[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6092285,"mediaKeyId","2855473-657fbf881731d16bedc767ad605edc16","parentId",2855473,"title","Trustees approve average 25% increase to Natrona County park fees including camping, lodge and Nordic passes","audioSeconds",2391,"startMs",1315000,"endMs",3706000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2855473-657fbf881731d16bedc767ad605edc16&start=1315&end=3706","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2855473-657fbf881731d16bedc767ad605edc16/thumbnail_1315000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6092285/Wyoming/Trustees-approve-average-25-increase-to-Natrona-County-park-fees-including-camping-lodge-and-Nordic-passes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092285-312a8751e69f877871d8afb4ecc3ea73/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983377&Signature=O1ITcHM40TCo6fxZpl8YRgB6-BfJByvTfjwrOllzlNEVMkWPILLcBQOcCe2cc42dfgWWZCH8EY6GZ8hHpNKSPxfsgSbSKlrziuDsUTBiVyKqayE5iRJrYPdAVNGIcidl2rMbOCqH5~yKorfCykDczElr8X8ZbHLjUqt1cwgsmOcPplPVxpZH3fzmX2vLDKNtYFz~MyvrHFc~ebWSuARmpvIJiLR0YRcEwlwMUGQAGgSN~ouvUhCFad4uo9yZDY0mM2JY~S1JZuotOixn0kJohIs4UU1kiSTf05bDggorQCwh89qv9G76hlo4XMBpLVK9CNqRqd56wlXZ4sGg0L2meA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-03T01:08:45.757Z","article","The Natrona County Board of Trustees voted to approve a package of fee increases for county parks following a public hearing and trustee discussion.

Parks Director Michael Brown outlined the proposed changes and said the county’s fee structure had not been broadly updated in several years. Brown described increases that average about 25% for many categories, noting the county’s effort to keep rates competitive with comparable sites: “15 dollars a night for that type of camping is is less than the forest service campgrounds,” he said while describing changes intended to cover rising operating costs and grooming expenses for Nordic trails.

What was proposed and approved
- First-come/first-served cash envelope camping: previously $12 total charge; proposed and approved $15 (approx. +25%). Brown said the county’s base revenue portion for that type of site increases from $10 to about $13.39.
- Reservation camping (e.g., Oakey Beach, Black Beach): previously about $13.20; approved out-of-pocket $17 (convenience/processing fees removed yields similar base revenue to cash sites).
- Full-hookup sites (electric, water, sewer): previously $41.20; approved $51 (approx. +25%).
- Shelters/area-use fees: from $52 to $64.
- Daily boat dock rental: from $17 to $20.75.
- Lodge rental (weekend): Friday–Sunday rate set at $600 (government/nonprofit weekend rate $300); Monday–Thursday $400 (government/nonprofit $200). A $250 cleaning deposit is required for lodge rentals.
- Nordic passes: annual adult pass from $50 (noted as previously changed in 2021 for Nordic) to $75; minor seasonal pass $25 to $35; day passes $10 to $12.50.
- Boat-trailer seasonal storage at Alcova: from $20 to $25.
- Commercial dumping at the slash pile: a commercial dump permit and fee was proposed to manage volumes from contractors; Brown proposed $10 a load and allowing up to 20 loads per permit (staff noted enforcement is largely on an honor system and that staff time to manage the slash pile is significant).

Public comment and trustee debate
Resident Sheila Drollharz opposed the increases on economic grounds and staffing concerns, saying, “this is not a time to raise prices on people.” Condo Edwards, another resident, questioned whether existing park revenue and other revenues (for example from trailer parks or lease operations) could be reallocated to increase staffing.

Trustees who supported the increases argued the hikes are modest compared with similar venues and are needed to help cover rising fuel, materials and labor costs and to sustain park services. Commissioner Melton moved to accept the increases; Mr. Coates seconded. Trustees voted in favor and approved the package.

Implementation and enforcement notes
Trustees and staff acknowledged enforcement and staffing remain challenges; trustees directed staff to explore enforcement tools including cameras and better payment options (QR codes and online payments already exist for some passes) and to return with budget or staffing proposals during the next budget cycle.

Ending
The trustees approved the fee increases and then opened the meeting to general public comment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Trustees of NC Parks & Recreation System- April 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After a public hearing, trustees approved proposed fee increases for Natrona County parks. Changes affect first-come camping, reserved campsites, full-hookup sites, shelters, lodge rentals, boat dock rentals, Nordic trail passes, boat-trailer storage and commercial dumping fees for the slash pile.","taxTitle","Natrona, Wyoming","taxId",3790,"location","Wyoming","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6092290,"Trustees adopt revised Natrona County parks rules, clarifying camping, firearms and equine use",1053,238000,1291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2855473-657fbf881731d16bedc767ad605edc16&start=238&end=1291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2855473-657fbf881731d16bedc767ad605edc16/thumbnail_238000.jpg","/articles/6092290/Wyoming/Trustees-adopt-revised-Natrona-County-parks-rules-clarifying-camping-firearms-and-equine-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092290-83ae8a4c1b3e0cbf93721bb848305b74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983377&Signature=cV5eYgN0-jeNqWJQ7xvna42-7Mox6XyUcWCe2ygqkUXYWi2ubI0iOXAwiVkM6DcgqvhkUIM91xam0XoIOAMq4pf2fKBReQz1iovRE2EgqCp22Ki61L6GVjx60aFqHcMZHyuNokD2HVk81CkHj3NbpDtz-hoFnx5~a-Gs7IwncsYLLCyUPVovQaxnxgnAR4orgdUcQciXL1axeCHZyPU7V-fxpcn-FxabToV7I1jM88FT~Ffqx~NzslWBXPVcjTMsMPULng~QspVrBG8RFkSOXfl9-YiiCD-lVUnzTsI5Te9KURPCXsf88w2-PsPvJKayCjqwZImRU6ld4bULG~F3jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Natrona County Board of Trustees voted to adopt a revised set of parks rules after a public hearing that included public concerns about staffing and enforcement.

Parks Director Michael Brown summarized the changes before the trustees voted, saying, “the reserve site shall only be allowed 1 camping unit as defined below unless specifically designated otherwise,” language intended to give staff flexibility to reconfigure larger preservation sites into multi-unit reservation sites. Brown also described added and reorganized definitions (including golf carts, multipurpose vehicles, off-road recreational vehicles and “peace officer”), clarified seasonal-closure and winter-month definitions, and adjusted camping permit expiration times from 11 a.m. to noon.

Why it matters: The updates change how sites are reserved and used, align some provisions with state law, and spell out where equine use is allowed — changes that affect campers, trail users and enforcement by county staff and law enforcement.

Key provisions
- Reservation/campsite limits: Reservation sites are restricted to one camping unit unless specific sites are designated to allow multiple units; the county will review and update online listings and signage to reflect any reconfigured sites.
- Definitions and authority: New or revised definitions were added for several vehicle types and for “peace officer.” Section 6 revises enforcement language to require a “duly qualified peace officer” to have authority to enforce the rules.
- Firearms/projectiles: Section 17 was changed from prohibiting possession to prohibiting discharge of firearms or other projectile devices “unless in full compliance with Wyoming state law and these rules and regulations.”
- Equine use: The rules now state that equines may be used for riding and swimming except at specified areas including Sandy Beach, Little Beach, Crimson Dawn Park, Archer Range and Hell’s Half Acre.
- Sanitation and special areas: Minor clarifications were made to sanitation language and several “special area” listings (Casper Mountain, Rotary Park, Crimson Dawn Park, Biathlon Range, Alcoa area and others) were reorganized and clarified.
- Abandoned property and penalties: The rules reference an abandoned property/vehicle section; trustees noted that enforcement of abandoned vehicles relies on statutory authority and coordination with the sheriff’s office and on the penalty clause in Section 29 of the adopted rules.

Public comment and trustee concerns
Resident Sheila Drollharz raised a staffing and enforcement concern: “I just don't see this camping reservation system being, it's just not working because they don't have a staff to manage it.” Drollharz also asked whether campers or trailers left unattended will be cited; trustees and staff pointed to the adopted rules’ abandoned-vehicle provisions and the penalty clauses in Section 29, and said the sheriff’s office must enforce some items.

Trustee discussion touched on staffing and resources to administer the revised rules; several trustees said the board would work with parks staff on staffing and reservation-system improvements.

Outcome
A motion to approve the parks rules was made and seconded; the trustees voted in favor and the revised rules were adopted.

Ending
Trustees closed the parks-rules portion of the hearing before moving on to a separate public hearing on fee changes.
","The Natrona County Board of Trustees approved updated parks rules after a public hearing. Revisions include single-unit campsite limits (with exceptions), expanded definitions, alignment of firearm discharge language with Wyoming law, equine access clarifications and revised enforcement language.","actionData","errors"]

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Trustees approve average 25% increase to Natrona County park fees including camping, lodge and Nordic passes

Trustees adopt revised Natrona County parks rules, clarifying camping, firearms and equine use