Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris will be in Lincoln County this Thursday to meet with local leaders and community members as part of her statewide work to protect forest health and strengthen wildfire preparedness.
Norris, who has served as Wyoming’s State Forester for nearly three years, described the scope of the position as “all things” involving forestry management and wildland fire suppression across the state. She explained that her role covers state forest and trust lands, including oversight of roughly 3.6 million acres, and coordinates programs that support communities and private landowners.
“Forestry and fire,” Norris said, summarizing the dual focus of her job. She added that the division works through cooperative forestry assistance programs and the state’s “good neighbor” authority, which allows forestry work on federal lands such as U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management areas.
During her stop, Norris will highlight how Wyoming agencies collaborate with federal partners on projects and planning, particularly relevant to Lincoln County, where national forest land is nearby and the summer fire season remains a constant concern. Norris said her office works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, including Forest Service planning efforts and vegetation management projects, as well as coordination within the good neighbor authority framework.
She also addressed the importance of wildfire readiness and communication before fire restrictions become a key public concern. Norris said people should check the fire restrictions that apply where they travel, and recognize that even a single spark can quickly escalate, especially with low snowpack and drier conditions.
“What can be done to help mitigate those?” Norris was asked during a Weekday Wake-up interview. Her answer emphasized simple but critical steps: taking precautions while smoking, properly handling campfires, and reducing flammable material around homes and businesses.
Norris concluded the interview by previewing the discussions planned for her chamber visits. She said she will cover high-level wildland fire and forestry topics, shared stewardship agreements, and the work underway with the Forest Service—along with a specific focus on Lincoln County priorities. She noted that an office move to Kemmerer has recently taken place and that the visit will include discussions with local commissioners and community partners about goals for the next couple of years to improve forest health and management activities.
Norris will speak at the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Afton Civic Center at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, and at the Fossil Basin Chamber of Commerce at the Kemmerer Opera House at 6:00 p.m. that same day.
