A dedication ceremony for the renaming of the Craig Thomas Little Mountain Special Management Area near Lovell will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, at 11a.m. and the public is invited.


In March of 2008, the U. S. Department of the Interior renamed this 69,200-acre area east of Lovell to honor Senator Thomas’ efforts to acquire key pieces of private land in the area for management by the BLM. This acquisition was important to ensure public access to the area.


Thomas died of leukemia in June of 2007.
The public is welcome to join BLM, members of Sen. Thomas’ family and other partners at the Cottonwood Canyon Trailhead east of Lovell.


Speakers will include Sen. Mike Enzi and Sen. John Barrasso, as well as Thomas’ widow, Susan.


A brass plaque will be dedicated, and Big Horn County is sponsoring a barbecue cooked by the Lovell Volunteer Fire Dept. The Lovell High School Swing Choir will also perform.


“We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Sen. Thomas and his family by renaming the special management area in his honor,” Cody Field Manager Mike Stewart said. “His assistance was invaluable and the public will benefit for years to come.”


Sen. Thomas was instrumental in helping acquire approximately 8,200 acres in June 2003 near Little Mountain. The acquisition of these lands improved access to thousands of acres of state and federal lands on the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains, allowing for enhanced recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, caving, camping, and horseback riding.


“In addition, the Craig Thomas Little Mountain Special Management Area includes breathtaking mountain vistas, significant cultural and paleontological resources, and wildlife including elk, deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and a population of greater sage-grouse,” Stewart said.


Directions from Lovell: Travel east on U.S. Highway 14A approximately 13 miles. Turn left onto the John Blue Canyon Road located just east of the causeway. After turning onto the John Blue Canyon Road, take an immediate right onto the Cottonwood Creek Road.


Follow signs to the dedication site, which is located 5.5 miles east on the Cottonwood Creek Road.