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BLM field manager briefs Park County commissioners on Heart Mountain transfer, shooting complex and trail projects
Summary
The BLM field manager updated commissioners on multiple public‑lands projects including a near‑final EA for a Heart Mountain relocation withdrawal, coordination on a proposed state shooting complex, culvert work on Paint Creek, Twin Creek boating access, Outlaw Trails improvements and a local wild horse population count.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Park County field manager gave commissioners a progress update on April 18, outlining federal work tied to local recreation, cultural‑resource transfers and access projects.
BLM staff told the board they are nearing completion of an environmental assessment to support a withdrawal and transfer of about 74 acres around the Heart Mountain site to the Heart Mountain Relocation Foundation; federal minerals under the surface and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places complicate the transfer and will require coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies. The field manager said the withdrawal would include mineral reversion interests to clear title for transfer.
Commissioners and BLM staff discussed the county’s proposed state shooting complex. BLM said it is working with county staff and Cody area stakeholders on road access options; the BLM may be required to publish an additional 15‑ to 30‑day public comment period under NEPA if the project becomes a major state list item. The field manager said he was trying to keep the project off the state major‑projects list to avoid delays but that the NEPA schedule may still include a public comment phase.
On conservation and recreation: BLM reported culvert replacements and repairs planned for Paint Creek to improve fish passage (three culverts were identified as barriers), ongoing shoreline protection and a new fishing pier at Hogan reservoir with about 900 linear feet of stabilization work completed, and a canal‑bridge and ramp design to provide boat access from Bobcat Houlihan down to Twin Creek and the South Fork. The field manager also described Outlaw Trails improvements — roughly 2,000 feet of trail work and new visitor amenities, kiosk and toilet — and an emerging coalition (Shoshone Trails Coalition) that will operate and help maintain trail events and races.
On wild horses, the field manager said the local herd numbered just under the environmental management level in the BLM’s EA — roughly 150 animals — with 11 foals born last year and nine surviving; the management high end in the EA is 140 animals. He also said there were currently no pending sand‑and‑gravel or mining nominations in Park County for upcoming federal lease sales.
Why it matters: The BLM’s actions affect recreation access, cultural‑resource stewardship and future economic activity tied to a shooting complex and other recreation facilities. Close coordination between county and federal staff was emphasized throughout the update.
What’s next: BLM will continue NEPA work on the Heart Mountain transfer, coordinate road and access plans for the shooting complex with county engineer staff, and monitor implementation of culvert and shoreline projects. Commissioners identified liaison contacts for future coordination.
