The City of Lander is pleased to announce that the trails through McManus Park have reopened following the successful completion of a wildfire fuels reduction and vegetation management project. Residents and visitors are invited to return to the park and enjoy the improved trails and healthier natural landscape.
The project was completed through a partnership between the City of Lander, Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC), and Wyoming Pathways. Over the course of the project, WCC crews selectively pruned trees, removed ladder fuels and dense brush, trimmed low-hanging limbs, and improved visibility along the trail corridor. These efforts reduce wildfire risk, promote healthier vegetation, improve sightlines throughout the park, and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits McManus Park.
"McManus Park is one of Lander's hidden gems, and these improvements will benefit the community for years to come," said Kevin Green, Parks and Recreation Director. "We're grateful to the Wyoming Conservation Corps crew for their hard work and dedication, and to Wyoming Pathways for coordinating this important project."
In addition to completing the fuels reduction work, the Wyoming Conservation Corps crew participated in several educational experiences throughout the Lander area, gaining a deeper understanding of local natural resources, recreation, and public infrastructure.
During their time in the community, crew members toured the City of Lander Water Treatment Plant, explored the Sinks and Rise in Sinks Canyon State Park, visited Worthen Meadows, learned about invasive species management with Kevin Green, and met with Wyoming Pathways and Kelsey Beck of the Popo Agie Conservation District to discuss conservation and trail stewardship efforts across the region.
"Projects like this are about much more than improving our parks," said Mike Kusiek, director of Wyoming Pathways. "They also provide meaningful opportunities for young conservation professionals to learn from our community while making a lasting impact on our public lands."
The City of Lander extends its sincere appreciation to the Wyoming Conservation Corps for its outstanding work and commitment to conservation, as well as to Wyoming Pathways for coordinating the project and helping make these improvements possible.
With the trail now open, the City encourages residents and visitors to explore McManus Park and experience the renewed beauty of one of Lander's unique natural spaces.
The Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC) is an AmeriCorps program housed in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming and supported by the state service commission, Serve Wyoming. Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and the Youth Corps of the 1970s, the WCC promotes individual development and environmental stewardship through education and service.