Corp., one of WYDOT’s largest at the time, with a bid award amount of approximately $46 million.

The North Sheridan Interchange project began in the fall of 2016 with excavation of the new location of the interchange and realignment of the old Decker Road, and continued throughout the winter into 2017.

Once excavation work was complete, contractors began building the interchange bridge structure and North Main Street from the Interchange to Canfield Drive, which was opened to traffic later that fall. Additionally, a new railroad bridge over Higby Road was constructed while the westbound lane of I-90 was reconstructed and resurfaced. The original interchange and Decker Road bridges were closed and removed.

The summer of 2018’s focus was on the widening and paving of North Main Street from Canfield Drive to Fort Road. During this time, the contractors and the city of Sheridan replaced and upgraded all utilities along this corridor and added decorative lighting, curb and gutter, sidewalks and landscaping features. The Higby/Railroad Bridge was completed and eastbound I-90 was reconstructed and resurfaced.

The city of Sheridan partnered with WYDOT and used content sensitive amenities and enhancement grant funds to expand the pathway system and add landscaping and decorative lighting along the corridor.

Photo: WYDOT The ribbon cutting for the North Sheridan Interchange completion occurred on an extremely blustery day. Attending from left: District 4 Engineer Scott Taylor, Sheridan Mayor Roger Miller, Director Luke Reiner, Chief Engineer Mark Gillett, Transportation Commissioner Rick Newton and North Main Association Executive Director Nancy Drummond.

Downtown Sheridan Main Street three lane configuration

SHERIDAN – The city of Sheridan and the Wyoming Department of Transportation transformed Sheridan’s downtown Main Street from its traditional four-lane traffic pattern to three lanes the weekend of Oct. 10.

The city of Sheridan closed Downtown Main Street from 1st Street to Burkitt Street to prepare the roadway for striping on Sunday.

Contractors spent the night of Oct. 10 removing the existing striping pattern and preparing the road surface for the new three-lane striping. Working well into the night, the striping crew laid new traffic lanes and directional arrows before the rain came. Once the new lines were down, contractors spent the remainder of the night and much of Oct. 11 grinding out the original traffic lanes.

On Oct. 12, the city and WYDOT closed intersections throughout the week to replace signal heads and upgrade signage.

This permanent change is a result of a six-week long test performed in 2019. The study was successful in determining the three lane option offered motorists a safer, efficient and smoother drive through downtown Sheridan.

The three-lane pattern includes one travel lane in each direction with a center turn lane and a diagonal hatched buffer zone between the parallel curbside parking and the travel lanes. The buffer zone is intended to offer motorists an additional four feet of room for parallel parking and exiting and entering their vehicles.

The buffer zone is not classified to be a bike lane, as it does not meet the width criteria to meet safety standards.

The current signals deny left hand turns during peak travel times will be removed, allowing left hand turns at any time of the day.

The current three-lane configuration in downtown Sheridan.

Photo: WYDOT

District 4 maintenance performing annual MQC

SHERIDAN – WYDOT District 4 maintenance technicians reviewed more than 160 sections of highway in the northeast corner of Wyoming performing their annual maintenance quality control (MQC) inspections.

MQC is an annual event in which maintenance technicians spend several weeks assessing the current conditions of Wyoming’s highways. Asset conditions and consistencies are measured and resource needs are justified. Additionally, MQC is used to assist with long range planning and for budgeting and prioritizing work plans.

The checklist of items is extensive, from pavement condition to the number of staples in the right of way fencing. This gives WYDOT a snapshot of what assets need to be considered for repair, improvement or reconstruction.

In addition to pavement and fencing, the MQC team looks at shoulders, approaches, reflector posts, guardrail and barriers, weeds, litter, cattle guards, curb and gutters, culverts, irrigation ditches and signing of these predetermined road sections.

Once this information is gathered, district maintenance engineer Larry Konetzki and his team compare the data to previous year’s assessments for any changes and use the information to determine the following year’s budget and work load – which can then be used to prioritize the need for increased resources needed to perform maintenance activities.

The overall objective is to meet customer expectations, provide consistent quality throughout Wyoming’s highways, and educate WYDOT’s employees about asset quality standard expectations.

Although MQC is done annually in the fall, district maintenance technicians are constantly assessing Wyoming’s roads and work daily to meet the primary objective of meeting the public’s expectations. District 5

Waltman Rest Area temporarily closed for parking area improvements

SHOSHONI – Waltman Rest Area between Shoshoni and Casper was closed beginning Oct. 19 for parking area improvements.

The rest area improvements are part of the current project constructing seven sets of passing lanes between Shoshoni and Casper on US 20/26.

Work at the Waltman Rest Area includes removal of existing pavement surfacing, grading, leveling and repaving of the Waltman Rest Area parking area.

The $5.8 million project begins east of Moneta (milepost 76) and continues to Waltman (milepost 51.6).

The new US 20/26 passing lanes are being constructed between mileposts 51.6 to 52.7 (passing lane 1), mileposts 54.8 to 56.0 (passing lane 2), mileposts 57.1 to 58.3 (passing lane 3), mileposts 61.6 to 62.8 (passing lane 4), mileposts 64.9 to 66.4 (passing lane 5), mileposts 68.5 to 69.7 (passing lane 6), and mileposts 74.5 to 76.0 (passing lane 7).

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell is the prime contractor on the US 20/26 passing lane project. The contractor was awarded the contract on July 18, 2019, by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2020.

Photo: WYDOT Waltman Rest Area was temporarily closed for parking area improvements.

Riverton’s College View/ West Main traffic signal received new wiring

RIVERTON – The traffic signal at the intersection of College View/West Main was shut down Sept. 28 for installation of new wiring as part of continuing improvements on West Main Street in Riverton.

During the outage, traffic at the intersection was controlled with stop signs.

The traffic signal went live with new wiring on Sept. 30. n

New benefits for purchasing a Wildlife Conservation License Plate

WY businesses step up to support Governor’s 2020 Challenge Wyoming Game and Fish participating businesses weekly.

Buying a Wyoming Wildlife Conservation license plate has “All these businesses share in the value that it’s important for always been a great investment for preventing wildlife-vehicle Wyoming to improve our roadways for wildlife and do everycollisions. Now, when individuals provide proof of purchase for thing possible to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions,” said Glenn a wildlife conservation plate, they can receive big discounts from Pauley, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Outreach SpecialWyoming businesses for their commitment to wildlife roadway ist. “Thank you to these businesses for adding to the benefits of a safety. Wyoming wildlife conservation license plate and going the extra

At present, 14 businesses have stepped up to meet Wyoming mile for conservation.” Gov. Mark Gordon’s 2020 challenge to put 2,020 wildlife conser- The wildlife conservation specialty license plate features Wyovation license plates on the road by 2020. About 1,630 wildlife ming’s iconic mule deer. The total initial price of the plate is $180 conservation plates have currently been sold. Additional busi- and a $50 renewal fee annually. The plate is available anytime nesses are being added daily. - not just with renewals. Information on how to purchase the

Individual businesses determine the nature and length of the Wildlife Conservation License Plate is on the WYDOT websale. Discounts range from free magazine subscriptions from site. Proceeds from the sales go to the Wyoming Department of Eastmans’ Publishing to 15% off on all Maven optics merchan- Transportation Wildlife Conservation Fund to support roadway dise. While the Governor’s challenge ends Dec. 31, many busi- improvement projects like overpasses, underpasses, fencing and nesses have extended their sale through January to allow time signage. Over- and underpasses, placed in the right area, can for more individuals to purchase wildlife conservation plates and reduce collisions by up to 90%. to all customer to take full advantage of the holiday shopping Every year more than 6,000 big game animals in Wyoming are season. killed by vehicle collisions.

For retail sales, wildlife conservation license plate verification “Deaths due to vehicle collisions and blocking wildlife moveis determined by the customer’s vehicle registration. For inter- ments are major impacts to our wildlife. With the purchase of a net sales, wildlife conservation license plate holders can enter wildlife conservation plate, we can help make our roads safer for their name, contact information and license plate number into both wildlife and people,” said Brendon Weaver, Maven co-owna section on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s wildlife er. conservation license plate webpage. These names are delivered to All Wyoming businesses are invited to participate in the

challenge.

“Keeping Wyoming roadways safe and allowing animals to continue with their natural migrations are fundamental to the future of Wyoming’s big game herds. I hope all Wyoming businesses participate in this initiative,” said Ike Eastman, president of Eastmans’ Publishing Company

Businesses that do not deal directly with the public can also participate by purchasing license plates for their company vehicles or by making a direct donation. “We purchase wildlife conservation plates or our entire vehicle fleet. Wildlife roadway safety is an important issue for all Wyoming natural resource companies, wildlife enthusiasts, nonprofits, and drivers,” said Matt Hoobler, Director of Operations for Pathfinder Ranches.

Visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website to get more information about discounts available to wildlife conservation license plate holders.

Businesses who wish to join the club to help reach the 2020 goal can contact Game and Fish Outreach Specialist Glenn Pauley at (307) 777-4637 or glenn.pauley@wyo.gov. n

Help get 2,020 Wyoming Wildlife Conservation Plates on the highway by year’s end. There are 1,667 Wildlife

Conservation Plates on Wyoming vehicles to date. Check out the county tallies:

The Wildlife Conservation Plate Challenge posts updates on social media with tallies from each Wyoming county. The above update was from the week of Oct. 26.

Current businesses participating in the Governor’s 2020 Wildlife Conservation Plate challenge • Absolute Archery; 10% off all in • JAX Outdoor Gear, Farm and • Thermopolis Fly Shop; 15% off all in stock items, excluding special orders; Ranch; 5% off on all purchases; stock inventory, guided fishing and • Cheyenne Motor Sports; 10% off • Maven Outdoor Company; 15% off hunting trips; parts, accessories, service*; up to $500 on all merchandise; • Two Rivers Motel; 15% off nightly off* purchase of any new or used unit: $100 off purchase up to $5,000; $250 off purchase $5,001 to $10,000; $350 off purchase $10,001 to $14,999; $500 off purchase over $15,000; • Midas (Cheyenne, Lincolnway); 10% off any automotive service (excludes tires, batteries), $50 off the purchase of a set of four tires; • • rates; Ugly Bug Fly Shop; 10% off on store item excluding guided fishing trips; Wagner’s Outdoor Outfitters; 10% • Eastmans’ Publishing Inc.; Free annual subscriptions to Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, Bow Hunting Jour• Rocky Mountain Discount Sports; 10% off on all retail items excluding firearms and ammo; • off on all retail items excluding firearms and ammo; Weatherby; 10% discount for sales up nal, and TagHub hunting research • Skull Bracket; 15% off on internet to $5,000 on all factory and custom database; products; firearms purchased from their show• Gambles Furniture and Appliances; • Sunlight Sports; Free daily winter room store; 5% off on any furniture or mattresses; gear package rental (snowshoe, nordic • Westbank Anglers; 15% off all in • Gear Up and Get out There; 10% off on any in store product (excluding skis, alpine skis or backcountry touring skis); • stock retail products; and West Laramie Fly Store; 10% off on special orders and bikes); • The Reef Fly Shop; 10% off on all all fishing supplies, ammo and $30 off • Gunwerks; 10% off on Gunwerks products including rifles, optics, and retail items, $50 off on their guided fishing day trip rate; on all firearms. merchandise;