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We started out in the last week of February and now here we are in March! Here’s your Ranch news roundup for the week that began on February 23rd, 2025:
Monday, February 24th I attended a luncheon in Afton with the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension, Lincoln County 4-H/Youth Educator along with other Star Valley representatives, and the Lincoln County Commissioners. [While this luncheon was not included in last week’s SVR New Roundup upcoming calendar items, I thought it was worth covering in today’s post.] The purpose of the luncheon was to explore opportunities to expand 4-H participation in Lincoln County. Here are a few of my notes that may be of interest from the luncheon:
Our Lincoln County 4-H Youth Educator, Shar Perry, is a dedicated and dynamic representative for the program.
While I’m sure many of you may be familiar with 4-H for its animal science projects (such as production, management, and showmanship of various livestock and domestic animal groups) there are many other projects that fall under the 4-H umbrella.
Given that livestock of any form (to include chickens and ducks) are not currently allowed in Star Valley Ranch this luncheon was a definite eye-opener for me!
According to Ms. Perry finding 4-H adult leaders has been the greatest challenge in terms of expanding 4-H in Star Valley.
Beyond animal science projects, 4-H offers the following project areas:
Star Valley Ranch (in my opinion) could be a great location for a 4-H Clover Buds program.
Wednesday, February 26th at 5pm the Town of Star Valley Ranch (TSVR) Planning Commission met at Town Hall. Alas, no agenda was posted to the town website for this meeting. For now, here are a few of my notes from the proceedings:
There were no regular agenda items (i.e., lot combinations or zoning considerations) covered by the Commissioners.
The Commissioners did spend some time discussing the TSVR Commercial Zoning ordinance and if any updates to the latter should be recommended to the Town Council.
Lastly, the Commissioners discussed the upcoming rezoning and conditional use application for the Blue Ribbon Barn (outside of the town boundary at 750 Cedar Creek Road) that is scheduled to appear before the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Commission on March 19th.
Other news and notes for the week:
Work to repair the water line that was damaged at the Middle Branch Bridge replacement project will get underway next week.
The Star Valley Ranch Trail Crew reports that due to warming conditions over the past week and afternoon sun, wet snow slides and snow rollers can be expected in Cedar Creek Canyon and also on the Maple Trail. Be safe out there on the trails folks!
Beginning March 6th, the Star Valley Ranch Association office at Cedar Creek Center will be closing at 2pm every Thursday for a staff meeting.
Here are calendar item for next week:
Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm the TSVR Roads Advisory Board will meet at Town Hall.
Wednesday, March 5th at 2pm the TSVR Travel and Tourism Board will meet at Town Hall.
Final thoughts—My resident red squirrel, affectionately known as “Scrat”, definitely thinks spring is around the corner despite what the rock chuck had to say a few weeks ago. I’ve included a photo below of Scraty perched atop my weather station surveying his melting domain! I’m not sure why, but it does seem like a bit of an abrupt end to winter (although I suppose I’m jinxing things by saying that). Regardless, now that the calendar has flipped to March, I can’t help but feel excited about the portent of steadily warmer temperatures and the budding greenery to come. I hope your winter has not been too taxing and that you are equally excited about the new season now flirting with us. Every time I’ve been outside this past week I hear Mother Nature whispering ardently—the equinox is nearly here! Have a great week!
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