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NATRONA COUNTY, Wyo. —Thanks to a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and The Conservation Fund, 646 acres have been added to the North Platte River Special Recreation Management Area.

The Rim Rock property, near Casper, Wyo., includes 1.5 miles along the North Platte River. The acquisition will enhance opportunities for fishing and public recreation along a popular stretch of the river, while also securing an historic battlefield site from the Indian Wars of the northern Great Plains.  The BLM will manage these public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, supporting conservation as it pursues its multiple use mission.

"Expanding opportunities for recreation and conservation on public lands is an important priority for the BLM," said Deputy Director Brian Steed, "even more so when we can achieve greater access through partnership arrangements.  We are very pleased to be a part of preserving access to this land and stretch of river for the local community, as well as its place in the history of Casper and the western United States."   

The area boasts Blue Ribbon trout fishing with the most trout by weight per mile of any stream in Wyo. Celebrated by locals and visitors alike, the area was named the number one spot in the lower 48 states to catch trophy rainbow and brown trout by American Angler.  Inclusion of this site into the national system of public lands provides an extraordinary opportunity for increased public recreational access in a quiet outdoor setting immediately adjacent to town.

This area also provides easy recreational access for the city’s 60,000 residents. It’s a sought-after spot for visitors, creating more opportunities for the tourism and recreation economy in Casper and Natrona County. In 2017, Natrona County received 885,000 overnight visitors, generating a total of $293 million in travel-related spending for the area.

In addition to the recreational benefits, Rim Rock is steeped in historical significance. It is the site of the Battle of Red Buttes which, along with the nearby Battle at Platte Bridge Station, occurred on July 26, 1865. Lieutenant Caspar Collins was mortally wounded in the Platte Bridge battle while leading cavalry to help protect the supply wagons later attacked at Red Buttes. The city of Casper was subsequently named after him to commemorate his efforts in battle. The protection of this site will enable creation of an historical interpretive and educational experience for visitors and residents to learn more about the area’s history.

“The Rim Rock acquisition will provide local citizens with expanded recreational opportunities along the North Platte River. The project also preserves and protects for future generations an important historic and cultural part of our state. Our community and our economy will benefit from this significant conservation effort,” said Senator John Barrasso. 

The Conservation Fund acquired the Rim Rock property in May 2017 and recently transferred it to the Bureau of Land Management for permanent protection using funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is funded through federal offshore petroleum revenue.

“This acquisition is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of so many outstanding people working toward a common cause,” said Dan Schlager, The Conservation Fund’s Wyoming state director. “We are grateful to the landowners of the Rim Rock Ranch, who stewarded the land for decades and were instrumental in preserving its historical heritage and open space. This effort would also not have been possible without the hard work of the BLM and the vision of the LWCF, as well as the support of Shriner’s Hospital for Children. We’re hopeful that Rim Rock will contribute to the health and enjoyment of Casper’s citizens, while benefitting its environment and economy for many years to come.”