EVANSTON — For the first time since its inception, Uinta County residents will be represented by one of their own on the board of directors for the Wyoming Office of Tourism. Evanston’s Mark Tesoro, publisher of the Uinta County Herald, was appointed to the board last month by Gov. Mark Gordon and subsequently confirmed by the Wyoming Senate.

Tesoro will represent District 4 on the board, which consists of nine members — six district representatives and three at-large representatives. District 4 includes Uinta, Lincoln and Sweetwater counties.

Sen. Dan Dockstader, R-Afton, sang Tesoro’s praises when asked why he supported the publisher’s nomination.

“I made personal phone calls regarding this appointment because I was so impressed with Mark’s ability to move a project forward,” Dockstader told the Herald.

Dockstader, the Wyoming Senate President, was referring to Southwest Wyoming Off-road Trails, or SWOT, of which Tesoro is a founder and the nonprofit’s current president. Tesoro has garnered massive support for the project, which aims to link communities in southwest Wyoming with motorized trails. Many have touted the economic benefit of such a project.

“He has guided SWOT from the organization’s infancy to a point where it includes a regional county area with a vested interest from residents and local governments, while at the same time laying a template for the rest of the state to follow in the development of ORV trails and tourism,” Dockstader said. “Through his work, Mark has reminded us of the importance of the tourism dollar as it pertains to the added value for our main street small business owners, lodging, food services and convenience store services.”

Dockstader said he looks forward to the expertise Tesoro will bring to the Wyoming Tourism Borad.

More locally, Uinta County Economic Development Director Gary Welling also had strong words of support concerning Tesoro’s appointment while also citing his work with SWOT.

“Mark is an excellent choice for the travel and tourism board,” Welling said. “He has shown his determination to get people aware of southwest Wyoming. His work on SWOT has been nothing shy of excellent.”

Welling continued by saying that work translates directly to a benefit for the community.

“His contacts that he has reached out to to promote SWOT will be valuable assets for promoting southwest Wyoming for all tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to come to our part of Wyoming. He will certainly promote southwest Wyoming now and in the future,” Welling said.