Improvements at Newton Lakes

Upgrades are taking place at Newton Lakes.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is upgrading the east boundary fence at the popular fishing and recreation area north of Cody to a more wildlife-friendly, pole-top fence, replacing an old wire fence. The website County10 reports that the Department is working with the Bureau of Reclamation to replace a section of cable barrier along road edges and parking areas with boulders.

Craig Swanson, habitat and access biologist for the Game and Fish Department says that Newton Lakes is one of 48 public access areas in the Big Horn Basin maintained by their department. The land is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but the Game and Fish Department maintains the perimeter fence, restrooms, roads, parking areas, boat ramps, docks and signage for the benefit of sportsmen.

Swanson is part of a small crew that is responsible for maintaining both wildlife habitat management areas and public access areas in the Bighorn Basin. Combined, that encompasses over 60,000 acres of land.