Central Wyoming Trails Alliance updates Casper Mountain trail construction and new signage plans

Under the bright lights of the Wyoming government meeting room, excitement buzzed as Austin Burgess, the executive director of the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance, shared updates on the ambitious projects underway at Casper Mountain. With a sense of pride, he detailed the progress of the trail construction, which is part of the newly approved Kaelin master plan. This year, the team has made significant strides, having purchased a Mini X to streamline their operations, eliminating previous rental challenges.

Burgess highlighted that nearly three-quarters of a mile of trail remains to be completed, which will ultimately add almost five miles of continuous trail to the mountain. This expansion aims to alleviate the heavy foot and hoof traffic that has been impacting the existing trails, a concern he has discussed with county commissioners and the parks advisory board. The new trails are designed to disperse usage, reducing wear on popular paths that have become heavily trodden.

In addition to trail construction, the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance is focusing on improving navigation for visitors. Plans are in place to install new trail signage, collaborating with local experts to ensure that the names and locations of the trails are accurately represented on popular mapping applications. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the visitor experience, especially as the area sees increased outdoor activity.

Burgess also announced the successful opening of a downhill-focused mountain bike trail, which has received positive feedback from the community. This trail caters specifically to advanced riders, filling a gap in the offerings at Casper Mountain and showcasing the alliance's commitment to diverse recreational opportunities.

Looking ahead, Burgess mentioned an exciting collaborative project with the Bureau of Reclamation at Alcova, focusing on the Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail. Fully funded through private donations and partnerships with local geological organizations, this project aims to enhance safety and usability while preserving the area's natural beauty.

As the meeting progressed, Burgess expressed a desire to strengthen relationships with the trustees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting outdoor recreation in the county. His enthusiasm for the projects and the community's support was palpable, leaving attendees with a sense of optimism for the future of Wyoming's outdoor spaces.