Pinedale Updates
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July, 2001

Below are the updates from earlier Pinedale Online front pages for those of you who would like to know what's been happening in our area. Click here for current Fire Updates.

July 2001 Updates:
July 29 - Bikes and Bears
July 26 - Fires quiet, update on Rocky Shaver
July 25 - Rocky Shaver injured in motorcycle accident
July 25 - Fire update
July 24 - Fire update
July 16 - More Fires
July 15 - Rendezvous!
July 9 - Bondurant grows to over 600
July 8 - National Team Arrives for Fires
July 7 - July seems like late August
July 6 - Fires

July 5 - Fire Update

Summer Fun
Dale Hill participates in the Tour de Wyoming Bike Race this week

Dale Hill participates in the 5th annual Tour de Wyoming Bike Ride last week. The 6-day, 360 mile ride was held in eastern Wyoming this year from July 22-July 27. Last year the Tour passed through Pinedale. Photo by Lloyd McLaughlin of Estes Park, Colorado. More

June, 2001 Updates
May, 2001 Updates
April, 2001 Updates
March 2001 Updates
February 2001 Updates

January 2001 Updates
[2001 Updates] [2000 Updates] [1999 Updates]

Pinedale Roundup
Click here for news stories from the Pinedale Roundup archives


Sunday, July 29, 2001
Bikes and Bears

Tour de Wyoming
Another Black Bear Killed
'Crime' in Sublette County
LOCAL FOCUS:

Rocky Shaver Passed Away Saturday, Memorial Service Scheduled for Aug 10
Fire Update

Sublette County Fair

Dale Hill rides in Tour de Wyoming Bike Tour
Local bicycling enthusiast Dale Hill just returned from the Fifth Annual Tour de Wyoming bicycle tour, which kicked off Sunday, July 22 in Gillette, Wyoming. The Tour ran through Friday, July 27th and passed through Gillette, Wright, Newcastle, Sundance and Moorcroft, Wyoming.
   Each year the Tour goes on a different route in Wyoming. Last year the Tour passed through Pinedale. This year the Tour stayed in eastern Wyoming, starting in Gillette and looping 360 miles through Black Hills Country and Devil's Tower until returning to Gillette six days later. The route took cyclists through the Thunder Basin National Grassland and into the Black Hills, around Devil's Tower and past Keyhole State Park. They spent two nights in Sundance before heading west through more Black Hills country and across the National Grassland again before returning to Gillette.
   "It was a fast six days!" said Pinedale biking enthusiast Dale Hill, who owns A to Z Hardware. Dale has participated in the Tour de Wyoming for the past several years. When asked what he liked about the Tour, Dale said, "It's small. It's Wyoming. It's great!"
    The Tour de Wyoming is becoming more and more popular each year, but is still relatively small. Anyone interested in participating should sign up early though, because the available spaces fill up each year. Riders can get information about signing up to be on the 2002 mailing list at the Tour de Wyoming web site.

Black Bear Killed near New Fork Lake
Wyoming Game & Fish authorities killed a black bear July 18, at the New Fork Lake Boy Scout Camp north of Pinedale after the animal had been allowed to receive food rewards at the camp. This is the second black bear that has had to be killed because of entering area campgrounds. Earlier this month another problem bear was killed near Fremont Lake campground.
   According to a Wyoming Game & Fish press release the bear visited the New Fork camp on several occasions where it received food rewards and on Tuesday night the 225-250 pound male bear entered and damaged a tent where food had been left. Game and Fish Department officials decided because the bear had become food-conditioned and had lost its fear of people, they had to destroy it to prevent further property damage and protect the safety of campers.
   Dustin Shorma, Jackson Region Bear Management Officer, says that unfortunate situations such as this can be avoided if people prevent bears from receiving food when they come into contact with humans.
"Usually in situations like this where the bear has become so habituated, trapping and relocating the bear usually results in just moving the problem from one area to another," Shorma said. "The problem we are fighting in cases like this are not problems with bears but problems with people. A few simple steps could have been taken that would have prevented this bear's death."
   Past experience proves that once a bear has received food at a residence or camp, they will continue to seek out meals at those locations, even after the animal is trapped and relocated to a remote forest site. Landowners and forest visitors are reminded it is particularly important in dry years like this to store garbage, bird feeders, barbecue grills and pet food out of the reach of bears.
   Bears that are food-conditioned and habituated to humans can become nuisances, causing damage to property and sometimes putting human safety at risk. These bears are often killed to prevent continued conflict.

Crime in Sublette County
Each year law enforcement agencies in Wyoming submit crime information which goes into an annual Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Annual Report from the Office of the Attorney General. The 2000 report came out earlier this year and we thought some of you might be interested in the arrest statistics for Sublette County.

Murder: 0
Rape: 0
Robbery: 0
Aggravated Assaults: 15
Arson: 1
Forgery & Counterfeiting: 0
Burglary: 23
Larceny: 120
Locally Stolen and Recovered property:
  $149,242 stolen/$145,443 recovered
Motor Vehicle Thefts: 6
Drug Abuse Violations: 15
  Sale/Manufacturing: 0
  Possession: 15
DUI: 63
Sex Offenses: 2
Runaways: 0
Total offenses for 2000: 164
This is a -3.5% change from the previous year.

The Sublette County Sheriff's Office had 32 employees which included 15 male and 2 female officers and 15 civilians. This comes out to 2.9 officers for every 1,000 people in the county. The Index Crime per Officers rate was 9.6 for 2000.

The UCR Annual Report on Crime in Wyoming contains data on reported crime from January through December, 2000, as well as domestic violence incidents. Law enforcement agencies also submit information that is compiled monthly and released in quarterly Crime in Wyoming reports by the Division of Criminal Investigation of the State of Wyoming Office of Attorney General. Copies can be obtained by writing 316 West 22nd Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

LOCAL FOCUS
Rocky Shaver Passed Away Saturday
Memorial Service: Aug 10, 10:00 am
Pinedale High School Auditorium

The Sublette County Sheriff's Office reported that Chief Detective Rocky Shaver passed away Saturday afternoon, July 28, from injuries he received in a motorcycle accident on Teton Pass last Saturday. A memorial service has been scheduled for August 10th at 10 am at the Pinedale High School Auditorium. A luncheon will follow at the VFW Post 4801. Anyone wishing to send a card to the Shaver family can send it to the Sublette County Sheriff's Office at PO Box 701, Pinedale, WY 82941. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rocky Shaver Benefit account at the Bank of Pinedale, PO Box 1510, Pinedale, WY 82941. Monday, July 30 SCSO Press Release

Fire Update
The status of the fire situation on the southern portion of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is about the same with no new fires to report. All campgrounds and trails are open, and no restrictions are in effect. If you're planning on coming to the Wind River Range, Green River area, Gros Ventres, or the Wyoming Range, things still look great. Go to our Fire page for local fire information. See the Teton Fires web site for information about the Green Knoll fire by Wilson near Jackson.

Yellowstone National Park fire information
A fire located south of Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone National Park has caused officials to close the East Entrance to the park today, July 29, (US Hwys 14-16-20) due to heavy smoke and the closeness of the fire to the highway. Motorists are advised to use the Chief Joseph Highway, or Northeast entrance, as an alternate route. More information may be found at the Yellowstone National Park fire website or by calling (307) 344-7381.


Thursday, July 26, 2001
Fire Update
Summer Fun at Kid's Camp
Sublette County Fair is Coming!
LOCAL FOCUS:

Update on Rocky Shaver
Services for Fred Hagenstein
Square Dancing
Forest Campground Host Needed
Trudy's Take: Weddings

Fire Update
Thursday, July 26 , 2001 Fire Update:
The status of the fire situation on the southern portion of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is about the same with no new fires to report. All campgrounds and trails are open, and no restrictions are in effect. If you're planning on coming to the Wind River Range, Green River area, Gros Ventres, or the Wyoming Range, things still look great.

The Green Knoll fire near Wilson, Wyoming, southwest of Jackson is currently about 1/2 mile from the nearest structure in Black Canyon and is spotting in the vicinity of homes (as of 7:30 pm this evening.) Firefighters have been able to contain the spotting and no structures have been lost at this time. Engines will be patrolling the residential areas throughout the night. The fire is now 2,500 acres in size and being called 10% contained. The Governor has stated that he plans to declare a 'State of Emergency" for the fire area. Currently, this fire is the #1 firefighting priority in the nation allowing fire resources to be devoted to this fire. Resources on this fire include 692 firefighting staff (400 additional ordered today), 8 air tankers, 12 helicopters, 2 air attack planes, 2 lead planes, 30 wildland fire engines, 9 structural protection engines and 9 bulldozers. The town of Jackson is not threatened, and Grand Teton Park and Yellowstone are open. The fire and smoke column can be seen as you travel to or from the Jackson area, but the Tetons are still visible. Click here for a current web cam picture of the Tetons.

For more detailed information about the fires, please visit our Fire page. For more fire information on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the Yellowstone area, go to the www.tetonfires.com web site. The Wyoming Division of Tourism also now has information for tourists wanting to know if fires will affect the trips they have planned in Wyoming. Go to www.wyomingtourism.org.

LOCAL FOCUS
Update on Rocky Shaver
Thursday, July 26, 5 pm. The Sublette County Sheriff's Office said that Chief Detective Rocky Shaver is still critical but stable today as a result of a motorcycle accident he had last Saturday on a sharp curve on the Idaho side of the top of Teton Pass. Rocky is still in Bannock Regional Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho, with injuries to his head, broken ribs and a broken clavicle. He is currently in a medical coma which was induced to try to reduce swelling to his brain. Anyone wishing to send a card to the Shaver family can send it to the Sublette County Sheriff's Office at PO Box 701, Pinedale, WY 82941.

Services for Fred Hagenstein
Graveside services for Fred Hagenstein will be held at the Pinedale Cemetery on Friday, July 27, at 10 am.

Sublette County Fair is coming!
The Sublette County Fair is almost here! Events begin July 28 and run through August 5th. The festivities start off with the Carriage Driving Competition on July 28th at the Ag Center just outside Marbleton. The Little Buckaroo Rodeo is on Wednesday, August 1st. The Talent Contest is on Saturday at 4 pm and the Extreme Sports Show will be Thursday through Saturday. There are many, many activities, performances and fun events scheduled in addition to all the shows, so don't miss the Fair! For detailed schedule information, please visit their web page at: Sublette County Fair

Square Dancing
Like to Square Dance? You can most Wednesdays at 7 pm at the Pinedale School Cafeteria. Call 537-5227 for more information.

Forest Campground Host Needed
Have you dreamed of spending a summer in Wyoming as a Campground Host? If you are interested, the Pinedale Ranger has a position available. Hosts live at the campgrounds (typically they have their own RVs) and provide visitor information to the campground guests during the summer. Per diem is included. For more details, call 307-367-4326.

Summer Fun at Skinner's Kid's Camp

Tipi by Burnt Lake at Skinner Brother's Wilderness CampEach summer, Skinner Brother's Wilderness Camps offers programs for kids at their base camp on Burnt Lake and in the Wind River Mountains.

They offer programs for youth ages 9-19 including boys and girls wilderness camps, open mountaineering and leadership camps. Young people attending the camps learn outdoor skills such as horseback riding, backpacking, rock climbing, nature skills, building outdoor shelters, map & compass reading, campfire cooking, finding edible plants, fishing and much more. The Leadership sessions offer fine-tuning outdoor skills with activities like white water rafting, horse pack trips into the wilderness, and hikes into the alpine wilderness.

Nick from Boise works on his survival hike backpackMuch of the time is spent on trips into the mountains, but we caught several groups this weekend at the basecamp on Burnt Lake preparing for their next outing. Boys ages 9-15 in the Wilderness Camp session were preparing for a Survival Hike. During this adventure, they make their own packs to hold their supplies, build their own shelters and campfires, find edible plants and make soup, and fish in the creek for dinner.Reid, Miles, James, Rob, Spencer and Al relax before their Survival HikeOther groups were preparing for their horseback pack trip across the Wind River Mountains to the Big Sandy area. Participants take everything they'll need on their horse pack string. They camp in the mountains, gaze at the brilliant stars in the night sky, go exploring, fish in high mountain lakes, and learn about backcountry camping.

When we asked some of the boys what their favorite part of the stay has been, they all shouted out things at once, "Climbing!", "Shooting", "Riding the horses!", "Making fun of Tara". They also had some requests for the Moms out there reading this. "Please send a care package or send me Grans address so she'll send one." Items requested include King Size Snickers bars, SnackPaks, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Cherry Coke, and Root Beer. You know which one your kid wants! Matthew from Texas (Mom, see the picture below) said to tell you: "Having a good time. Everything at camp is great. Love you and miss you! See you in two weeks. Please send the Sprite."

For more information about Skinner Brother's Wilderness Camps, please see their Wyoming Outdoors website, www.wyomingoutdoors.com.

Matthew from Texas and Rodney from Casper build the campfire in their tipi
Matthew from Texas and Rodney from Casper prepare the logs for their nightly tipi campfire.

Trudy FryTRUDY'S TAKE
Weddings

Trudy Fry
To those fathers who have daughters of marrying age, the time of "oh, let's just live together" is over for the upcoming generation. As of last weekend there were seven - count them - seven weddings or receptions in Pinedale. This coming weekend is also going to be busy with nuptials. As one father-of-the-bride was told, "just be quiet and pay the bills." It is a great time to get together and see people that haven't been around for ages. We are all up for a great celebration no matter what time of year it is. There isn't a more beautiful place on earth to exchange wedding vows than what we see everyday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rocky Shaver and his family. Get better soon, Rocky.


Wednesday, July 25- Rocky Shaver Injured in Motorcycle Accident
Chief Detective Rocky Shaver is described as "critical but stable" today according to the Sublette County Sheriff's Office. Rocky was in a motorcycle accident on Saturday in Teton County, Idaho. A Sublette County Sheriff's Office press release was issued this morning.
Our hearts and prayers are with Rocky and his family.

Wednesday, July 25 , 2001 Fire Update:
While all's pretty quiet for us here on the south end of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, things are picking up for the folks on the northern end near Wilson, southwest of Jackson, due to the Green Knoll fire. An evacuation was ordered today for 3 subdivisions of homes as the fire advanced towards them. Currently, this fire is the #1 firefighting priority in the nation. Resources on this fire include
615 firefighters, 7 air tankers, 9 helicopters, 20 wildland fire engines and 10 structural protection engines.

We don't have any active fires on the southern end of the B-T, all campgrounds and trails are open, and no restrictions are in effect. The sky is a little hazy from smoke coming from the fire up near Jackson and that smoke column was visible today. If you're planning on coming to the Wind River Range, Green River area, Gros Ventres, or the Wyoming Range, things still look great, so come on over!

Our fires on the southern end of the Bridger-Teton National Forest are all under control. The Buck, Fisherman, Rim and Sacajawea fires still have crews on them patrolling for hot spots. Forest Service personnel are quickly responding to any new reports of smokes or possible fires. There are currently NO RESTRICTIONS on campfires, although fire danger is still very high. Please be careful with your campfire if you decide to build one.

At present all roads, campgrounds and trails are still all open on the Pinedale and Big Piney Districts of the forest. We encourage anyone wondering about coming to keep on making your plans. Everything is still open, the fishing is great, and the sky isn't too smoky down here! For more detailed information about the fires, please visit our Fire page. For more fire information on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the Yellowstone area, go to the www.tetonfires.com web site. The Wyoming Division of Tourism also now has information for tourists wanting to know if fires will affect the trips they have planned in Wyoming. Go to www.wyomingtourism.org.

Fire Update - Tuesday, July 24
The big fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest creating the smoke we are getting right now is the Green Knoll fire located in Mosquito Creek by Wilson near Jackson and estimated today at a little over 1,000 acres. This fire is approximately 2-1/2 mile from several homes and residents are being encouraged to prepare for an evacuation in case the situation worsens. No formal evacuation order has been issued. Hand crews, helitack and ground crews are working on this fire. Weather conditions are expected to provide some relief with a drop in temperature and decreased winds in the forecast. The Mosquito Creek Road has been closed to traffic.

Our fires on the southern end of the Bridger-Teton National Forest are all under control. The Buck, Fisherman, Rim and Sacajawea fires still have crews on them patrolling for hot spots. One new small fire began over the weekend in the upper Green River area due to a campfire that was left unattended. There are currently NO RESTRICTIONS on campfires, although fire danger is still very high. Please be careful with your campfire if you decide to build one.

At present all roads, campgrounds and trails are still all open on the Pinedale and Big Piney Districts of the forest. We encourage anyone wondering about coming to keep on making your plans. Everything is still open, the fishing is great, and the sky isn't too smoky down here! For more detailed information about the fires, please visit our Fire page. For more fire information on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the Yellowstone area, go to the www.tetonfires.com web site.

Big Piney & Marbleton Volunteer Fire Department annual Catfish Fry
Big Piney Marbleton annual Catfish Fry

The Big Piney/Marbleton annual Catfish Fry was held Saturday, July 21st at the firehall in Marbleton. Volunteer firemen cooked up catfish filets complete with all the trimmings. Besides the great food, there were door prizes and kids of all ages got free rides on the fire engines. The guys at the Fire Department encourage anyone interested in becoming a volunteer fireman to contact them, "We need more volunteers!"

Monday, July 16, 2001
More fires, but they're little...so far
More Fires
LA Times Article Highlights Pinedale

Lightning Keeps Firefighters Busy
Monday, July 16 , 2001 Fire Update:
Thunderstorms passing through almost daily the past several days have produced many lightning strikes starting numerous small fires on the Pinedale and Big Piney Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Pinedale Ranger District has had four new fires in the past two days. Firefighters are on those small fires as well as patrolling the Fisherman Creek, Buck Creek and Rim fires, which are being called 'controlled'. Forest Service personnel have been making daily aerial sweeps of the forest to try and catch any new smokes. This is somewhat of a lull from the last two week's of fighting flames, so firefighters are trying to get rested up for what they know will be more to come when things dry out more. Some of the firefighters have been working long days for two straight weeks getting as little as four hours a night rest.

New small fires include one east of Big Sandy Campground (appx 1/10 acre), one near Sacajawea campground approximately 25 miles northwest of Big Piney (appx 5 acres), and one in the Bridger Wilderness near the Scab Creek Trailhead 1/2 miles north of Toboggan Lake (4 acres). Another small fire, the Ker fire at the top of Cliff Creek Saturday, is now being called controlled, contained and out. At present the roads, campgrounds and trails are still all open. For more detailed information about the fires, please visit our frequently updated Fire page.

Forest Service personnel are still finding campfires that have been left burning and unattended by campers. Often these have long logs that have been placed in the fire and left to burn with portions of the log extending out of the fire pit. It is recommended that visitors use only logs that will fit within the fire ring and have water nearby in case sparks get out of the fire pit. PLEASE make sure your campfires are completely out before you leave the camp and never leave a fire unattended. Current fire danger is VERY HIGH.

Los Angeles Times Article Highlights Pinedale
On July 3rd, the Los Angeles Times featured an article about Pinedale. The story, written by Geoffrey Mohan, was entitled, "Old West and New in an Uneasy Truce." The article discussed the impacts of the oil and gas industry on the economy and environment of Sublette County. Pinedale Properties real estate agent Dave Hill, a former Ultra Petroleum worker, was quoted several times in the article. Sublette County Assistant Librarian Linda Baker, and Pinedale Roundup Editor Rob Shaul, were also mentioned in the story. The web address of the article is: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-000054832jul03.story

or go to www.latimes.com and search on the word "Pinedale".

Two New Laws Now in Effect
Two new laws went into effect July 1st in Wyoming, the "Open Container Law" and the "Move Over Law". It is now prohibited for drivers to possess unsealed containers of alcoholic liquor or malt beverages while operating a motor vehicle. It also prohibits drivers from consuming alcoholic beverages while driving, a change from before in which it was legal to consume alcohol while driving as long as drivers were not legally impaired or intoxicated. The "Move Over Law" is an effort to make it safer for law enforcement and emergency personnel performing their duty on roadways. Drivers are now required to yield the right-of-way to authorized emergency vehicles using lights and/or sirens. Drivers are now required to merge to the farthest lane away from an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on. Same-lane and oncoming vehicles are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when passing any emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road. In the past several years, there have been 14 incidents of Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicles being struck while parked along the roadside.

Rendezvous 2001
This float by Callaghan Cabinets celebrated the youth and heritage of Sublette County

The 2001 Green River Rendezvous was a fun-filled weekend in Pinedale! Callaghan Cabinets' parade float celebrated "the youth and heritage of Sublette County". The musical group "Moonlighters" from Casper, featuring 14-year old National Junior Fiddle Champion Tyler Enders, entertained parade-goers as well as gave performances during Rendezvous. Other Rendezvous events included Trader's Row, the Green River Rendezvous Pageant, the Pelt & Plew Social at the Museum of the Mountain Man, living history demonstrations by Michael Terry and Arthur Amiotte, the beard shaving fundraiser, Rendezvous Rodeo, and many other fun activities.


Rendezvous, Rodeos & Buffalo Feast
Living History Presentations by Michael Terry

Pinedale was bursting with activity this weekend, celebrating the Green River Rendezvous. Saturday afternoon, the local residents reenacted historical events in the Rendezvous Pageant. A tradition that has been carried on in Sublette County since 1936. Bringing to life a time when trappers, traders, mountain men and Native Americans met in the Green River Valley during the 1830's and 40's, to trade, meet old friends, swap stories, drink and have a rowdy good time. Besides the pageant there were living history presentations, by Michael Terry, lectures by Dr. Fred Gowans and Arthur Amiotte, the Pelt and Plew Buffalo feast and much, much more.

Sunday, July 15, 2001
Rendezvous Weekend
Rendezvous Events
Two New Shops

Rendezvous Events
Sunday, July 15, 2001:
Rendezvous weekend is a great time to visit Pinedale. The community puts so much effort and hard work into giving a variety of entertainment and activities and making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Michael Terry in Buffalo Hide TipiAgain this year, the Pinedale Fine Arts Council brought Michael Terry's living history presentations of the 19th Century Plains Indian Culture to Pinedale. A new addition to Michael's presentation was the 17 hide brain tanned buffalo tipi that he and friends constructed over the last few years. Sioux artist and historian, Arthur Amiotte, gave two lectures concerning the Northern Plains Intertribal Art.

Many of the local residents as well as the tourists enjoyed the excitement of the nightly rodeos hosted by the Sublette County Sporting Association.

The seventh annual Pelt and Plew Buffalo feast offered a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious roasted buffalo, listen to the music by Faire Wynds and meet new people from all over the country. This feast was given by the Sublette County Historical Society.

Saturday morning kicked off with the RendezvousSaturday morning parade Parade down Pine street, hosted by the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce. Crowds lined the street to watch the parade and shop at the many merchant booths lined up along the streets. The Rendezvous Pageant was performed at the rodeo grounds in the Green River Rendezvous Pageantafternoon. The bleachers were packed with spectators enjoying the show presented by the local residents.

Sunday morning, the DeSmet mass was held at the DeSmet Monument outside of Daniel Wyoming (Prairie of the Mass) where the first Mass of this area was celebrated by Father DeSmet so many years ago.

We appreciate the people of Sublette County for their dedication and hard work in making this year's Green River Rendezvous a great success.

Two New Shops Open in Pinedale

A painted buffalo hide at Spirits of the WestSpirits of the West opened on Thursday and has a wonderful collection of Native American arts and crafts, unique collectibles and western memorabilia. It is located on 46 North Franklin, across from McGregor's Pub. This shop offers a variety of unique items from painted buffalo robes, Native American jewelry, beadwork, quillwork, drums and much more. Summer hours: Thursdays - Saturdays, Noon to 9:00 p.m. If you would like more information, please call 307-367-2803

Rock Rabbit Art Gallery, owned by Dan Abernathy, celebrated it's grand opening on Thursday evening. The gallery features photography, bronzes, metal sculptures and original oils. Summer hours for the gallery are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (crowd permitting), seven days a week. It is located at 36 W. Pine next to Moose Creek Trading.

Fire Situation Improving
Cloud cover helping with firefighting efforts

Cloud cover and rain showers are helping efforts to fight fires in the northern Wyoming range and near Bondurant.

Monday, July 9, 2001, 5 pm: Fire Update The cooler and wetter weather conditions have helped firefighters considerably in their efforts to combat wildfires near Bondurant and in the northern Wyoming range. Expert firefighting crews have been brought in from all over the country to help combat the blazes. Due to the improved weather conditions and the more favorable situation here, some of these crews have been released to go to fires in other areas.

Currently there are no restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering.

  • The main two things to be aware of when hiking or camping outdoors right now are fires & bears. Fire danger is Very High. If you don't need a campfire, please don't light one, even though they are not currently prohibited. Also be careful with cigarettes and anything that may produce a spark in the forest. All campgrounds and trails are currently open. Scattered mountain thunderstorms with lightning are predicted over Wyoming for the next 7 days.
  • Be aware that black bears are being seen much more frequently along trails and some are approaching people. Keep a clean camp, use bear canisters to store food, and carry pepper spray. If you don't store your food properly and keep a spotless camp, your chances of having a bear come into your camp are pretty high. A black bear was put down by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department over the weekend at Fremont Lake Campground for repeatedly coming into campsites and confronting hikers on trails in the Winds.
  • Currently there are no closures or restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering, but they may be put in place if fire danger worsens. Please make sure your campfire is completely out before you leave it.
  • Pinedale Online will be updating this fire information as often as needed.
  • Click here for frequently updated Pinedale area fire status information.
  • The Teton Fires web site has daily fire updates by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, www.tetonfires.com.

Bondurant Grows to over 600
Fire camp in Bondurant has expanded the local population to over 600

Fire camp for the Fisherman Complex fires has swelled Bondurant's usual population of 100 to more than 600 over the weekend with the influx of firefighters. Lighted tents from the camp, located at the Forest Service Hoback Guard Station just north of Bondurant, stand out in the darkness Sunday night. More

From the Forest Service
The forest is extremely dry.
Please be very careful with fire.
Please report any smokes by calling 911, the Sublette County Sheriff's Office at 307-367-4378, or the local Forest Service offices. Be aware that you may not get the local Sheriff's Office if you use a cell phone to dial 911. Be prepared to tell them where the smoke or fire is, who you are, your location, and a contact number where they can reach you again if they need further information. Your fire information will be relayed by the agency that receives your call.

Fire camp in the Hoback
Hoback Fire Camp near Bondurant


National Teams Arrive on Bridger-Teton
National Forest Fires
Hoback Ranches area

Homeowners in the Hoback Ranches area are pretty nervous with fires both to the north and south of them in the Rim area. A National Team arrived Friday to take over firefighting efforts. Fire danger remains high, but overcast skies and brief rain are helping keep the risk down a bit.

Fire Update
Sunday, July 8, 2001 2 pm: Cloud cover and rain sprinkles over the past two days have helped firefighters in their efforts to combat wildfires in the northern Wyoming Range and near Bondurant that were started by lightning on July 4th. The small fire near the Rim is under control. The Fisherman Creek fire is hoped to be called contained by this evening. The Buck Creek fire is hoped to be called contained tomorrow evening. These fires have consumed approximately 425 acres. At present, there is no immediate threat to homes in the Hoback Ranches area from these wildfires. A public meeting will be held at 8 pm tonight at the Hoback Guard Station near Bondurant for interested community members.

Five fires in the Greys River area, called the Greys River Complex, are approximately 200 acres total in size and being called 20% contained as of today. Fire crews from the Bridger-Teton National Forest, National Park Service, Idaho Department of State Lands, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Lincoln County are working on these fires. A Type II Interagency Management Team is managing these fires in the Greys River area.

Currently there are no restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering. There are no fires burning on the Pinedale Ranger District now or in the Wind River Mountains.

  • The Fisherman Complex near Bondurant is now estimated at 425 acres and hoped to be called contained by tomorrow evening. The Greys River Complex is estimated at 200 acres and is 20% contained. Firefighting efforts involve helicopter bucket drops, fire engines, water hose lines, and hand crews. Aerial and ground crews are patrolling the areas for hold-over and possible new fires.
  • Currently there are no closures or restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering, but they may be put in place if fire danger worsens. Please make sure your campfire is completely out before you leave it and be careful with cigarettes in the forest.
  • Where can you go? There are no fires presently in the Wind River Mountains. Green River Lakes, New Fork, Elkhart, Boulder and Big Sandy areas are still good places to go, as are the other areas all along the Wind River range. The southern portion of the Wyoming range is also not experiencing fires yet. The wildflowers: lupine, paintbrush, geraniums and others, along with lush green grass, make this a pretty time of year. If you're going to be in the backcountry, be aware of your surroundings, the potential for fire, and your alternate travel routes in case a fire breaks out in your area.
  • Pinedale Online will be updating this fire information as often as needed.
  • Click here for frequently updated Pinedale area fire status information.
  • The Teton Fires web site has daily fire updates by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, www.tetonfires.com.

National Teams Arrive on
Bridger-Teton
National Forest Fires
Hoback Ranches area

Fire Update
Saturday, July 7, 2001 10 am:
Lightning-caused fires that were sparked over the 4th of July are keeping firefighters busy on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. A National Team has been brought in to manage the fires near Bondurant and an Area Team has taken over management of the numerous fires in the Greys River area. With the Hoback Ranches homes located inbetween the fires in the Rim/Fisherman Creek area, homeowners are understandably very concerned. Some 120 homes Aspen trees and lush vegetation are helping to keep the fires from spreading in the South Rim areaand ranches are remotely located throughout the rolling hills and timber in this scenic area near the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Presently, homes are not directly threatened, but firefighters are taking no chances and are putting considerable manpower and equipment into efforts to knock the fires down as quickly as possible. Overcast skies today, and some rain yesterday, are helping to keep the fires quieter.

Currently there are no restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering. Fire restrictions may go into effect if conditions worsen and the hot, dry weather pattern continues.

  • 14 lightning-caused fires that started on the 4th of July are still burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
  • The Fisherman Complex near Bondurant is now estimated at 400 acres. The Greys River Complex is estimated at 250 acres. Firefighting efforts involve aerial retardant drops, heavy equipment, water hose lines, and hand crews.
  • Currently there are no closures or restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering, but they may be put in place if fire danger worsens.
  • Where can you go? There are no fires presently in the Wind River Mountains. Green River Lakes, New Fork, Elkhart, Boulder and Big Sandy areas are still good places to go, as are the other areas all along the Wind River range. The southern portion of the Wyoming range is also not experiencing fires yet. The wildflowers: lupine, paintbrush, geraniums and others, along with lush green grass, make this a pretty time of year. If you're going to be in the backcountry, be aware of your surroundings, the potential for fire, and your alternate travel routes in case a fire breaks out in your area.
  • Pinedale Online will be updating this fire information as often as needed.
  • Click here for more Pinedale area fire status information.
  • Click here for the Teton Fires web site with daily updated information on fires on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, www.tetonfires.com.

Fire map
Click for larger image


14 Fires on the Bridger-Teton National Forest

Floating the New Fork River

Numerous fires have broken out due to lightning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The largest fires are in the Wyoming Range in the South Beaver area and near Fisherman Creek in the Grey's River area. Smaller fires are also burning near the Rim north of Hwy 191. Fire danger is HIGH.

Friday, July 6, 2001
Fires begin
Fire Update
Bears
LOCAL FOCUS:
Big Piney High School Reunion
Old Timers' Picnic

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Trudy's Take

Fire Updates Click to jump to fire update page
7/6/01 9 pm Fire Update

Fires burning southeast of Bondurant and in the Beaver/Horse Creek/South Rim area are the primary concern at the present time because the Hoback Ranches home area is in-between these two fires. A Type I Incident Team came in today to manage these fires as the Fisherman Complex. The Greys River area fires are being managed by another team based out of Alpine.

At present, no homes in the Hoback Ranches area are directly threatened, but Forest Service and Sublette County officials are taking no chances with these fires considering the very dry forest conditions. The closest fires are 1-1/2 miles from any homes, with sagebrush areas between which aren't carrying the fire very well. Every effort is being made to get equipment and manpower on these fires to try and get them under control as soon as possible. Information people will be assigned to be available to Hoback homeowners to answer questions and concerns about the status of fires for as long as needed. "Firefighter and public safety are our #1 concern" said Greg Clark, Big Piney District Ranger.

The agencies involved in the fire fighting are making every effort to respond to the concerns of the residents in the area of the fires. Emergency evacuation plans are being discussed as a precautionary measure, but are hoped to not be needed with the manpower and equipment that will be devoted to the suppression effort. While the specific PR plans aren't yet finalized, discussions today were to hold frequent meetings in Bondurant with homeowners and to have an information officer at their disposal to answer questions and keep residents updated as much as possible.


7/6/01 8 am Fire Update: Fourteen lightning-caused fires are currently burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The largest is the Buck Creek fire in the south Beaver area at approximately 350 acres. This fire, along with the Fisherman Creek fire, appx 75 acres, are being combined for management purposes. Other small fires are located near the Rim north of Hwy 191 (appx. 2 acres) and in the northern Wyoming Range. Currently there are no restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering. Fire restrictions are expected to go into effect shortly as fire danger is very high and a hot, dry weather pattern with more lightning is expected to continue.

  • 14 lightning-caused fires are currently burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
  • The largest is the Buck Creek fire, approximately 350 acres this morning, burning iin the south Beaver area. No structures are threatened by any of these fires, however there have been voluntary evacuations of people out of the Hoback Ranches area due to fires to the north and south within 3-5 air miles.
  • Currently no restrictions on campfires or firewood gathering.
  • Fire danger is high on the Forest and it is expected that fire restrictions will go into effect shortly. Forest Service personnel are still finding campfires that have been left unattended and are asking the public to be very careful with any fires they build and to make sure fires are dead out before they leave.
  • Pinedale Online will be updating this fire information as often as needed.
  • Click here for more fire status information.

Fire map
Click for larger image

Bears
Recreationists in the Bridger-Teton National Forest should always be aware that this is 'bear country'. Both black and grizzly bears live in the area and may be encountered in the back country or even in area campgrounds. Grizzly bears have been sighted in the Wind River and the Gros Ventre mountains this year. Black bears occur throughout the forest. So far no livestock depredations, or human confrontations, have been reported due to grizzly bears this season. Human-bear encounters are typically rare, but may occur. Black bears have been bold enough to come into the Fremont Lake campground area already this year, and a report came in to a campground host of an aggressive black bear confronting backpackers on a trail on the eastern side of the northern Wind River Mountains recently. Bear sightings have been reported from Gypsum Creek to Half Moon Lake.

Hikers and backpackers should always keep a clean camp and be "bear aware" in properly storing food and disposing of waste products. With the exceptionally dry conditions, food sources for bears are less than optimal and bears may become more bold in their search for food. Black bears have been reported coming into Fremont Lake campground and coming close to hikers near Photographer's Point. Please report any bear or wolf sightings to the Forest Service or the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.

LOCAL FOCUS
Big Piney High School Reunion -July 13-15
The Big Piney Class of 1991 10 Year Reunion will be held July 13-15. Plans now are to have a get-together on Friday, July 13 at 7:30 pm at the Big Piney High School for coffee and brownies. On Saturday there will be a picnic at the Marbleton Town Park at noon. Food will be provided. Attendees are asked to register and include $6.50 for food). Bring your own drinks. Sunday there will be a get-together at 11:00 at Middle Piney Lake. Graduates, if you have not yet been contacted about the reunion, call Tanya Elliott at 307-276-3408 or e-mail tcubed@animail.net for more information.

20th Annual Old Timers' Picnic - July 15
The 20th Annual Old Timers' Picnic will be held at High Noon on Sunday, July 15th, at the historic Daniel School House. Everyone of all ages and stages is invited to attend this annual, historic get-together. The famed, impromptu, Sagebrush Band will be entertaining - while you cuss and discuss old times, the drought, and world affairs - so plan to bring tapping toes, favorite jamming instruments, and songbird voices. Specially-cooked, Sublette County-raised roast beef, and potatoes, bread, drinks, and shade for sunshine or shelter from storm, courtesy of the Daniel Community Center. Please share your favorite side dish and/or dessert. Horseshoe Pits will be up, running, and ringing for the "big" folks, and there'll be plenty of entertainment for the kids.
Whether or not you live in the Daniel Valley, we look forward to welcoming you and your family to all of our Daniel events! See you on July 15! (The Picnic is always held the 3rd Sunday in July, so mark your calendars now for next year too.)

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Fri & Sat, July 20 & 21

The Sublette County Library in Pinedale will be holding their annual Friends of the Library Book Sale July 20-21. Book donations need to be in by Wednesday, July 18. They will be accepting paperbacks, hardbacks, videos, books on tape and puzzles.

Trudy FryTRUDY'S TAKE
4th of July Spectacular

Trudy Fry
This year the 4th of July celebrations were extraordinary. It was a matter of trying to choose which place to be at which time so that you could attend all the events. It was a great time to remember all the freedoms that we enjoy and so often take for granted. The fireworks display in Pinedale was fabulous. As a matter of personal opinion, it was the best one we have had. Thanks to all those that put so much time and effort into making this such a wonderful day. Indeed we are a blessed people to live in this country. Just before the fireworks went off we all sat and took in the beauty of a spectacular sunset. Even the heavens were part of the celebration. There was no better place to be, than here, to appreciate Independence Day and all it means.



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