Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has declined a request to relocate an upcoming State Board of Land Commissioners meeting to Casper, where a proposed gravel pit project near Casper Mountain has stirred strong public opposition, Casper Star-Tribune reports.
Despite the decision, the governor’s office maintains that public input remains welcome and encouraged.
The meeting, set for June 5 in Cheyenne, will include discussion on lease renewals for Prism Logistics, whose gravel mining leases at the base of Casper Mountain are due to expire. The company has submitted new applications seeking to continue operations on state-managed land.
Since early 2024, the proposed project has drawn vocal criticism from Casper-area residents concerned about its environmental and community impacts. A petition opposing the project has amassed over 20,000 signatures, and public hearings, including one held in Casper in April, have featured hours of citizen testimony.
On May 20, Secretary of State Chuck Gray submitted a formal request asking Governor Gordon to hold the June meeting in Casper to “allow adequate public comment” on the matter. Gray reiterated his concerns in a public statement, saying:
“The fact that the Governor does not want to hear the overwhelming opposition to these leases is deeply disturbing.”
Governor Gordon’s spokesperson, Michael Pearlman, responded by emphasizing that the governor values public participation. He explained that logistical concerns, including cost and scheduling constraints, contributed to the decision to hold the meeting in Cheyenne, where State Land Board meetings are typically held.
“The fact that the meeting wasn’t relocated is not in any way intended to show that [Governor Gordon] doesn’t want or encourage public comment on this matter,” Pearlman said.
He also noted that only a small number of formal requests to move the meeting had been received.
Despite the venue remaining in Cheyenne, officials say the meeting will be available virtually, and public comment will be accepted.
Natrona County Commission Chairman Dave North expressed disappointment over the decision.
“There have been a lot of citizens that have requested that it be moved up here,” he said. “I was hoping that they would be a little bit more receptive to that.”
The Natrona County Commission recently voted unanimously to have its legal counsel formally request that the Office of State Lands and Investments deny the renewal of the Prism Logistics leases.
Governor Gordon and the other members of the State Board of Land Commissioners — including Secretary Gray, Auditor Kristi Racines, Treasurer Curt Meier, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder — are expected to hear public comment before making a final decision.
“The governor takes his duties as a commissioner seriously and welcomes and encourages public input on this important issue,” Pearlman said.
