News Release

Bighorn Canyon is Hosting Working Dogs for Conservation

Tobias looks lovingly from boat.

Working Dogs for Conservation

News Release Date: June 25, 2019

Contact: Christy Flemming, 307-548-5406

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area will be hosting Working Dogs for Conservation from July 1-13, 2019. Working Dogs for Conservation is the world’s leading conservation detection dog organization. They build upon techniques from narcotics detection, cadaver detection and search and rescue to pioneer ways to use dogs’ extraordinary sense of smell to protect wildlife and wild places. Their dogs can detect weeds before they break the surface, animals that live below the ground, and aquatic organisms invisible to the human eye. At Bighorn Canyon, the dogs will be helping to sniff out quagga and zebra mussels.  

The dogs (Lily and Tobias - the working dogs) and their handler, Aimee Hurt, will arrive on July 1 in the South District. Throughout the week visitors will see them at the Crooked Creek Contact Station, Horseshoe Bend, and Barry's Landing interacting with boaters and visitors, assisting with boat inspections, and providing outreach and interpretation for the AIS program. Aimee will also be giving a presentation at the Lovell Visitor Center on July 3 from 5-6PM. She will go in depth about how the dogs do their jobs, what invasives they search out and what other agencies they work with. The dogs will be at the presentation to meet and greet the public.

On July 8, Aimee will travel to the North District. She and the dogs will work with boaters and visitors at both the Afterbay Contact Station and at Ok-A-Beh Marina. Aimee will present a second program at the Afterbay campground amphitheater on July 11 at 6 PM (weather permitting). 

In coordination with their visit, Bighorn Canyon has prepared an AIS Jr. Ranger rack card and AIS Dog stickers for kids. The park will kick off ‘Bark Ranger’ month on July 1 and have programs related to dogs in the park for the remainder of the month. The park is working with WNPA to make available 'Bark Ranger' items for responsible dog owners who enjoy recreating with their own dogs.

For current lake conditions or help planning a visit, visitors may call the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406. Everyone is invited to come and Find Your Park at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.