Willwood Public Access Restricted After “Vandalism” and “Misuse”

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department at the Cody Regional Office says they are closing “vehicle access to Willwood public access” about two miles south of Powell on Highway 295.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department at the Cody Regional Office say they are closing “vehicle access to Willwood public access” about two miles south of Powell on Highway 295. The closure comes as a result of recent illegal activity in the area. This week, they will install a gate off the highway to prevent vehicle entry while they investigate the misuse of the recreation access.

Wyoming Game and Fish is citing concerns over vandalism, illegal dumping, and unauthorized use of the public area.

In recent years, Wyoming Game and Fish has seen “significant” illegal dumping and this includes unlawful disposal of garbage and old appliances and even a burned-out “slide-in truck camper.” Furthermore, signs placed by Game and Fish have also been continually damaged by firearms and graffiti.

Cody Region Habitat and Access supervisor Brad Sorensen says, “Public access areas are private lands on which Game and Fish has acquired an easement for a specified purpose.” This easement, according to Sorensen, stretches across “three parcels of private property,” and grants access to “the Shoshone River for the purpose of fishing and hunting with a shotgun.”

Willwood public access – Courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish

When public access areas suffer acts of vandalism or other illegal activity, private property is being abused and misused, Sorensen explains.