Alcova-Gray Reef-Pathfinder

Recreation Master Plan

Invitation to Participate

Project Background

Natrona County manages the Alcova, Gray Reef and Pathfinder Reservoirs under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Reclamation.

These parks are a jewel in the Natrona County Park system. Managing such a large resource takes knowledge, insight, awareness and direction. The guiding direction for managing such a large resource is done through a document called a "master plan".

The current master plan for the Pathfinder Reservoir was completed in 1982. The current master plan for Alcova and Gray Reef was completed in 1984. Recreational use and boating have changed. Twenty-five years ago the majority of people camped in tents or very small campers. Today the majority of users have large RV style campers. Even the size of the boats has increased. The needs of the people using the facilities at Alcova, Gray Reef, and Pathfinder have changed. An update to the master plan is needed for Natrona County to more effectively manage this great resource with direction, awareness, and knowledge.

Over the next 18-24 months, Natrona County and their consultant will be updating the master plans for all three reservoirs. The process required by the Bureau of Reclamation is complex and comprehensive.

Your Participation

Public involvement and input is critical to the success and vision of a new master plan. You can help guide this process by telling us your vision for the Alcova, Pathfinder and Gray Reef recreation areas. Tell us what works. Tell us what doesn't work. Tell us what you want to see for the future. Help us to be better stewards of such a unique and wonderful resource. Working together, we can create a master plan that will allow Natrona County to manage this resource for the next 20 years.

The Process

During the week of February 22^nd we will be hosting several meetings to help gather input from those who utilize and benefit from this resource.

Attached to this letter is a list of dates, times and locations that have been scheduled. Please note the date, time and location for your specific group or organization. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your comments and suggestions. The meeting will be a group meeting with questions and discussions about current activities, and your knowledge of the three reservoirs. We’ll start the meeting with a brief summary of the master plan process and how you can stay involved in the plan as it progresses. The principal purpose of the meeting is for you to share your knowledge about the parks, what you think we should know as we embark on this first phase of data and information gathering, and your thoughts on what the future should be. The meetings will be conducted in an informal open discussion format based around a series of questions with an opportunity for each of you to provide additional information which may aid the consultant team as we go forward.

The following is a sample agenda. The times are flexible, because we want to make sure there is sufficient time, without keeping you too long.

Stakeholder Group Meeting

1. Welcome and Big Picture for the Alcova, Pathfinder and Gray Reef Resource Area Master Plan Process (5 minutes)

2. Brief description of what the Plan is and how the stakeholders fit into the planning process (5 minutes)

3. Questions and discussion (30 minutes)

4. Summary of key points from the meeting (5 minutes)

Thank You,

Margaret Teevens

Assistant Parks Manager

Natrona County Road, Bridges and Parks

235-9311