BLM: Protect Wyoming’s public lands from illegal dumping

CHEYENNE (WNE) — The Bureau of Land Management is urging the public to help combat illegal dumping on public lands, a widespread issue that degrades natural resources, threatens wildlife and imposes significant cleanup costs on taxpayers.

“Illegal dumping is an eyesore for public land users who use it responsibly,” said Kellen Waldo, BLM Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land/Hazmat Program Lead, in a news release. “Illegal dump sites at times may also have hazardous materials discarded on them, further threatening the local users, wildlife, surface water, groundwater and ecosystem. These activities damage the landscape and divert funds from other critical public land management priorities, such as recreation improvements and abandoned mine land closures.”

Illegal dumping often occurs near city boundaries, where public lands are more accessible. In Rock Springs, for example, multiple sites have been reported on BLM-managed lands within city limits. Their proximity tends to encourage further misuse, creating a cycle of degradation.

The BLM encourages the public to report illegal dumping activities. If you observe dumping or discover a dumpsite on public land, exercise caution and contact your local BLM field office. The hazards of these sites may be compounded if they’re used as shooting areas and ad hoc material recovery sites, such as wire burn areas, which are illegal on public lands.

Residents also can help prevent illegal dumping by utilizing local waste disposal and recycling facilities.

For more information, contact Kellen Waldo at kwaldo@blm.gov or 307-775-6092. You also can visit the BLM WY’s illegal dumping page at blm. gov/programs/aml-environmental-cleanup/hazardous- materials.

This story was published on February 27, 2025.