Despite a transition to online learning, seniors in the University of Wyoming’s new outdoor recreation and tourism management degree program are wrapping up capstone projects based in Fremont County.

As part of the “professional semester” — a suite of project, community and team-based courses — students are presenting their findings and recommendations to project mentors virtually.

“While the transition to a virtual learning model has posed challenges, students in the professional semester have shown grit and perseverance to complete these important projects for Fremont County and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation,” said Dan McCoy, coordinator of the degree program and professional semester. “We are very proud of their work and ability to adapt, given the circumstances.”

Alex Aguirre of Powell and Emily Smith of Greybull are among the UW seniors wrapping up three projects this week and next.

Projects include an outdoor recreation assessment of Fremont County and an outdoor recreation collaborative toolkit. Students also gathered feedback from identified stakeholders on a draft trails plan proposal for the Bus Loops area, which is a mix of Office of State Lands and Investment and BLM lands used by a grazing lessee and recreationalists alike.

To watch the virtual presentations or to request copies of the final reports, email McCoy at dan.mccoy@uwyo.edu.