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BLM cleans up multiple illegal dumpsites in Big Horn and Washakie counties

Wyoming
Wind River/Bighorn Basin DO
Worland FO
Media Contact
Sarah Beckwith

WORLAND, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management completed extensive cleanups of four illegal dumpsites in Big Horn and Washakie counties over the past several months. Approximately 125,000 pounds of garbage, including hazardous materials, were removed from more than 40 acres of public lands.

Several people are removing large garbage items from an open, brushy area.
Qualified contractors were able to remove both hazardous and non-hazardous materials safely.

The dumpsites included the Fifteenmile OHV area shooting site west of Worland, an area west of Basin, a site near Highway 31 east of Manderson, and an area near Nieber Road south of Worland. The waste removed included appliances, furniture, shooting targets, scrap metal, wire, yard waste, tires, concrete, and other trash and non-hazardous materials.

Additionally, 1.4 cubic yards of hazardous asbestos containing materials were removed from the dumpsite near Nieber Road and disposed of in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

“The cleanups have made these public lands safer and more enjoyable for the people who use them for walking, hunting and other activities,” said BLM Worland Assistant Field Manager Stacey Whitman Moore. “Moving forward, we ask for your help to break the cycle of illegal dumping in these areas and on all public lands.”

Long term, illegal dumpsites often encourage additional illegal dumping in the same area. Signage and fences will be installed to deter future dumping in these areas, and staff will continue to monitor the cleaned-up areas.

The cleanups were conducted by contractors qualified to remove hazardous materials and who have the knowledge and ability to handle other potential hazards. A fifth dumpsite, known locally as TV Draw, was generously cleaned by staff from Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

“BLM Wyoming regularly undertakes illegal dump cleanup initiatives to protect public lands and natural resources,” said BLM Physical Scientist Kellen Waldo, who administered the contract. “Cleanup efforts involve collaboration with local communities, volunteers, state agencies and at times, non-profit organizations. It was a real pleasure to be part of this cleanup effort with the Worland Field Office, which prioritizes illegal dump and hazmat cleanups.”

In addition to the four illegal dumpsites, BLM staff cleaned up an area south of the Worland Municipal Airport near Nowater Road known as Radio Tower Hill. Two old radio tower buildings and two antennae that were no longer used and had become an eyesore, as well as a safety hazard, were removed.

Two old radio tower buildings and two antennae are in an open area surrounded by snow on the ground and bright blue skies.
BEFORE: Two old radio tower buildings and two antennae that were no longer used had become an eyesore, as well as a safety hazard.
An open landscape has recently had buildings removed from it.
AFTER: BLM staff removed the abandoned, now defunct buildings and antennae, creating a safer place for recreationists.

If you come across a dumpsite on public land, exercise caution. The hazards of these sites may be compounded if they’re used as shooting areas and ad hoc material recovery sites, such as wire burn areas, which are illegal on public lands. Please report any sites you find to your local BLM field office.

Target shooting is generally allowed on BLM-administered public lands, as long as it is done safely and without damaging natural resources or improvements on public lands. Carry in your own targets. All targets, shell casings and other trash must be removed.

The Worland Field Office has several additional cleanups planned for 2025. For more information, please contact the BLM Worland Field Office at (307) 347-5100.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.