Motel fire A fire broke out in a bathroom ceiling fan in a room at the Big Piney Motel in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 25th. Upon hearing the smoke alarm, the room's occupant took quick action with a fire extinguisher to contain the fire. Sublette County Unified Fire responded and further contained the spread of the fire. No injuries were reported. Photo by Sublette County Unified Fire.

Wyoming Air National Guard to honor health care professionals with C-130 flyovers May 15th (posted 5/13/2020)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon media release
The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing will be conducting an aerial salute to the health care professionals on the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, May 15, the Air National Guard will present a two-ship C-130 flyover across the skies of each hospital around the state, culminating in the Capitol City.

"We salute all those, both around the state of Wyoming and across the nation who have sacrificed so much to serve on the frontlines of this pandemic," said Col. Justin Walrath, 153rd Airlift Wing commander and pilot, WYANG, "it’s truly an honor for the men and women of the Wyoming Air National Guard to provide a ‘thank you’ to the first responders, medical professionals, and essential personnel providing support at this time."

The aerial demonstration is part of Operation American Resolve, a nationwide salute to all those supporting the COVID-19 response effort. Anyone who gets video or photos of the C-130s flying overhead are encouraged to post on social media using the hashtags #AirForceSalutes and #AFFlyover.

The following is a list of times and locations for the May 15 flyover:
9:35 Niobrara Health and Life Center, Lusk
9:55 Weston County Health Services, Newcastle
10:05 Crook County Hospital, Sundance
10:20 Campbell County Memorial Hospital, Gillette
10:30 Johnson County Healthcare Center, Buffalo
10:40 Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Sheridan
10:40 Sheridan VA Health Care System, Sheridan
10:55 Washakie Medical Center, Worland
11:05 South Big Horn County Hospital, Basin
11:10 North Big Horn Hospital, Lovell
11:20 Powell Valley Healthcare, Powell
11:25 Cody Regional Health, Cody
11:45 Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, Thermopolis
11:55 SageWest Health Care-Riverton, Riverton
12:00 SageWest Health Care-Lander, Lander
12:15 SCRHD Pinedale, Pinedale
12:20 SCRHD, Marbleton, Marbleton
12:35 St. Johns Medical Center, Jackson
12:50 Star Valley Health, Afton
1:05 South Lincoln Medical Center, Kemmerer
1:15 Wyoming State Hospital, Evanston
1:15 Evanston Regional Hospital, Evanston
1:35 Aspen Mountain Medical Center, Rock Springs
1:35 Memorial Hospital Sweetwater County, Rock Springs
2:00 Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, Rawlins
2:25 Wyoming Medical Center, Casper
2:25 Wyoming Behavioral Institute, Casper
2:25 Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Casper
2:25 Summit Medical Center, Casper
2:35 Memorial Hospital Converse County, Douglas
3:00 Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Laramie
3:15 Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne
3:15 Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cheyenne

SCSD#9: Students won’t return to school this school year (posted 4/30/2020)
School board approves continuation of Adaptive Learning Program homeschooling through June 4
BIG PINEY, WYOMING Sublette County School District No. 9 Superintendent Kevin Garvey issued the following statement:

On the afternoon of April 23, 2020, Governor Mark Gordon made the announcement that he would not be extending the statewide school closure that is set to expire on April 30, 2020. He also stated that the decision to extend the closures beyond that date would be the responsibility of individual school districts under the advisement of the County and State Public Health Officers.

Sublette County School District Number Nine (SCSD #9) has been providing a K thru 12 home based Adapted Learning Plan (ALP) since April 6, 2020. On April 28, 2020 the School Board held a Special Session to determine if they would continue with the existing ALP thru June 4, 2020 or if they would make amendments to the ALP.

Relying upon the information we have and in support of the Superintendent’s recommendation, they voted to continue with the existing ALP for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. In effect, we have no plan for a return of students to school this school year.

We are reviewing our options for the summer including the provision of a credit recovery program, continuing access for students to school based learning software, and summer school/transition programs. We are also trying to determine our ability to provide breakfast/lunch thru the month of June beyond 6/4/2020.

A key component of any plan for the school district to re-open, even partially, would then be the development of a re-entry plan that is approved by the County and State Public Health Officers. Most importantly we want a re-entry plan/protocol that is designed to give everyone confidence in our ability to keep everyone healthy and safe.

For now, we are remaining closed. We need the continued support of parents and guardians working with students and emphasizing the need for their children to remain engaged in their educational activities thru June 4, 2020. The staff will plan to finish the school year following our ALP and current delivery model. The school district’s administrative personnel will continue to consider options for summer programs while making plans for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Our main priority now, and as we plan for the future, will be the health and safety of everyone. We will not be making any plans that jeopardize or risk anyone’s health or safety. As more information becomes available we will make every effort to provide you with that information.

We remain hopeful for the future and encourage everyone to do the same!

Related Links:
www.sublette9.org Sublette County School District #9 (Big Piney, Marbleton, LaBarge)

BTNF temporary recreation site closures extended through May 31, 2020 (posted 4/29/2020)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has signed a temporary order closing developed campground and picnic sites on the Forest through May 31, 2020. Many of these sites are inaccessible due to snow and do not normally open until late May. Additionally, the Forest is asking recreationists to refrain from building campfires on the Forest. This temporary closure is necessary to address employee and public health and safety concerns as the Forest works to comply with local and State health orders and Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.

"While we know that going outside provides forest visitors needed space, exercise and mental health, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously," said Forest Supervisor Tricia O’Connor. "We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while keeping employees, the public, and our communities safe from the virus, as well as protecting and keeping communities and resources safe from unwanted human-caused wildfires," she said.

Recreation Closures
Developed recreation sites are temporarily closed while dispersed camping, hiking, river use, and other dispersed activities are allowed in the Forest. Closed developed recreation sites include campgrounds, Granite Hot Springs, picnic areas, and any other constructed facility amenities – such as potable water stations, fire rings/grills, picnic tables, restroom facilities with flush or vaulted toilets, and trashcans and trash collection services. Parking facilities, trails and trailheads remain open. Dispersed camping includes camping on a National Forest where recreation facilities or services are not provided.

"The Forest remains open and Forest visitors can continue dispersed recreation activities while adhering to the following safety and responsibility guidelines," said O’Connor.
• Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others.
• Avoid gathering with others in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas.
• Follow CDC guidelines to prevent illnesses like COVID-19.
• Prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection.
• Bears have emerged, so remember to store food properly and carry bear spray
• Prepare to pack out trash and human waste.

Effective immediately, the following developed recreation areas and campgrounds listed at this link are closed and/or unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov: https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf/

"As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority," said O’Connor. "We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19," she said. Cooperation from all in not building campfires could help minimize the potential for wildfires. This ask acknowledges the emergency response capabilities have already been heavily impacted by COVID-19-related circumstances.
 
The temporary closure of developed recreation sites and emphasis on not building campfires is based on public health and employee safety.  "Keeping our firefighters, law enforcement, recreation and resource personnel outfitted with personal protective equipment to keep them healthy is our focus", said O’Connor. "Our resources will be limited this year and we will need to be thoughtful about what we can do to help reduce the need to respond to human caused fires and reduce the need to expose employees to areas that need frequent cleaning," she said. "The Forest will continue to work on obtaining supplies to maintain developed recreation facilities (campgrounds and toilets), so we are prepared for the summer season," O’Connor said.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.  Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger district office with additional questions.  

Quick action contains fire at Big Piney Motel (posted 4/29/2020)
Sublette County Unified Fire
On Saturday April 25th, 2020 at 1:50 am, Sublette County Unified Fire was dispatched to a structure fire in an occupied room at the Big Piney Motel. Upon arrival, firefighting crews discovered a large amount of smoke and fire extinguishing agent coming from the open front door of one of the motel rooms. Firefighters and law enforcement officers worked with the motel manager to wake and notify additional occupied rooms and assist occupants to evacuate.

Firefighters initiated an interior attack and were able to prevent the spread of fire past the origin in the bathroom ceiling area of the motel room. There were no reported injuries during the incident and no other structures were involved. The American Red Cross was activated to assist the motel occupants as necessary. The origin of the fire was determined to be in the ceiling in the area of the bathroom ventilation fan. The fire has been classified as accidental in nature.

The occupant of the involved room explained he was abruptly awakened by the smoke detector alarming. He described to firefighters that he initially thought the smoke detector was the morning alarm clock going off. He said that he tried to turn the light on in the bathroom when the bathroom light fixture fell from the ceiling and he discovered the fire and smoke coming from the hole in the ceiling. The occupant grabbed one of the fire extinguishers mounted outside the motel room and used it to spray extinguishing agent into the burning bathroom ceiling.

It is important to note that the quick actions of the occupant, along with the quick response and suppression from the fire department helped minimize the damage from the fire. However, there were many additional factors that also contributed to the minimal property damage and lack of injuries or fatalities. One of the most important factors was the presence of a working smoke detector. If the smoke detector had not alarmed and alerted the occupant, the outcome may have been very different. Building construction also played a key role. The construction materials and design helped minimize the spread of the fire.

The coordinated response effort from Sublette County Unified Fire, along with Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Sublette County EMS, 911 Dispatch, and American Red Cross, working together with the motel manager, occupants from the motel, and local community members to safely resolve the emergency illustrate the importance of community preparedness. It should be emphasized that the SCUF volunteer firefighters spend countless hours training and preparing to respond to these types of emergencies. Training is critical on everything from wearing personal protective equipment, to pumping the fire apparatus, to safely entering a burning building. For all working structure fires, SCUF requires multiple battalions from across the entire County respond with additional resources and personnel. This process allows SCUF to provide a quality of service that can rival the response from much larger fire departments in large communities.

Cruisin’ (posted 4/19/2020)
Friends and supporters held a special Cruisin’ event up and down Pine Street in Pinedale on Friday, April 17th as a fundraiser to help with medical bills and funeral expenses for Taytan Wing’s family. Taytan died tragically on April 13th in Big Piney. He was 16 years old. He was a student at Big Piney High School. With the health orders still in effect due to the coronavirus pandemic, everyone had to adhere to strict social distancing recommendations.

If anyone would like to donate, a GoFundMe page has been built with a goal of raising $25,000. Click on this link for more information.

SCSD#9 cancels/suspends all Before and After School Activities (posted 3/13/2020)
Kevin P. Garvey, Superintendent, Sublette County School District #9
3/13/20: Public Notice Canceling / Suspending Before and After School Activities
In response to the latest CDC guidelines and following a meeting this morning with public health and county officials, it is with sadness and regret that I am canceling/suspending ALL before and after school activities until further notice.

ALL in this case includes, but is not limited to, athletics (e.g. Track, Open Gym, etc.) Tutoring, STEM, Clubs, Prom and Performances.

We will continue to provide our Education program with as much flexibility as possible pending directives from our public health officials.

Sincerely,
Kevin P Garvey, Superintendent

3/13/20: Cancelación / Suspensión de actividades antes y después de la escuela
En respuesta a las últimas directrices de los CDC y después de una reunión esta mañana con los funcionarios de salud pública y del condado, es con tristeza y pesar que estoy cancelando / suspendiendo todos antes y después de las actividades escolares hasta nuevo aviso.

Todos en este caso incluye, pero no se limita a, atletismo (por ejemplo, la pista, Open gimnasio, etc. Tutoría), tallo, STEM, Clubes, de baile y actuaciones.

Vamos a seguir para proporcionar a nuestro programa de educación con tanta flexibilidad como posibles directivas pendientes de nuestros funcionarios de salud pública.

Sinceramente,
Kevin P. Garvey, Superintendente

Anny Malo wins 2020 Pedigree Stage Stop Race (posted 2/14/2020)
Anny Malo, from Quebec, Canada, is the champion of the 25th edition of the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. She was also the winner of the 2019 race. Second Place winner was Lina Streeper, herself a two-time champion of the race. Malo six of the seven stages in this year’s race. Alix Crittenden of Bondurant, took 3rd place. Crittenden also won 3rd place last year. She has been running dogs out of race founder Frank Teasley’s Jackson Hole Iditarod Kennel in Hoback Canyon. Click on this link for more details of the final results of the 2020 Pedigree Stage Stop Race

Related Links:
www.wyomingstagestop.org Pedigree Stage Stop Race
2020 Finishing Banquet Feb. 8, 2020 at the Jackson Conference Centre
Pinedale Stage Stop
Big Piney/Marbleton Stage Stop

Two wildlife underpasses to go in north of LaBarge (posted 7/30/19)
The Wyoming Game & Fish has approved $1.25 million to help pay for two wildlife underpasses along US 189 north of LaBarge, Wyoming. The underpasses and associated fencing will go in along a five mile stretch of highway that has a record of vehicle collisions with mule deer. The road intersects an area where mule deer cross in the fall and spring traveling to and from their winter range habitats. The agency expects the underpasses will reduce collisions by up to 90 percent. The projects are expected to be completed by 2022.

Middle Piney Dam and Road Closure (posted 7/11/18)
Middle Piney Lake access will be closed for three summers for dam reconstruction
PUBLIC NOTICE: Forest Road #10024 heading to Middle Piney Reservoir is now closed above Sacagawea Campground for the next three summers while the dam is being reconstructed. There will be heavy equipment up and down that road. Due to a safety concern for both the public as well as the construction crew, the road will be closed to all traffic during the summer season (including on foot).

The back side of the lake will still be open to the public, but know that it is going to be a long hike OFF-ROAD AND OFF-TRAIL, and there will be NO MOTORIZED access.

According to the Wyoming Water Development Office, the dam is in need of reconstruction due to its high risk of failure. The State is also funding the reconstruction project.

Construction is going to take the shoreline down to its natural level and completely reconstruct the man-made dam. Because of the short field season in the area, the process is going to take at least three years to complete.

During the winter season, while construction activity is on hold, NW Construction will remove their equipment and supplies as much as possible to allow winter access.

Please call the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest for more information, 307-276-5800.

Click on this link for more pictures

Related Links:
Bridger-Teton National Forest

Info on vehicle registration laws in Wyoming for non-resident workers (posted 5/29/18)
Sweetwater County
In a joint release issued on Tuesday (May 29, 2018), Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell and County Treasurer Robb Slaughter described the details of Wyoming statute concerning vehicle registration for non-residents working in the state.

"The Wyoming statute that addresses this issue," Slaughter said, "is W.S. 31-2-201 (j) and (k). It can be reviewed online at the State Legislature’s website at http://www.wyoleg.gov/StateStatutes/StatutesConstitution?tab=0 ."

Lowell and Slaughter outlined the statute as follows:

A non-resident who is employed in Wyoming, on either a temporary or full-time basis, and who is the owner or operator of a vehicle in Wyoming that is not a commercial vehicle must immediately obtain a valid Wyoming registration or purchase a temporary registration.

To obtain a temporary registration, their vehicle must display a valid registration from another jurisdiction and be properly insured. Application is made in person at the County Treasurer’s Office at the Sweetwater County Courthouse at 80 West Flaming Gorge Way in Green River. The fee for a temporary registration is $50.00 per month and cannot exceed 120 days per vehicle. If a worker is going to be employed in Wyoming for longer than 120 days, a regular Wyoming registration must be issued.

Those applying for a temporary registration will need to bring with them the following:

- The vehicle’s current, non-expired registration
- Proof of insurance
- Color of vehicle
- Payment for temporary registration in the form of cash, credit card, or debit card

Subsection (k) of the statute makes the following provisions for a commercial vehicle owner, a non-resident owner of a vehicle who is not employed in Wyoming, or any owner, upon transfer of ownership to, as an alternative to registration:

A 30-, 60-, or 90-day permit may be obtained in any 12 month period. The temporary permit begins on the date the owner enters Wyoming or on the date of purchase of the vehicle. The fees for a temporary permit are:

Up to 30 days - .10 X regular registration fee
Up to 60 days - .20 X regular registration fee
Up to 90 days - .30 X regular registration fee

Lowell and Slaughter noted that Wyoming has full reciprocity agreements with Idaho, New Mexico, Illinois, and Nebraska. Non-residents working in Wyoming who live in these states may run with their regular registration. If they take up residence in Wyoming, however, (by living here over 120 days, for instance), they must obtain Wyoming registration.

In addition, Wyoming has daily commuter reciprocity with Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah. Non-residents who live in these states and commute to work daily in Wyoming may run with their regular registration.

Lowell emphasized that Sweetwater County deputies are enforcing this statute, and will continue to do so.

Slaughter said those with questions may contact their County Clerk’s office.

3 towns call themselves the ‘Ice Box of The Nation’ (posted 1/15/18)
Including Big Piney, Wyoming
Wyoming Public Radio posted an article today (Monday, January 15) about three towns that are fighting to claim the title of "Ice Box of the Nation.’ Those three towns are International Falls, Minnesota; Fraser, Colorado; and Big Piney, Wyoming. Each has had record cold recorded temperatures. Big Piney has reached -61F.

For more on this story, click on this link,Why Three Towns Are Fighting To Be The 'Ice Box Of The Nation' and then click on the audio link on the left hand side. Story by Kelly McEvers, All Things Considered, npr.org, Jan. 15, 2018

Local Contact Numbers
Big Piney Town Hall
PO Box 70
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-3554
www.bigpiney.us

Marbleton Town Hall
10700 US 189
Marbleton, WY 83113
307-276-3815

Flicks & Pins Entertainment Center
Open Sunday through Thursday from 3:00PM to 10:00PM
Friday & Saturday 3:00PM to Midnight
Phone 307-276-4062 for movie times
www.flicksnpins.com/

Big Piney Ranger District
Bridger-Teton National Forest
P.O. Box 218
Big Piney, WY, 83113
307-276-3375 or 276-5800/5200
Fax: 307-739-5235/276-5835
www.fs.fed.us/btnf/

Sublette County Courthouse
21 S Tyler, Pinedale, WY 82941
Big Piney Direct Line 307-276-3827
Marbleton Annex 307-276-3735
Pinedale Information: 307-367-7722

Sublette County Sheriff's Department
PO Box 701
Pinedale, WY 82941
Marbleton: 307-276-5448
Pinedale: 307-367-4378

Big Piney Post Office
401 Budd Avenue
307-276-3772
1-800-275-8777

Sublette County School District #9
Superintendent's Office: 307-276-3322
Big Piney High School: 307-276-3324
Big Piney Middle School: 307-276-3315
Big Piney Elementary School: 307-276-3313
Big Piney Pool: 307-276-9966
www.sublette9.org


Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Citizen Center
429 E First St, Marbleton, WY
P.O. Box 33
Big Piney, WY 83113
Phone: (307) 276-3249
Fax (307) 276-3249
E-mail: southwest001@centurytel.net
Open 8:00am to 4:00pm
Lunch at 12:00 noon Tue. Wed. Thurs. (starting July 1, 2008)
Joan Mitchell / Director
www.bpmseniorhousing.com
Facebook page

Green River Valley Cowbelles
www.greenrivervalleycowbelles.com

More Area Information:
Sublette County Chamber of Commerce (Pinedale)
307-367-2242 or 1-888-285-7282
www.sublettechamber.com

BigPiney.com (Pinedale Online!)
307-360-7689 (days, evenings, weekends, after hours calls ok)

Sublette County Fair
July - August
The Sublette County Fair is packed with entertainment and fun. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the many highlights is the Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo. The audience holds their breath as these young cowboys and cowgirls try their hand at bronc riding. The evening ends with the youngest contestants competing in the stick horse barrel race. The greased pig contest is another favorite, the crowd roars with laughter watching the wave a kids overtaking the slimy critters.

Spend some time viewing the livestock shows and watch the participants as they receive their awards for a job well done. Enjoy the wonderful food which some how tastes more delicious in the atmosphere of the fair festivities. Finish the night off at the rodeos with many local cowboys and cowgirls participating in the fast paced events. Visit the Sublette County Fair web page to enjoy pictures from previous years fairs.

For more information visit - www.sublettecountyfair.com.

Green River Valley Museum
Open June through October
The Green River Valley Museum is located on the main street in Big Piney. Artifacts from prehistoric Indians, pioneers, homesteaders and other various groups that have settled this area are on display at the museum. Many of the items displayed at the museum were donated by local families. 'Hard Hats and Stetsons' is the annual fundraiser for the museum. The name of the fundraiser itself reflects how important the cattle and oil industry have been for this valley.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM from June into October (opening date varies, so watch for announcements on the specific date each year). Admission is by donation. Special tours can be arranged by calling Museum Director Jeannie Lockwood at 307-276-3637.

For more information visit www.grvm.com

Chuckwagon Days July 3rd & 4th in Big Piney
Chuckwagon Days takes place each year over the 4th of July holiday in Big Piney. There is a Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo, a parade down Big Piney's main street followed by a free BBQ at the Sublette County Fairgrounds, an afternoon rodeo, street dance and late evening fireworks (on the 4th).

The "Chuckwagon Chug" a 5k and 10k Walk/Run, will be held on July 4th, before the Big Piney Parade. Start/Finish is at the Big Piney High School parking lot. There will be prizes for top finishers and gift bags for all contestants.

More information about Chuckwagon Days can be found here: www.ChuckwagonDays.com

Local Lodging
If you are looking for local lodging and places to stay in the Big Piney-Marbleton areas, be sure to check the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce website under lodging. Big Piney and Marbleton are located about 35 miles south of Pinedale, so look under motels, RV parks and campgrounds specific to our towns.
Lodging Links:
Bed & Breakfasts, Cabins, Motels, Guest Ranches, RV
www.sublettechamber.com

Camping near Big Piney & Marbleton
The closest campgrounds are located on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. They offer two developed campgrounds and many opportunities for dispersed camping in the Wyoming Range west of Big Piney and Marbleton. The forest boundary is approximately 20 miles from local businesses and town services. For detailed information, contact the district office at 307-276-3375.

Sacajewea Campground Located 25 miles west of Big Piney. This campground has 26 sites, basic amenities, and is open June 15th through September 30th. The camping fee is $7.00 per site, per night. This campground has running water, an on-site host, and is well maintained. No electricity, showers or phone.

Middle Piney Lake Campground This is a primitive campground located further down the road from the Sacajewea Campground. This camp area is next to Middle Piney Lake and has 5 tent sites, tables and pit toilets. NO running water, electricity, showers or phone service. NO fees. Because of the narrow winding road to this campground, it is not recommended to take trailers to the lake site.

Forest Service Cabins Big Piney Ranger District offers two Forest Service work centers for rent for overnight stays. One is located at Snider Basin and the other in the Hoback. Contact the Big Piney office for more information on availability and fees.

NOTICE ABOUT BEARS: These campgrounds are in bear country. Both black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the Wyoming mountain range. Visitors are strongly encouraged to practice clean camping techniques and store attractants in a manner that makes them unavailable to bears. Bear-proof canisters are available for rent from the Big Piney Ranger District office. Bear-proof dumpsters are located at various locations at campgrounds and recreation areas on National Forest land.

Dispersed Camping:
There are practically unlimited opportunities for dispersed camping on the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Big Piney/Marbleton. The forest boundary is approximately 20 miles from town. Stay limit is 16 days in any one location. Campers should either bring their own water or boil water obtained from sources in the outdoors to avoid getting sick from organisms that live in lakes and streams. Do not drink untreated surface water. Dispersed camping is available along the Piney, Cottonwood and LaBarge Creek drainages.

Camping on BLM land
There are no developed campgrounds on BLM land near Big Piney or Marbleton, however there are many places for dispersed camping for those who are prepared to bring their own drinking water and camp without developed facilities. For more information, contact the Pinedale Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Pinedale.

Private RV Campgrounds
There are several private businesses that offer RV campsites for overnight and extended stays. Most have power, water and sewer hookups. Click here to our sister website, Pinedale Online, for info about private RV campgrounds and services.

Related Links:
Bridger-Teton National Forest/Big Piney Ranger District
Sublette County Chamber of Commerce

Big Piney, Wyoming, "Ice Box of the Nation"

Big Piney & Marbleton
Ice Box of the Nation
Big Piney is the oldest settlement in Sublette County, Wyoming and was named by Dan B. Budd for the Piney Creeks. In 1879, Daniel B. Budd and his partner Hugh McKay brought a thousand head of cattle from Nevada hoping to ship them at Point of Rocks, but winter caught up to them here in the Green River Valley. The following year Dan Budd moved his family here and that is how the settlement of this town began. Big Piney was called "Ice Box of the Nation" when it was officially made a weather station in 1930. Big Piney had the coldest year round average temperature of any place nationally.

It's a curiosity, considering most Wyoming towns are few and far between, that Big Piney and Marbleton would only be a mile apart. They have separate post offices and town governments. Big Piney was incorporated on July 5, 1913. In the early days there was a lot of drainage problems with the site on which Big Piney was built. So Charles Budd, eldest son to Dan B Budd had hope to build the town up on the bench to alleviate this problem. Charles did establish Marbleton on the bench, in late 1913, but it never replaced Big Piney. Any attempts to combine the two towns has been unsuccessful. The truth is people here kinda' like it that way. Both towns cooperate with each other, they have a common school. The citizens of these two towns take a lot of pride in the growth of their little metropolis over the past years and think the founders would be proud too. Both communities have thrived in the last several decades because of the oil and gas industry. In the 1980's Marbleton recieved it's own post office, because of the number of people moving to the area.

To contribute information to this community website,
please e-mail: info@bigpiney.com or info@marbleton.com.
Phone: 307-276-5699 • Fax: 307-276-5414