There’s a lot going on during the busiest month on the BTNF. Trailheads and campgrounds are crowded and our Ambassadors are busy educating forest users about responsible recreation and keeping abandoned campfires from turning into wildfires (among other things). And, as of July 11, the BTNF has its own radio station (1710AM)! We’re also fully into the fundraising seasons for Old Bill’s Fun Run for Charities and Foundation 23. And, looking ahead to National Public Lands Day (and Wyoming Public Lands Day) on September 23, we’re planning a great—and helpful to the BTNF—way to celebrate it; we’d love to have you join us. We’re also looking for volunteers for the Kemmerer Ranger District’s Youth Discovery Day Sept. 9. Read on to learn more, and here’s to making the most of the rest of summer,
Your Friend,
Scott Kosiba, Executive Director
OLD BILL’S GIVING SEASON IS HERE!
DONATE TO FBT
The actual fun-run/race part of Old Bill’s isn’t until September 9, but the giving season started last week and runs through September 15.
We love Old Bill’s for many reasons—the camaraderie, checking in to see the amazing projects our partner nonprofits are engaged with, marveling at the creativity and costumes of runners and walkers, and because it is our single largest fundraiser of the year.
Old Bill’s is so important as a fundraiser because gifts designated for us are eligible for partial matching grants. If you’re thinking about making a financial donation to FBT this year, please consider making it through Old Bill’s and amplifying its impact.
The donation platform allows you to search for nonprofits by name or category.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by Installing Fire Rings on the BTNF: September 23
We’re celebrating our favorite piece of public land—the BTNF—on National Public Lands Day by installing fire rings at Curtis Canyon. September 23 we’re looking for volunteers to help and BTNF staff us install 12 stainless steel rings at Curtis; drink and eat s’mores; and share time with us outside. Along with drinks and s’mores, we’ll also provide all necessary tools to volunteers. Per USDA Forest Service regulations, volunteers need to wear pants and closed toe shoes. Party hats are optional. We recommend bringing a pair of work gloves.
With the installation of these 12 fire rings, we will meet our goal to have a fire ring at EVERY SINGLE designated camp site at Curtis Canyon.
If you’re available and interested in volunteering, please email program coordinator Jennifer Ricupero at jennifer@btfriends.org. She will provide additional information, including about where and when to meet and whether you should carpool.
FOUNDATION 23 GIVING SEASON IS ALSO HERE!
If fall is coming, it must be fundraising season. In Sublette County, Foundation 23 has opened its giving season associated with the 19th annual Pinedale Half Marathon. Every donation made to us—up to a total of $5,000—during the fundraising window—which is open until September 23—is matched using funds from Foundation 23’s matching funds pool.
Look for more details about this fundraiser and the Pinedale Half Marathon, which is September 16, in next month’s newsletter.
DONATE TO FBT THROUGH FOUNDATION 23
1710 AM
On July 11, 1710 AM went on the air for the first time. It broadcasts general information about the BTNF—did you know the BTNF is home to 7 of the 10 largest glaciers outside of Alaska??—and PSAs about preventing wildfires. The station is similar to a traffic information radio station, with the info and PSAs on repeat. As we move forward, expect a greater diversity of information, and also of language. We’re collaborating with some of our partners that work with the area’s Spanish-speaking population to get info and PSAs recorded in Spanish.
If the voice in the existing PSAs sounds familiar, you’re right: It’s long-time Jackson local Harrison Ford.
There are two permanent broadcasting stations for 1710AM: One at the Blackrock Ranger Station in Moran and the other at the supervisor’s office in Jackson. There is also be a mobile broadcasting station that can travel throughout the forest. A goal is to station it in the Snake River Corridor in the near future.
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COME SEE US AT THE JH FARMERS MARKET: AUGUST 26
We love farmers markets and meeting others who think the BTNF is as amazing as we do! August 26, take a break from shopping for the week’s meat and veggies to visit our booth and say “Hi.” The Jackson Hole Farmers Market is from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the Jackson Town Square.
Kemmerer Ranger District Youth Discovery Day
Sept. 9
We’re looking for a handful of volunteers to help us help kids at this annual educational event on the Kemmerer Ranger District. FBT plans on having an activity station from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. at which kids can make their own Woodsy the Owl—”Give a hoot! Don’t Pollute!”—hats. Please email program coordinator jennifer@btfriends.org to RSVP.
