Welcome to your comprehensive news update, brought to you by Pinedale Online, your leading source for community information in Pinedale, Wyoming. Stay informed with the latest happenings, from outdoor regulations to community assistance programs and important local announcements.
Wyoming Game and Fish Seek Public Input on 2025 Hunting Regulations
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is actively seeking public input on proposed regulations for the upcoming 2025 hunting seasons. This is a crucial opportunity for hunters, conservationists, and community members to voice their opinions and contribute to wildlife management decisions in Wyoming.
The proposed regulations span a wide range of hunting chapters, including:
- Chapter 2: General Hunting Regulations
- Chapter 5: Antelope Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 6: Deer Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 7: Elk Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 8: Moose Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 9: Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 11: Upland Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Seasons
- Chapter 14: Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Light Goose Conservation Order
- Chapter 15: Wild Bison Recreational Hunting Season
- Chapter 20: Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
Furthermore, proposed House Bill 3, if passed, would grant Game and Fish law enforcement officers the authority to enforce penalties for violations to specific Wyoming Statutes related to property damage and trespassing, enhancing their ability to protect both wildlife and private lands.
To facilitate public discussion and gather feedback, Wyoming Game and Fish is hosting a series of public meetings across the state. For those in the Pinedale area, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Pinedale Game & Fish Regional Office, located at 432 E. Mill St.
For a complete list of meeting locations, please visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
Attending these meetings provides a valuable platform to learn about local wildlife populations directly from Game and Fish biologists and wardens, ask questions, and contribute to the regulatory process. Your participation is encouraged to help shape the future of hunting and wildlife management in Wyoming.
Deadline Approaching for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) – March 31st
Wyoming residents are reminded that the deadline to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is fast approaching on March 31st. This essential program offers financial aid to eligible households to help manage winter heating costs. If you are struggling to afford your energy bills, LIEAP can provide significant relief.
Who is Eligible for LIEAP?
LIEAP is available to Wyoming residents whose household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income. Here are a few income examples to determine potential eligibility:
- Family of four: Household income of $67,041 or less
- Couple: Household income of $45,587 or less
Priority consideration is given to households with vulnerable members, including:
- Seniors (60 years and older)
- Individuals with disabilities
- Children under the age of 5
The program is inclusive, offering benefits to both homeowners and renters, and even those residing in permanently parked RVs or campers.
How to Apply for LIEAP:
Applying for LIEAP is designed to be simple and accessible. You can apply through two convenient methods:
- Online Application: Visit lieapwyo.org to complete the application online.
- Phone Application: Call (800) 246-4221 to apply over the phone.
Be prepared to provide documentation verifying income, Wyoming residency, and heating expenses. With the March 31st deadline looming, act now to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity for energy assistance.
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements Back in Effect: New Deadline March 21, 2025
Small business owners in Pinedale and across the nation need to take immediate action regarding Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. A recent Federal District Court decision has reinstated the BOI reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), with a new reporting deadline set for March 21, 2025.
Image: Official logo for FINCEN, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, highlighting their role in overseeing Beneficial Ownership Information reporting.
This decision reverses a previous nationwide injunction that had created uncertainty for small businesses. Now, many businesses are required to file BOI reports with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The new deadline of March 21st provides a 30-day extension from the February 18, 2025, court decision.
FinCEN acknowledges the challenges this situation presents and states on their website, fincen.gov, that they are evaluating options to further modify deadlines during this 30-day period. Their priority is to focus on reporting from entities posing the highest national security risks, aligning with the Treasury’s aim to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses where possible.
Key Information for BOI Reporting:
- Deadline: March 21, 2025
- Reporting Method: Use FinCEN’s E-Filing system, available free of charge at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov.
- Official Information Source: fincen.gov/boi
Further Resources:
- FinCEN Notice, FIN-2025-CTA1, Deadline Extension & Rule Revision Intention
- Journal of Accountancy: March 21 BOI reporting deadline set
- Pinedale Online! – Corporate Transparency Act ping pong game continues
- Pinedale Online! – Update on Corporate Transparency Act BOI filing requirement
- Pinedale Online! – LLCs required to file new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by January 1, 2025
Pinedale Online will continue to provide updates on this evolving situation. Small businesses are encouraged to consult the provided resources and prepare to meet the reporting requirements by the March 21st deadline.
Former Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik Nominated as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Brian Nesvik, former Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and a familiar face in Pinedale from his time as a Game Warden, has been nominated to serve as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The nomination, announced on February 12th, recognizes Nesvik’s extensive experience and leadership in wildlife management.
Current Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce expressed strong support for the nomination, stating, “Brian is an outstanding leader, and if he is appointed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be in good hands. He has a proven track record of working to develop science-based policies and programs for wildlife management, and his expertise would greatly benefit the federal and state wildlife management agencies.”
Nesvik’s career with Wyoming Game and Fish spanned over 29 years, progressing through roles from Game Warden in Laramie and Pinedale to Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor and Chief Game Warden. He was appointed Director by Governor Matt Mead in 2019, tackling key wildlife challenges during his tenure, including grizzly bear management and aquatic invasive species.
Dan Smith, current Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief, highlighted the value of Nesvik’s practical experience, “Brian’s real-world experience with the challenges we face in wildlife conservation will be a tremendous benefit as we work with our federal counterparts. I am optimistic that with his leadership, state agencies will be able to further strengthen their partnerships and common objectives in conservation efforts.”
Nesvik’s nomination will now proceed to a Senate hearing for official confirmation. His deep understanding of wildlife management, rooted in his Wyoming experience, positions him well to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in New Wyoming Hunt Area Near Pinedale
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 87, located in the Pinedale Region. This marks the first detection of CWD in this specific hunt area and within the Upper Green River Elk Herd, raising concerns about the disease’s spread in the region.
Two adult female elk from Hunt Area 87 tested positive for CWD. Both were discovered at the Dell Creek feedground – one in January and the second in early February. Game and Fish personnel have investigated the sites, collected samples, and removed the carcasses to manage potential disease spread.
“It is unfortunate and concerning to find CWD on an elk feedground,” stated Wildlife Division Deputy Chief Justin Binfet. “However, it was not unexpected given this disease continues to spread throughout the West. In anticipation of the spread of CWD to elk feedgrounds, the department created its Elk Feedground Management Plan, which will guide wildlife managers to work to minimize and mitigate CWD risks and look for long-term solutions to disease transmission on feedgrounds.”
CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. The Game and Fish Department emphasizes the importance of ongoing CWD monitoring to understand its impacts and inform future management strategies. Feedgrounds in the Jackson and Pinedale regions are under close observation, and Feedground Management Action Plans (FMAPs) are being developed to mitigate CWD risks and reduce elk reliance on feedgrounds in the long term.
For more information on CWD, including testing, transmission, and regulations, please visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website.
Time to Say Goodbye to the Penny? National Debate Sparks Conversation in Pinedale
A national conversation has ignited around the future of the U.S. penny, a topic that resonates even in local communities like Pinedale. President Trump recently announced a request to the US Treasury Department to halt penny production, citing economic reasons.
Image: Close-up of a shiny, copper-plated US penny, featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln, symbolizing the ongoing debate about its economic value.
According to the US Mint’s Annual Report, producing a single penny in 2024 cost approximately 3.7 cents, significantly exceeding its face value. The US Mint reported losses exceeding $85 million on penny production in 2024 alone. This financial argument fuels the movement to eliminate the penny.
However, counterarguments highlight the penny’s utility in transactions involving sales tax, ensuring accurate change in cash transactions. Despite this, the increasing prevalence of digital payments, even for small purchases, suggests a shift away from cash reliance.
The penny’s composition has also changed over time. Originally made of copper, pennies are now primarily zinc with copper plating. Abraham Lincoln has been featured on the penny since 1909, and it holds the distinction of being the first coin produced by the US Mint.
Are Nickels Next?
The debate extends to other low-denomination coins. Nickels also cost more to produce than their face value, with a production cost of 13.8 cents per nickel. Dimes and quarters, however, remain profitable to mint.
The penny debate reflects a broader trend towards a cashless society and the potential for digital currencies. While coins and paper money are expected to remain in circulation for the foreseeable future, the penny’s future hangs in the balance. What are your thoughts on eliminating the penny in Pinedale?
Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise in Wyoming: Awareness Urged in Pinedale Area
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is raising awareness about a recent increase in pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, across the state, including 19 confirmed cases. While there isn’t a specific outbreak noted for Pinedale, increased cases in nearby Lincoln County and statewide mean residents should be vigilant.
“That brings us to 18 reported cases so far this year and we’re only in the year’s second month,” said Clay Van Houten, infectious disease epidemiology unit manager with WDH, referencing data before the 19th confirmed case. This marks a significant increase compared to 2024, which saw a total of 19 cases, and starkly contrasts with 0 cases in 2023 and 2 in 2022.
Pertussis poses the greatest risk to infants. More than half of infants under one year old who contract whooping cough require hospitalization, and the disease can be fatal in some cases. The WDH emphasizes vaccination as a crucial preventative measure.
The Tdap vaccine, a booster for adolescents and adults, is particularly important for individuals who are in close contact with infants, such as parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Pregnant women are also advised to receive the Tdap vaccine to provide protection to newborns.
Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough, often progressing to severe coughing fits with a characteristic “whooping” sound. Vaccination not only reduces the likelihood of infection but also lessens the severity of the illness in those who do contract pertussis.
For more information on whooping cough, including symptoms, prevention, and vaccination, please visit the Wyoming Department of Health website: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/pertussis/.
Wyoming Game and Fish Annual Mule Deer Surveys Show Positive Trends for Wyoming Range and Sublette Herds
Good news for wildlife enthusiasts in the Pinedale region! The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s annual mule deer aerial surveys, conducted in late December, indicate positive recovery trends for both the Wyoming Range and Sublette mule deer herds.
Image: Graphic depicting mule deer fawns and bucks, courtesy of Wyoming Game & Fish, illustrating the focus of their annual aerial surveys for population assessment.
These surveys are crucial for assessing mule deer populations following the severe winter of 2022-23, which resulted in increased mortality. Data collected, along with ongoing research, informs wildlife managers in their hunting season recommendations.
Research partnership with the University of Wyoming’s Monteith Shop reveals that Wyoming Range mule deer entered the winter in good body condition. Fawn birth mass was also notably high in the summer of 2024, indicating healthy conditions. Mild winter conditions over the past two years have contributed to high over-winter survival rates.
Key Findings from the December Aerial Surveys:
Wyoming Range Herd (Hunt Areas 134, 135, 143-145):
- 4,902 mule deer counted
- Fawn ratio: 83 fawns per 100 does (significant increase from 34 in 2023)
- Overall buck ratio: 28 bucks per 100 does (approaching target of 30-45)
- Yearling buck ratio increase
Sublette Deer Herd (Hunt Areas 130, 131, 138, 139, 140, 142):
- 7,645 mule deer counted
- Fawn ratio: 76 fawns per 100 does (highest since 2006)
- Overall buck ratio: 34 bucks per 100 does (stable)
- Yearling buck ratio increase
“Both herds have demonstrated resilience in the past, quickly recovering from periods of high winter mortality,” noted Game and Fish biologist Gary Fralick. Wildlife managers will continue to monitor these herds and adjust hunting season structures to optimize opportunities while maintaining herd health and objectives.
Dean Clause, Game and Fish wildlife biologist for the Pinedale Region, added, “As these herds recover, our hunting seasons will be adjusted to maximize opportunities while still meeting herd unit objectives, such as maintaining appropriate buck ratios.”
For more information about mule deer management in Wyoming, please visit the Game and Fish website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/mule-deer-wyoming.
Wyoming State Superintendent Supports Reinstatement of 2020 Title IX Rules
Wyoming State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder has voiced support for the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement reinstating the 2020 Title IX rules. This decision replaces the 2024 rules proposed by the Biden administration and has implications for educational institutions in Wyoming.
According to a statement from the Wyoming Department of Education, the 2020 rules “better guarantee due process for students and staff involved in Title IX investigations and confirm that individuals are protected based on their biological sex assigned at birth.”
Superintendent Degenfelder stated, “This is great news from the Trump administration as we continue to work on protections for women in Wyoming, including several bills currently before the Legislature. This is about safety and fairness and I will never stop fighting for our girls.”
Title IX is a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding. The 2024 Biden administration rules had expanded the definition of “sex-based harassment” to include gender identity and sexual orientation, among other factors. The reinstatement of the 2020 rules marks a shift back to the previous interpretation of Title IX.
Low-Cost Insulin Program Available to Wyoming Residents: Access Information via Pinedale Online
Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill is reminding residents about the settlement agreement with Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (Sanofi) that ensures access to low-cost insulin. This program is particularly relevant for Wyoming citizens without government health care program enrollment.
The settlement guarantees eligible Wyoming residents can purchase Sanofi insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years. Participating Sanofi insulin products include Admelog, Lantus, Toujeo, and Apidra, and any biosimilars marketed by Sanofi.
To access this reduced pricing, consumers need to register for a Sanofi savings card. All necessary information and registration links are available on the dedicated Wyoming Attorney General website: https://attorneygeneral.wyo.gov/law-office-division/consumer-protection-and-antitrust-unit/sanofi-insulinsettlement.
Additionally, Sanofi is implementing a program to alert pharmacists and patients at pharmacy counters about this low-cost insulin option. Sanofi also continues its Patient Connection Program, providing free insulin to Wyoming residents in financial need, accessible at: https://www.sanofipatientconnection.com/patientassistance-connection.
Pinedale Online is committed to keeping the community informed about important resources like this low-cost insulin program. Stay connected with Pinedale Online for ongoing local news and updates.
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