BLM completes new boat access sites along South Fork Shoshone River near Cody

CODY, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody Field Office has completed construction of three new public boat access sites along the South Fork of the Shoshone River, expanding recreational opportunities within an hour of Cody and improving access to public lands in the Bighorn Basin.

Developed over the past several years, the new access points were designed to provide safe, functional entry to the river for non-motorized users, including boaters, fishing enthusiasts, and casual floaters. The projects were completed in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which provided funding and contracting support, while BLM staff conducted planning, environmental analysis, and site coordination.

“These projects are all about increasing public access,” said Bradley Tribby, the assistant field manager with the Cody Field Office. “Communities in the region have consistently expressed a need for more opportunities to reach and enjoy their public lands, and these sites help meet that demand.”

The three new sites, added to an existing access point, create a network of four BLM-managed access locations along the South Fork. Because much of the surrounding land is privately owned, these public parcels play a critical role in allowing lawful river access. In Wyoming, while the public may float on navigable waters, contacting the riverbed or banks on private land may constitute trespassing, making designated access points essential.

To reflect these conditions, the new sites were intentionally developed as “primitive” access areas. Improvements include basic launch areas and limited infrastructure, with minimal signage and unpaved parking to maintain a low-impact footprint. One site required more complex construction, including a pedestrian bridge over an irrigation canal and a winch-assisted system to help users safely move watercraft to and from the river.

The South Fork projects are part of a broader effort to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the Bighorn Basin. Other initiatives out of the Cody Field Office include development of off-highway vehicle areas, expansion of trail systems totaling around 30 miles for mountain bikers and horseback riders, campground improvements, and ongoing work on interpretive and accessible trail projects such as Rainbow Canyon.

In addition to completing work near Cody, the field office is advancing similar efforts on the Bighorn River through a collaborative initiative known as the Blueway Trail. The partnership includes the National Park Service, BLM, state agencies, local governments, county commissioners, private business owners, and various non-governmental organization’s working to see recreation developments. Several new access points are currently in planning or early stages of construction.

“These projects are a great example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships,” said Rick Tryder, outdoor recreation planner for the Cody Field Office. By working with other agencies and community stakeholders, the Cody Field Office was able to provide meaningful recreation opportunities while managing resources responsibly.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, understand river conditions, and respect private property boundaries when using these sites. Additional information, including maps and site guidance, will be available through on-site kiosks and future updates from the Cody Field Office.