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Daggett County seeks partners to revive Burbot Bash as sponsors, agencies slow to respond
Summary
County tourism staff and commissioners said they want to revive the Burbot Bash winter fishing event but face missing sponsor lists, limited response from the chamber and neighboring counties, and concerns about fishery health and local economic benefit.
Daggett County officials on Sept. 23 said they want to move forward with the Burbot Bash winter fishing event but face challenges including missing sponsor information, limited help from partner organizations and questions about the event's economic impact on Daggett County.
Jordan Hewitt, the county's economic development and tourism representative, told commissioners that he had contacted area businesses for attendance and impact data and that responses so far were mixed. One business on Flaming Gorge reported no measurable impact from last year’s event, another reported roughly 10 rooms booked in a 21-room property during the event, and Red Canyon is temporarily closed for the next couple of years due to maintenance issues, according to the reports consolidated by tourism staff.
Staff said they have not received sponsor sheets, sponsor contact lists or current organizer contact information from previous event operators. The Forest Service and Wyoming Game and Fish were identified as agencies involved in event logistics; county staff said the Forest Service has been cooperative, while attempts to obtain assistance from Wyoming tourism and some private partners produced little support.
County staff proposed reconvening stakeholders and scheduled a tentative follow-up meeting for Oct. 9 to gather sponsors, businesses and agency partners. Commissioners and staff emphasized two central considerations for any decision to proceed: measurable economic benefit for Daggett County businesses and the health of the fishery. Several speakers said the fishery's condition is a legitimate consideration that affects long-term viability of the event.
No formal decision to fund or host the event was recorded at the meeting; staff said additional outreach and a stakeholder meeting will precede any county commitment.
