December 23, 2024 – The Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC) and local and state partners are excited to announce the approval of the Ehlin winter parking area pilot project near Highway 130. The U.S. Forest Service has authorized this important initiative for winter recreation in the region, and it will be implemented as a demonstration project over the next three years.

“We are thrilled that the Forest Service has approved the winter parking pilot project. This initiative is a testament to the incredible support from our partners and the local communities who cherish outdoor recreation in the region,” said Josh Milek, program support and contracts manager for the Wyoming Trails Program. “Together, we are enhancing access and ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful winter landscape of southeast Wyoming.”

This pilot project aims to provide an alternative parking area for winter recreationists, thereby enhancing access and improving the user experience. The approved parking facility is located directly across from the Centennial Visitor Center and is open to all winter recreational users, including snowmobilers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

In collaboration with the Snowy Range Snowmobile Club, U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming Trails Program, the project will feature essential services such as snow removal, improved signage to guide users safely, and a new web camera installed at the parking area. Recreationists can view the web camera feed at wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/home-trails.

The partners in this pilot project aim to demonstrate that the newly designated parking area effectively serves the winter recreational community. Feedback from initial public meetings held in August indicated strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the need for improved facilities for winter outdoor activities.

SWORC is a grassroots initiative facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation that brings together local community members, stakeholders, federal and state agencies, and other non-governmental organizations to support sustainable outdoor recreation growth and enhancements in Albany, Carbon, and Laramie counties.

Learn more about Wyoming’s outdoor recreation collaboratives, Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Trails Program at wyospcr.wyo.gov.