Be Prepared for Solar Eclipse Viewing on the Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland
Release Date: Aug 18, 2017
Media Contact: Aaron Voos, (307) 745-2323
(LARAMIE, Wyo.) August 18, 2017 – As the day of the total solar eclipse draws near and visitors arrive, the U.S. Forest Service would like to share a wide variety of messages regarding what to expect on the Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland on and around Aug. 21.
General
- Eclipse information is available at fs.usda.gov/goto/mbrtb/eclipse_2017.
- Be patient. There will be more people than is typical on the Forest and Grassland.
- Public cooperation will be essential to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience during the eclipse.
- The District Ranger Office, 2250 E Richards St. in Douglas, Wyo., will be extending normal business hours during the period of Aug. 18-20, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- The Centennial Visitor Center in the Snowy Range is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs-Mon.
- Remember to obtain and wear eclipse sunglasses.
- llegal drug use and possession is PROHIBITED on Forest Service lands.
- Use and possession of prescription and/or recreational marijuana is not allowed.
Camping
- Developed campgrounds on the Laramie Peak unit are full. Campgrounds on other portions of the Medicine Bow National Forest are first-come, first-serve.
- Dispersed camping is available forest-wide, with a stay limit of 16 days in a 30-day period.
- Emptying wastewater on Forest Service land is PROHIBITED.
- Campground toilets are for limited use by campground patrons. Porta-potties will be available at some trailheads and dispersed campgrounds. If facilities are unavailable, use commercial products to pack out human waste; toilet paper must be packed out.
- Leave no trace of your visit: pack out everything you pack in.
Travel
- Obtain maps in advance of your visit!
- Motorized access is limited to routes designated on a Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Obtain MVUMs at Ranger District Offices, Visitor Centers or digitally at Avenza.com.
- Not all roads are open and off-road travel is PROHIBITED.
- OHV/ATV use is limited to routes designated on the MVUM. Trail use requires a State permit, while Forest Road use requires a permit or licensing.
- Plan for heavy traffic.
- Forest roads are typically dirt/gravel and can be very rough and rocky.
- Fuel may be scarce. Plan ahead.
- Know where you are, regarding land ownership and rules. Public access varies with ownership. Private landowners may file trespass charges.
Fire
- Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on all of the National Forest System lands in the Grassland, as well as the entirety of the Laramie Peak unit, Medicine Bow National Forest.
- See the following web site for details: fs.usda.gov/goto/mbrtb/2017_DRD_firerestrictions
- In areas where campfires are allowed, Forest visitors are advised to use caution when building and maintaining campfires and should follow basic fire safety rules, such as putting your campfire dead out before leaving your campsite or going to sleep.
- To report a fire, call Casper Dispatch Center: (307) 261-7691.
Communications
- Tell others your destination and travel times.
- Cellular signal is limited. Data and mobile coverage should not be relied upon.
- Call 911 for medical emergency.
Wildlife
- Do not approach wildlife. Do not attempt pictures with animals.
- Bears and mountain lions live on Forest, and rattlesnakes are common on the Laramie Peak unit and Grassland.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Weather
- Thunderstorms may form quickly and often bring lightning, hail, and heavy rains. Watch the sky and plan for shelter.
- Hot, dry conditions are common during the day in August, but nights can be cool/cold.
- Dress in layers.
For additional information visit fs.usda.gov/goto/mbrtb/eclipse_2017 or contact
- Laramie Ranger District, 2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, Wyo., (307) 745-2300
- Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, 2171 Highway 130, Saratoga, Wyo., (307) 326-5258
- Douglas Ranger District, 2250 E. Richards Street, Douglas, Wyo., (307) 358-4690