Sheridan Community Land Trust reports virtual‑fencing pilot, new trails and streetcar restoration plans

Representatives from the Sheridan Community Land Trust updated commissioners on conservation, recreation and historic‑preservation projects undertaken this year.

Fred Bower said the trust completed a virtual‑fencing pilot with three producers and 20–25 collared cattle and held a workshop that drew 25 producers. “We did wrap up the season with that virtual fencing, with those 3 producers,” Bower said, and noted the project also included installation of about one mile of wildlife‑friendly fencing at the Big Goose Natural Area.

Bower reported construction of four new trails in the past season — including a two‑mile bike‑only trail just west of town and three trail segments that are part of the county’s Red Grade trail system — and said the trust remodeled part of its office to add classroom and interpretation space.

On historic preservation, Bower said the trust is nearing completion of its third preservation easement for a house east of town but encountered complications involving mortgage subordination that extended the process. The trust also moved a streetcar to a protected site and plans to install a roof to shelter it from the elements; funding for the roof will likely combine foundation dollars, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund grants and donations, and volunteers will be sought for longer restoration work.

Commissioners asked about adjacent private construction and whether the trust was involved; Bower said the development is private but the trust will be a neighbor and may use available parking for events. The trust requested community volunteers and potential in‑kind donations to support the streetcar project. No formal county action or funding vote was taken at the meeting.