August 10, 2007
Contact: Kathryn Brown, 703.525.6300
(Casper, Wyoming)—Wyoming’s residents and visitors have a new opportunity to enjoy the spectacular, trout-filled waters of Wyoming’s North Platte River, thanks to a public-private partnership spearheaded by Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation, Bureau of Land Management and The Conservation Fund. Today, the Fund, with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the Wyoming FlyCasters, announced the conservation of a 275-acre parcel of land—more than a mile of it along the riverfront—that provides public access to the Gray Reef stretch of the North Platte, one of the best trout fisheries in the nation.
At a ceremony today below Gray Reef just outside of Alcova, in Natrona County, the project partners dedicated the opening of this property, known as the Van Rensselaer tract, for public use. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) offered remarks at the event. Susan Thomas, the wife of the late Sen. Craig Thomas, a leading supporter of the project, also participated. In addition, senior officials from BLM, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Natrona County and the Wyoming FlyCasters attended the event.
This picturesque portion of the North Platte lies immediately below Gray Reef Dam, 30 miles upstream from the city of Casper. A favorite spot for fly fishing and wildlife-watching, much land along the river is privately owned. By providing 1.3 miles of public access to these high quality waters, this acquisition will ensure that everyone can enjoy an opportunity to fish for rainbow and brown trout. At the same time, purchase of this parcel helps protect habitat that is critical for spawning.
"Preserving land along the North Platte for the public to enjoy is a true win for the people of the Wyoming,” said Sen. Barrasso. Now, Barrasso added, both residents and visitors are permanently assured access to these blue-ribbon waters.
“This is a fish story that is about a true team effort—and a great catch for Wyoming,” said Sen Enzi. “As an avid fly fisherman, I understand just how important it is to guarantee that we have access to Wyoming’s rivers so that we can enjoy some of the best fishing in the world. I am so pleased to have worked with The Conservation Fund, the Bureau of Land Management, the Wyoming FlyCasters, the Natrona County Commissioners and the countless others whose efforts have ensured that we will have exceptional access to the North Platte River for years to come.”
Rep. Cubin commented: "Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the stretches of the North Platte to experience beautiful scenery and some of the best fishing for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in the country. I was proud to help secure the federal funds needed to protect this critical corridor of the river while keeping public access open to this local treasure.”
The Wyoming Congressional delegation has strongly supported this initiative and played an instrumental role in securing the necessary funding. Sen. Thomas, Sen. Enzi and Rep. Cubin worked with the Bush Administration to line up much of the necessary funding for this project. The remaining funds were contributed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, the Wyoming FlyCasters and private donors. In a related development last week, The Conservation Fund acquired a key 7.5-acre private inholding within the Van Rensselaer tract, with the intent to convey this additional river front acreage to BLM later this year, thus completing the effort to enhance public access below Gray Reef.
Land ownership on the North Platte has changed dramatically in recent years, as historic ranches have been sold to make way for commercial outfitters, homes and subdivisions. This population boom, as well as a steep rise in recreational fishing and tourism, means more people on the North Platte. By providing a key public access point to the river, this newly-protected property helps meet the growing demand for access and will distribute fishing in a way that can be managed. The acquired property is now open for public use. Access will be restricted to pedestrian travel between the Gray Reef County Road and the riverfront until BLM completes a detailed management plan.
“This project is an excellent example of federal and state governments working in cooperation with private and nonprofit organizations, and the Wyoming Congressional Delegation to achieve goals that enhance the public’s opportunity for recreational access,” said Jim Murkin, BLM Casper Field Office Manager. Added Dick DePaemalere, president of the Wyoming FlyCasters, a local group: “We are grateful for the support of our members and donors, and remain committed to doing what we can for fly-fishing opportunities around Wyoming.”
“Ultimately, this project will support the health of the North Platte river—including its banks, wetlands and fish populations,” noted Luke Lynch, The Conservation Fund’s Wyoming field representative. “That’s good for both the environment and the people who enjoy it.” The Conservation Fund is BLM’s principal partner in efforts to acquire land and interests in land along the North Platte River. Since 1985, the Fund and its partners have preserved roughly six million acres throughout the U.S.
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