Board highlights Hell's Halfacre upgrades as residents push for Hogadon drainage and water access for fire safety
March 12, 2026 | Natrona, Wyoming
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Parks staff updated the Natrona County Parks Board on recent improvements at Hell's Halfacre and on wayfinding signage on Casper Mountain, while several residents used public comment to press for faster action on drainage and water access at Hogadon.
Michael said Visit Casper funded vehicular wayfinding signs along the Casper Mountain Road corridor and that staff will review older wooden signs for necessary updates. He also described Hell's Halfacre work paid for with grant funds: a new boardwalk and viewing deck, replacement of tall fencing with lower chain link, gravelling and grading of parking areas, picnic tables, trash cans and interpretive signs about geology, history and a locally filmed movie.
During public comment, Bruce Lambertson delivered an extended appeal for action at Hogadon. He said the parking lot has long-standing drainage problems and described a planned drain installation that was not completed because contractors could not be scheduled before freeze-up. Lambertson urged a frost-proof hydrant or potable water fill station in the lot so campers and first responders would have accessible water for fire mitigation.
"When that mountain burns, they're not going to care who owns that either. It's your responsibility for your parks grounds," Lambertson said, urging the board to prioritize measures that reduce wildfire risk and provide water access for visitors and first responders.
Board members acknowledged the problem, said topographic surveys and temporary fixes were completed last fall and that the box culvert installation remains on the agenda. Staff said about $20,000 of base course material was hauled in to stabilize the access and that contractor availability and seasonal frost constrained full repairs last year.
What the board will do next: staff said they will prioritize repairs this spring if contractor access and funds allow, continue work with the county commission regarding ownership and lease issues, and evaluate a frost-proof hydrant as part of planning for Hogadon and Casper Mountain fire mitigation.
Michael said Visit Casper funded vehicular wayfinding signs along the Casper Mountain Road corridor and that staff will review older wooden signs for necessary updates. He also described Hell's Halfacre work paid for with grant funds: a new boardwalk and viewing deck, replacement of tall fencing with lower chain link, gravelling and grading of parking areas, picnic tables, trash cans and interpretive signs about geology, history and a locally filmed movie.
During public comment, Bruce Lambertson delivered an extended appeal for action at Hogadon. He said the parking lot has long-standing drainage problems and described a planned drain installation that was not completed because contractors could not be scheduled before freeze-up. Lambertson urged a frost-proof hydrant or potable water fill station in the lot so campers and first responders would have accessible water for fire mitigation.
"When that mountain burns, they're not going to care who owns that either. It's your responsibility for your parks grounds," Lambertson said, urging the board to prioritize measures that reduce wildfire risk and provide water access for visitors and first responders.
Board members acknowledged the problem, said topographic surveys and temporary fixes were completed last fall and that the box culvert installation remains on the agenda. Staff said about $20,000 of base course material was hauled in to stabilize the access and that contractor availability and seasonal frost constrained full repairs last year.
What the board will do next: staff said they will prioritize repairs this spring if contractor access and funds allow, continue work with the county commission regarding ownership and lease issues, and evaluate a frost-proof hydrant as part of planning for Hogadon and Casper Mountain fire mitigation.
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