HomeMy WebLinkAbout108 CUP 26 Ridgeline Timber PZC Staff Complete
108 CUP 26
PZC
LINCOLN COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT Conditional Use Permit Application
HEARING TIME AND DATE: 6:00 p.m., March 18, 2026 LOCATION: Afton Planning & Development Office, 61 E. 5th Ave., Afton, Wyoming & Lincoln County Courthouse, Commissioner Boardroom 3rd Floor, 925 Sage Ave., Kemmerer, Wyoming FILE # 108 CUP 26
APPLICANTS: J & J Land Company, LLC PROJECT NAME: Ridgeline Timber COMMUNITY PLAN AREA: Alpine ZONING: Mixed REPRESENTATIVE: Jared Duckstein PLANNER: Ken Kuluski PARCEL ID: 3619-032-00-004
_____________________________________________________________________________ PROPOSAL: A Conditional Use Permit for a proposed light manufacturing use consisting of a prefabrication and sales facility for construction products, including timber frame components and other construction materials. The proposed use will occupy approximately 4 ± acres of the site and will
include a building for fabrication, assembly, and sales of construction components. The remaining 12 ± acres of the property will be used to support the manufacturing operation and may include additional accessory buildings, outdoor storage of materials, and areas for equipment and operational needs associated with the light manufacturing shop.
LOCATION: Located in 1.5 miles south of Alpine, Wyoming, in T34N, R118W, Section 20.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map 2. Conditional Use Statement
2. Site Plans and Attachments 4. Agency Correspondence 5. Public Correspondence
PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Planning staff recommends that the Planning & Zoning Commission send a recommendation of APPROVAL to the Board of County Commissioners for File #108 CUP 26, a Conditional Use
Permit, with:
• Findings of Approval A. through D.
• Conditions of Approval 1. through 11.
108 CUP 26
PZC
FINDINGS OF APPROVAL: A. The proposed use, with conditions, is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Lincoln County Comprehensive Plan. B. The proposed use, with conditions, is consistent with the provisions of the Lincoln County Land Use
Regulations, specifically: Chapter 3, Section 3.1 Conditional Use Permit Procedures. C. The proposal, with conditions, is consistent with the provisions of Wyoming Statute 18-5-203 providing for Board of County Commissioners authority for zoning regulation of buildings and uses of land. D. The proposed use, with conditions, will not substantially impair the appropriate use of neighboring
property; and will serve the public need, convenience and welfare.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The Applicant shall comply with all of the County, State and Federal laws and regulations.
2. Compliance with agency requirements: The developer/owner shall obtain any and all County, State, and Federal permits, licenses, and other approvals for the construction and/or operation of the project. This may include: Local Fire District, Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and
Electrical Safety (State Fire Marshal), Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (SEO), Wyoming
Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Wyoming Game and Fish, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and/or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 3. Applicant shall provide evidence prior to operation that site access is in compliance Wyoming
Department of Transportation (WYDOT) request for change of use.
4. Applicant shall have an annual Lincoln County Weed & Pest inspection and shall follow the mitigation / removal of noxious weed plan furnished by Lincoln County Weed and Pest.
5. Applicant shall follow the guidelines as outlined in the Game and Fish letter dated March 9, 2026 (attached)
6. All buildings require appropriate permits issued by Lincoln County prior to construction / temporary
placement. This shall include a State Fire Marshal review for buildings greater than 5,000 S.F.
7. Exterior lighting shall comply with Lincoln County Land Use Regulations Section 6.10 Lighting in order to minimize fugitive light, including the provision that the outdoor/exterior lights be hooded in design with no light source extending below the hood;
8. All building and improvement setbacks shall comply with Lincoln County Land Use Regulations
Section 6.20 b (3) in regard to the US Highway 89 right of way.
9. Signage approved under this permit is limited to the sign affixed to the primary building. All additional signage must obtain a Lincoln County Sign Permit. 10. This permit will have a total of five (5) years to begin construction, temporary construction
/operation modulars are authorized with additional Zoning and Development permitting.
11. This permit is to operate the uses outlined in the project description. Significant alterations from the uses described in the application shall void this permit.
108 CUP 26
PZC
AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE: WYDOT: has no objections to the proposed lumber yard and offers the following comments. The applicant must submit a detailed site plan, the anticipated vehicle type, and usage (daily & peak hour traffic) generated by the proposed development. For a change-in-use from field to commercial access, the
applicant must obtain a new access permit from WYDOT. The applicant should anticipate consolidating
the two existing field approaches into a single access point.
FIRE MARSHAL: This is a building with public access and if it is over 5000 square feet would be required to be permitted through our agency.
GAME AND FISH:
Regarding Elk: A 30-foot setback from the current location of the GRWHMA elk fence in which no facilities occur. The setback will allow annual fence maintenance and promote unrestricted movement of elk and other big game species along the elk fence to the wildlife jump out and ultimately onto the GRWHMA.
Maintain unrestricted line of sight from US Highway 89 to the elk jump out. Line of sight is essential for
those elk that are crossing the highway to move directly and unhindered to the elk jump out and onto the
GRWHMA. Consider assisting with the relocation of the elk jump out to allow for construction of the lumber yard while still maintaining some level of elk movement to the GRWHMA. Department personnel welcome the
opportunity to discuss this option in greater detail with the proponent.
Avoid interior fencing to the extent practicable Regarding water quality and riparian area: Ensuring that all sediments and other pollutants are contained within the boundaries of the work area.
Storing or depositing pollutants (e.g., topsoil, silt, sand, gravel, solid wastes, slash, debris, fuels,
lubricants, or chemicals) outside the active flood plain, areas immediately adjacent to riparian areas, or
natural drainages (e.g., draws, land surface depressions or other areas where overland flow could concentrate materials and carry pollutants directly into surface waters). Cleaning, fueling, and maintaining vehicles and equipment at designated off-site staging areas located at
least 500 feet from riparian or wetland habitat.
Preserving existing vegetation wherever possible.
Promptly revegetating disturbed areas that could contribute sediment to surface waters, and/or stabilizing all exposed surfaces with mulch or soil binders. Utilizing rolled erosion control products, temporary slope drains, fiber rolls, compost socks, and/or silt
fences where appropriate.
PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE:
£¤89
Alpine
32
29
34
2830
31 33
27
01020403
37N 118W
36N 119W
£¤8
9
STATE OF
WYOMINGGAME & FISH
RESERVOIR
GRAVES, G BRET
& DAWN K U.S. HIGHWAY
STATE OFWYOMING
GAME & FISH
REINERT,
JAMES
T.TRUSTCTL
MANAGEMENT,LLC
RESERVOIR
ANDRACA-TENORIO,YARIT
NICHOLSON,
BARBARA J
MORENO, DANIEL C. &
JANAE % STICKEL,
ALFRED D. & ALVINA R.
STATE OFWYOMING
GAME & FISH
STATE OFWYOMING
GAME & FISH
U.S. HIGHWAY
J & J LAND
COMPANY, LLC
MCNEEL 2PROPERTIES,
LLC
MCNEEL1 PROPERTIES, LLC
STATE OF
WYOMING
GAME & FISH
STATE OF
WYOMINGGAME & FISH
BUREAU OF REC.
WATER RESERVE
LAST RESORT
HOLDINGS LLC WEST, GLEN
D & ANDRAJ TRUSTEESWEST, GLEN
D & ANDRA
J TRUSTEES MOORE, SCOTTO & TERESA
A TRUSTEES REINERT,
JAMES TMOORE, SCOTTO & TERESA
A TRUSTEES
MCNEEL 2 PROPERTIES,LLC
Vantor
Conditional Use Permit
Roads
Road_Type
US Highways
WY Highways
Projects
Township & Range
Sections
Municipalities
Public Noticing
File No 108 CUP 26
Ridgeline Timber
J & J Land Company, LLC
Prepared using available data by Katie Gipson on 5 February 2026. Map is for informational purposes only and in no way represents an official survey of land.
1. Project Overview
Dear Lincoln County Planning Team,
The following information is provided in support of the CUP application for J & J Land
Company, LLC, with a lease condition for Ridgeline Operations LLC (DBA Ridgeline Log &
Timber) intending to operate as a business involving a combination of Light Manufacturing
located on a 4 ac. portion (approx. 25%) of a 16 acre parcel in Lincoln County, Wyoming. This
information is provided in compliance with the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations.
J&J Land Company is submitting this Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to allow for the
construction of a fabrication shop, offices, and material laydown yard to support the long-term
operations of Ridgeline Log and Timber.
Ridgeline Log and Timber is a regional construction and fabrication company specializing in
timber framing, rough carpentry, and wood processing for residential and commercial
construction projects. Ridgeline Log and Timber has been operating regionally since 2015. The
proposed facility is intended to consolidate fabrication, material staging, and administrative
functions into a single, well-managed site designed specifically for these operations.
J&J Land Company is developing the site specifically to support Ridgeline Log and Timber’s
long-term operations in the community.
The proposed use is industrial-support in nature, not retail, and is designed to operate in a
controlled, predictable manner consistent with Lincoln County standards and surrounding land
uses.
The future use of the remaining undeveloped 12 ac. portion (approx. 75%) of the above
described 16 ac. parcel is yet to be determined. It’s proposed future use to be light-industrial-
support in nature, and to provide space for occupying business or similar to be expanded if
necessary.
Legal Description:
PART OF NW 1/4 OF SECTION 3, T.36N., R.119W., LINCOLN COUNTY,
WYOMING. MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING
AT A POINT, SAID POINT BEING S89°51'00"E 399.62 FEET AND S00°09'00"W
227.63 FEET FROM THE NORTHEAST OF LOT 4 OF SAID SECTION 3; THENCE
NORTH 58°01'00" EAST 565.64 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 22°36'56" EAST 1221.61
FEET; THENCE SOUTH 05°09'14" EAST 668.98 FEET; THENCE NORTH 17°50'36"
WEST 441.21 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°12'03" WEST 702.24 FEET; THENCE
NORTH 09°41'16" WEST 83.27 FEET; THENCE ALONG A NON-TANGENT
CURVE TURNING TO THE LEFT WITH A RADIUS OF 2270.00 FEET, AN ARC
LENGTH OF 883.67 FEET, A DELTA ANGLE OF 22°18'15", A CHORD BEARING
OF NORTH 20°49'56" WEST, AND A CHORD LENGTH OF 878.10 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31°59'04" WEST
1030.21 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
CONTAINING 693723 SQUARE FEET OR 15.926 ACRES.
Total lot size proposed for use: Southernmost 4.05 acres (176694 sqft.) of 15.91 acre parcel
2. Current Zoning and Adjacent Property Information
Current Zoning of Subject Property: Mixed Use
Current Use of Subject Property: None
Name, address and current zoning of surrounding properties within a three hundred foot
(300’) radius:
• CTL Management, LLC; Parcel # 36190320000200; PO BOX 10948, Jackson, WY 83002.
• Current Zoning: Mixed Use
• State of Wyoming Game and Fish; Parcel #s 37183110006900, 36190320000100; 5400
Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82006
• Current Zoning: Public
• Andraca-Tenorio, Yarit; Parcel #336190320100900; PO BOX 14628, Jackson, WY 83002
• Current Zoning: Mixed Use
3. Purpose and Community Context
A. The 4 +/- acre area’s intended use to be a prefabrication and sales facility for
Construction Products (timber frame and construction components and materials).
Activities categorized as a mixture of Light Manufacturing and Retail per Chapter 7 Land
Use Regulations. Principal building to be a 10,000 sqft (type V building) fabrication
facility with 4 office spaces; max. 30 employees/occupants*. Three accessory shelter
structures primarily used for warehousing and weather protection of materials; < 2000
sqft each. *Note: employee/occupant count is used only for understanding the max
occupancy that will be kept well below per estimated employee count below.
B. The remaining 12 +/- acre’s does not currently have an intended use. This CUP requests
that the remaining 12 +/- acres be permitted for undetermined, additional light-
manufacturing uses as outlined on page 14, chapter 7 of the Lincoln County Land Use
Regulations for the duration of building window (5 years). This use is intended to be
temporary.
C. The purpose of the proposed facility is to retain skilled construction and fabrication jobs
within the local area, rather than forcing workers and operations to relocate outside the
county due to a lack of appropriate industrial space.
By providing a permanent, purpose-built facility:
• Local jobs are stabilized and retained within the community
• Employees live locally and contribute to demand for housing, restaurants, retail, and
services
• Daily commuting distances are reduced, lowering traffic and environmental impacts
• Construction support activity is centralized and better managed
Retaining these jobs locally reduces pressure for long-distance commuting and supports
the county’s broader goals of workforce stability and community sustainability.
The facility supports the broader local economy by anchoring employment that, in turn,
supports other sectors of the community and reinforces Alpine as a place where working
families can live and work.
D. The intended sized for this building is be 100’x100’ with a maximum height of 40’ as
laid out in the site plan and supplementary information for a total of 10,000 square feet.
This CUP proposed one (1) permanent building. The project proposes engineered
prefabricated metal building, selected for durability, snow-load performance, and
regulatory clarity. Prefabricated structures provide predictable construction outcomes and
reduce approval complexity. J&J intends to use Ultimate Steel Erection to construct this
building. Supplementary information provided is not final and will be secured once
compliance with county requirements are met and approval granted. Building colors,
profiles, and site layout are selected to minimize visual impact from the highway and
blend with the surrounding landscape.
Temporary structures may be used during the construction phase to support operations
and maintain business continuity. Locations, intended use, and durations are identified in
the application materials and will comply with county requirements. If used, size of
temporary structures to be 35’ wide x 70’ long. Temporary structures to be
premanufactured by Shelter Logic.
E. Operations, Staffing, and Hours
The facility will operate during standard construction-industry hours:
• Summer Operations:
Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Winter Operations:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The anticipated on-site staffing level is approximately 8–10 employees, including
fabrication and office personnel. No overnight operations are proposed.
This CUP assumes 16 parking spaces as show in the site plan to accommodate the
employees with additional parking for overflow.
Employee presence is consistent and predictable, allowing for controlled parking,
circulation, and operational management.
The facility will not generate retail traffic and is expected to produce only limited,
predictable daily trips associated with employees and periodic material deliveries.
Conservative estimate of “customers” limited to 2-4 per week by appointment only.
4. Any permits, letters or reviews by federal, state, or local jurisdictions
concerning the proposal (i.e., Fire Marshall plan review, Health Department,
Wyoming department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming Department of
Transportation):
A. Driveway Access Request for 30’ gravel driveway connecting property to State
Highway 89 (WYDOT permit). See supplementary information for engagement with
WYDOT
B. County Sign permit to be obtained for 4’x 10’ (40 sqft) backlit (35 foot-candles max.)
business sign located on the building facing Highway 89.
C. Stormwater discharge permit for driveway and improvements (WYDEQ permit).
5. All applicable development standards spelled out in Chapter 6 of this
document shall be addressed:
6.1. Public Lands
Easements preserved for elk fence gates and wildlife egress.
6.2 Addressing System
No streets to be added at this time; rural address number(s) assigned by the Office of
Planning and Engineering are assumed will be in the range of 115300 and 115400 US –
89, Alpine, WY 83128, as indicated above, section 3 of this document.
Driveway and business signage via designated permits; assigned address number(s)
will be posted as required.
6.3. Agricultural Lands
There are no known irrigation canals, ditches, or pipelines on the property.
6.4. Buffering
Existing landscape berms on south perimeter of property and proposed use area.
6.5. Density
For efficiencies of and infrastructure and operational layout, see draft of site plan for
current proposed use of 4 acre area; location and positioning of improvements
enhance external nuisance mitigation.
6.6 Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Erosion and sedimentation mitigation is not recommended due to low grade, open
spaces, and density. A Stormwater Discharge permit will be needed for driveway and
improvements (WYDEQ permit).
6.7. Fire Protection
Principal building to be a 10000 sqft type V building. 2006 IFC requires flre fiow of
2,500-3,000 gpm for duration of 2 hours with hydrant (1 minimum) located no more than
250’ from highway frontage.
Water source is yet to be determined, however; flre suppression water storage must be
in excess of 210,000 gallons with emergency dedicated flre pump rated for a minimum
of 1750 gpm.
6.8. Land Use Siting Standards and Requirements
Not applicable to proposed use.
6.9. Driveway Access
Driveway Access Request for 30’ gravel driveway connecting property to State Highway
89 (WYDOT permit) with 18” galvanized metal culvert. Stormwater discharge permit for
driveway and improvements (WYDEQ permit).
6.10. Lighting
All Building and facility exterior lighting to meet standards listed in chapter 6, thus
avoiding light trespass, light pollution, and glare. See below for supplementary
information.
6.11. Lot Design Specifications
Proposed use area layout to have efficiencies for utilities, vehicle and pedestrian and
emergency access, parking, small wastewater system, trash and snow removal,
structures and open space.
6.12. Location of Development
See site plan.
6.14. Parking
Industrial: one space per employee plus one stall for each company owned vehicle and
visitor; adequate loading area.
Retail: 1 space for each 400 feet of fioor area; adequate loading area.
Residential: 2 spaces per dwelling unit.
Mixed uses: the sum of parking requirements for individual uses.
6.15. Preservation of Topography and Vegetation
Property has no signiflcant topography or vegetation.
6.16. Road Construction Standards
Earthwork subcontract to include standards listed.
6.17. General Road Design requirements.
See site plan.
6.18. Subdivision Road Design Specifications
See site plan.
6.19. Road Right of Way
See site plan.
6.20. Setbacks
Front Setback, the side of the property where primary vehicle access is located, as
measured form lot line or right-of-way, whichever is more restrictive. Commercial
structures shall have a minimum set back from all lot lines of 1 foot per 1 foot building
height unless two hour flre walls are constructed. At this time, a 40’ setback is shown
from WYDOT HWY 89 ROW on the included site plan as a maximum placeholder for
proposed building with a maximum overall height of 40’.
6.21. Irrigation Facilities and Surface Water
There are no known streams, rivers, irrigation canals, ditches, or pipelines on the
property.
6.22. Signs and Sign Permits
Freestanding Sign height not to exceed 20’ above frontage road surface.
County Sign permit to be obtained for 12’x 6’6” (78 sqft) lighted (35 foot-candles max.)
freestanding business sign (Lincoln County permit) not located in the right-of-way.
6.23. Solar Rights
Preserve via WS 34-20-102.
6.24. Solid Waste Disposal
See below
6.25. Traffic- Vehicular and Pedestrian
See site plan.
6.26. Utilities
All utility improvements to be underground within a legally established easement min
10’ width.
6.27. Wellhead and Source Water Protection Standard
See site plan for location of wellhead.
6.28. Enforcement
Construction must commence within 2 years from issuance of the permit for the permit
to remain valid. This CUP requests a 5 year window for construction due to unforeseen
circumstances in the construction industry.
6.29. Performance Guarantee Procedures
Bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or sufficient flnancial commitment required.
Prior to construction, applicant to submit a detailed cost of improvement worksheet
with breakdown of materials, labor, and equipment.
Supplementary Information regarding LUR speciflcally mentioned at the preapplication
meeting.
Noise Management
Noise management has been a primary consideration in facility design and operational planning.
• The majority of fabrication activity will occur inside enclosed buildings
• No outdoor industrial processing is proposed
• Operating hours are limited to daytime construction norms
• Buildings will be designed to provide sound buffering
• The site’s proximity to an existing highway corridor reduces incremental noise sensitivity
These measures are intended to ensure that noise generated by the facility remains compatible
with surrounding land uses.
Limited use of small band-style sawmills is included in the operation; however, milling occurs
intermittently, processes one timber at a time, and is not comparable to commercial sawmill
operations in scale or intensity.
Lighting and Signage
Backlit illuminated signage is proposed to minimize visual impact and simplify regulatory
review.
If exterior lighting is required for safety or operations:
• Lighting will be top-down and fully shielded
• Lumens will be controlled
• All lighting will comply with Lincoln County Standard 6.10, ensuring illumination
does not exceed one foot-candle at property boundaries
The lighting strategy is intended to minimize light pollution, glare, and visual distraction while
maintaining site safety.
Snow Management
Snow management is addressed through both building design and site planning:
• All buildings will be engineered to meet applicable snow load requirements
• Snow will be stored and stacked in designated areas within the laydown yard
• Snow storage areas are planned to avoid public rights-of-way, neighboring properties,
and drainage paths
• Snow storage locations may be adjusted seasonally based on wind, visibility, and
operational safety
Waste Management, Dust Control, and Environmental Considerations
The facility will generate wood shavings and fabrication byproducts typical of timber fabrication
operations. A waste mitigation plan will be implemented to address:
• Regular collection and containment of wood byproducts
• Fire risk mitigation through housekeeping protocols and controlled storage
• Safe transport and disposal or reuse of wood materials
• Prevention of off-site migration of debris
Fabrication activities occur indoors, and housekeeping practices are used to control dust and
prevent off-site migration of airborne particulates.
No hazardous chemicals or industrial solvents are stored or used on site beyond standard
construction materials and finishes.
There is no surface water on the site, which reduces regulatory complexity. Environmental
impacts are expected to be limited and manageable through standard best practices.
Site Design, Access, and Circulation
The site plan provides:
•Clearly defined property lines, setbacks, and rights-of-way
•A single, controlled driveway connection coordinated with WYDOT
•Internal circulation designed for employee and delivery vehicles
•Designated areas for fabrication, material storage, snow stacking, and parking
Outdoor material storage will be confined to designated laydown yard areas shown on the site
plan.
Site circulation and access are designed to accommodate emergency vehicles and meet
applicable safety requirements.
Access permits and apron paving requirements will be coordinated with the appropriate district
engineer to ensure compliance.
Use Limitations and County Oversight
The CUP is requested specifically to support the fabrication, office, and material staging
operations of Ridgeline Log and Timber.
The facility is not intended for retail sales, public showroom use, or general industrial
manufacturing. Any material change in use, scale, or operational character would be subject to
additional county review and approval.
The use of small, exterior, stationary band saw is considered accessory to the approved
fabrication use and does not constitute a separate or commercial milling operation. This is to mill
our timbers for our timber frame builds.
11. Summary
The proposed facility is a well-contained, low-impact industrial-support use designed to operate
within clearly defined parameters. Through controlled hours, enclosed fabrication, compliant
lighting, proactive environmental management, and a focus on retaining local jobs, the project is
compatible with surrounding land uses and consistent with Lincoln County standards.
Approval of this Conditional Use Permit will allow J&J Land Company to develop a facility that
supports local employment, strengthens the community economy, and provides a responsible,
well-managed operational base for Ridgeline Log and Timber.
March 9, 2026
WER 15280.01
Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Conditional Use Permit Application Lumber Yard Lincoln County
Ken Kuluski Planner Office of Planning and Development Lincoln County 61 E 5th Avenue Ste. 701
Afton, WY 83110
planning@lincolncountywy.gov Dear Mr. Kuluski,
The staff of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Department) has reviewed the proposed
Conditional Use Permit application for a lumber yard in Section 3 T36N R119W. The Department is statutorily charged with managing and protecting all Wyoming wildlife (W.S. 23-1-103). Pursuant to our mission, we offer the following comments for your consideration.
The proposed project is a lumber yard with commercial access off U.S. Highway 89. The
Department reviewed a proposed Planned Unit Development in 2024 on the same parcel and many of our comments from that previous review are included here. The lumber yard would be positioned between the highway and the 3,041.6-acre Greys River Wildlife Habitat Management Area (GRWHMA). The GRWHMA is located within elk crucial winter-yearlong range and elk
parturition area. The GRWHMA has a number of area-specific recommendations, which can been
viewed at this link https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Public-Access/WHMA/WHMA/greys-river, but most importantly it is closed to human presence from December 1 through May 1 at 6AM. Elk access the GRWHMA through the proposed lumber yard.
Protect big game – The proposed lumber yard is in a unique area given the presence of the
GRWHMA, crucial winter-yearlong range, parturition area, proximity to the highway, and the surrounding level of disturbance. The Department recommends avoidance of construction-related activities during the crucial winter period (November 15-April 30) and the parturition period (May 1-June 15) to avoid impacts to big game.
There is also substantial elk movement each fall from the Alpine wetland and Palisades Reservoir through the proposed project site to the GRWHMA. The proposed project site is used by up to 20% (~100 individuals) of all elk that migrate to, and spend the winter on, the GRWHMA. Elk
Ken Kuluski March 9, 2026 Page 2 of 4 – WER 15280.01
access the GRWHMA via a wildlife jump out that is adjacent to the proposed project site.
Consequently, the proposed project site provides a key link for elk moving from the Alpine Wetlands and Palisades Reservoir to the GRWHMA. Elk that have an unrestricted travel lane from the west side of U.S. Highway 89 to the elk jump are less likely to remain in the highway right-of-way and pose a safety hazard to motorists. To minimize project-related impacts to elk movement,
we suggest:
• A 30-foot setback from the current location of the GRWHMA elk fence in which no facilities occur. The setback will allow annual fence maintenance, and promote unrestricted movement of elk and other big game species along the elk fence to the wildlife jump out
and ultimately onto the GRWHMA.
• Maintain unrestricted line of sight from US Highway 89 to the elk jump out. Line of sight is essential for those elk that are crossing the highway to move directly and unhindered to the elk jump out and onto the GRWHMA.
• Consider assisting with the relocation of the elk jump out to allow for construction of the lumber yard while still maintaining some level of elk movement to the GRWHMA. Department personnel welcome the opportunity to discuss this option in greater detail with the proponent.
• Avoid interior fencing to the extent practicable.
Avoid feeding of and expect potential damage from wildlife – Given that numerous big game species and other wildlife inhabit and may move through the proposed development, the Department recommends the following:
• The proponent understand that wildlife inhabits, winters, and/or moves through the area.
Wildlife may damage ornamental shrubs, trees, fences, and/or structures. The Department
will not accept compensation claims for damages caused by wildlife.
• Feeding of wildlife be prohibited.
Prevent exposed or loose garbage – Similar area developments have issues with garbage not being properly disposed of, contained, and spreading. Garbage disposal should be regulated to
prevent wildlife exposure, minimize the potential for conflict, and prevent litter from spreading to nearby areas including, but not limited to the GRWHMA. Avoid establishment and spread of noxious weeds and IAGs – Noxious weeds and invasive
annual grasses (IAGs) can cause significant harm to the ecosystem when introduced. Ground-disturbing activities can create an environment that facilitates establishment by unwanted plants. They significantly reduce the quality of wildlife habitat and their presence increases the probability of catastrophic wildfire. The potential economic impacts to the State of Wyoming are severe, and once these species become established, eradication is difficult and costly. Prevention of
establishment remains the best way to keep Wyoming's habitats free of noxious weeds and IAGs.
The most significant known threat to Wyoming is from cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventenata. To prevent the spread of noxious weeds and IAGs, we recommend the following:
Ken Kuluski March 9, 2026 Page 3 of 4 – WER 15280.01
• Prevent introduction and establishment by cleaning vehicles and equipment prior to movement to a new location in order to minimize the potential for transporting seeds.
• Use certified weed-free gravel, rock or soil products for landscaping or post-construction restoration efforts. Contact the Lincoln County Weed and Pest District for more
information and to locate area suppliers of weed-free products.
• Work with land managers to develop and implement a plan to assess, treat, and monitor for noxious weeds and invasive plants at the project scale and in the adjacent landscape where they are present.
• Work with the Lincoln County Weed and Pest District to implement and fund long-term plans for successful restoration of disturbed sites. Additional information on prevention and treatment options for these grasses can be found at https://www.invasivegrasses.com/.
Maintain water quality and riparian area function – Given the proximity to the Alpine Wetlands and Palisades Reservoir, sediment, untreated water, and various pollutants can
negatively impact water quality and habitat for aquatic wildlife. The Department recommends that Best Management Practices be used to control erosion and prevent these materials from reaching water bodies, in order to minimize impacts to aquatic resources. Thus, we recommend:
• Ensuring that all sediments and other pollutants are contained within the boundaries of the
work area.
• Storing or depositing pollutants (e.g., topsoil, silt, sand, gravel, solid wastes, slash, debris, fuels, lubricants, or chemicals) outside the active flood plain, areas immediately adjacent to riparian areas, or natural drainages (e.g., draws, land surface depressions or other areas where overland flow could concentrate materials and carry pollutants directly into surface
waters).
• Cleaning, fueling, and maintaining vehicles and equipment at designated off-site staging areas located at least 500 feet from riparian or wetland habitat.
• Preserving existing vegetation wherever possible.
• Promptly revegetating disturbed areas that could contribute sediment to surface waters,
and/or stabilizing all exposed surfaces with mulch or soil binders.
• Utilizing rolled erosion control products, temporary slope drains, fiber rolls, compost socks, and/or silt fences where appropriate.
Department personnel would appreciate an opportunity to visit the site with the project proponent to better describe wildlife movements in the area and discuss effective minimization measures.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions or concerns please contact
Ross Crandall, Habitat Protection Biologist, at (307) 367-5615.
Ken Kuluski March 9, 2026 Page 4 of 4 – WER 15280.01
Sincerely,
Will Schultz
Habitat Protection Supervisor
WS/rc cc: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chris Wichmann, Wyoming Department of Agriculture