The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative invites members of the public to participate in an upcoming community float on a section of the Bighorn River Blueway Trail in north central Wyoming. 

Hosted in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management Wyoming, National Park Service, Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, and Wyoming State Parks, the community float will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the Basin Boat Ramp located in Basin and ending at Greybull City Park located in Greybull, covering 11 miles of the proposed Bighorn River Blueway Trail. This event is open and free to the public.

Participants of all experience levels are welcome; experienced volunteers and agency staff members will assist participants from the boat launch to the take out location. Upon arrival, volunteers and agency staff will provide a safety briefing and assist with watercraft preparation for an 11 a.m. launch. Participants will need to bring their own personal flotation device and non-motorized watercraft such as a kayak, paddle board, canoe, and/or inflatable raft. Participants are also encouraged to wear the appropriate attire and to bring sunscreen, water, and snacks for the float. 

All watercraft using Wyoming waters are required to display an aquatic invasive species decal. Costs for the decal range between $5 and $30, depending on the type of watercraft and either where the watercraft is registered or state of residency of the watercraft owner. Learn more and purchase AIS decals at wgfd.wyo.gov/fishing-boating/aquatic-invasive-species-prevention/ais-decal-information. 

Facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) was the first of eight outdoor recreation initiatives to be convened around the state. These initiatives bring together local community members, recreation stakeholders, businesses, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and elected officials to identify and prioritize opportunities for the growth and enhancement of outdoor recreation.

The Bighorn River Blueway Trail has been an initiative of the collaborative since 2020 and the proposed route will start at the Wedding of the Waters south of Thermopolis and end at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Lovell, covering a 95 mile stretch of the Bighorn River. This trail will offer recreationalists a wide variety of outdoor opportunities including wildlife watching, ever changing scenery, fishing, picnicking, boating, paddling, and camping, and it will contribute to the health of the Big Horn Basin's travel and outdoor recreation industries.

After the upcoming community float, participants are invited to join the Town of Greybull for the evening’s festivities at City Park including live music, concessions, vendor booths, and more. To learn more about this event and to purchase event tickets, visit Facebook.com/GrowGreybull.