State might implement access fee for Bear River State Park

Bradie Jill Jones, Herald Reporter
Posted 7/25/17

The State of Wyoming is considering an access fee for the Bear River State Park, Chamber luncheon attendees learned

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State might implement access fee for Bear River State Park

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EVANSTON — The State of Wyoming is considering implementing an access fee for Bear River State Park. Local business events and barbecue were other topics discussed at the Evanston Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, July 13, which was held at the state park.

In a study done to determine the economic impact of the state parks throughout Wyoming, Bear River State Park’s annual economic impact on the local economy was calculated to be more than $6.8 million.

Regardless of this perceived financial success, state parks throughout Wyoming are still feeling the strain of decreased state revenue.

“With state budgets declining the way that they are, our budget from the state has declined as well,” park superintendent Wade Henderson said.

These concerns have those at the state level considering implementing usage fees at Bear River State Park. Officials at the state park are asking community members to come into the visitor center to fill out the state’s survey to voice their opinions on the possible fee implementation.

“Some folks use it every day,” Safford said. “… Encourage those that you know who use the state park a lot to come out and fill out one of these surveys.”

The three-question survey states that “State Parks and Historic Sites have not raised their fees since 2008.” It goes on to ask about consumers’ willingness to support increased entrance fees, ranging from $2 to $6.

With multiple entrances at Bear River State Park, fee collection could be difficult. “There are some logistical concerns we have for collecting fees here,” Henderson said.

Evanston City Councilwoman Wendy Schuler agreed.

“That would be a nightmare for them,” she said.

New chamber director Marian McLean spoke about the chamber’s efforts on behalf of local businesses. Currently, there are 204 local businesses in the chamber. Speaking on the benefits to businesses in the chamber, McLean said, “We bring in a lot of workshops, a lot of programs for them. It’s a great advertising tool.”

State park natural resource specialist Kendra Safford presented at the luncheon. She gave a thorough overview of all the amenities and tourism opportunities the state park offers to visitors as well as locals.

“If you have events in the community please share those with us so we can share them with the people who visit us,” Safford said. “… We want to promote Evanston and Wyoming as much as possible.”

She said the park’s goal is to keep those passing through in the area for an extra day. 

As the second-most visited state park in Wyoming, Bear River State Park recorded more than 266,000 visits in 2015. Many of those visitors spent time at the visitor center learning about what there is to see and do in southwestern Wyoming.

Currently, nothing is printed in the Wyoming Travelers Journal about southwestern Wyoming. The chamber is working to have information about the area, highlighting local business, added to the journal.

“We are really working hard on this travel journal,” McLean said. “… It is published in six different languages and they have over a million subscribers, so it’s a really big thing for people who come in.”

Safford agreed that coverage about Uinta County in the journal is important.

“I go through a ton of those as people pass through planning their trips,” she said.

The luncheon concluded with discussion about the upcoming solar eclipse and the potential business revenue it brings with it.

“If you have a business, make sure you are prepared for it,” McLean warned. Although Uinta County is not in the path of totality, the area can still expect to see significant tourism traffic around the days of the event.

The next chamber luncheon will be held on Thursday, Aug. 10, at BOCES. Those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP to the Chamber office at (307) 783-0370 by Tuesday, Aug. 8.