Wyoming Board on Geographic Names
Overview
The Wyoming Board on Geographic Names is an advisory Board established by Executive Order 1995-7 to evaluate proposals concerning name changes, new names, and name controversies of geographic features and certain public places in the State of Wyoming and then making official recommendations to the United States Board on Geographic Names, who gives final determinations for standardizing the names of geographic and natural features.
Purpose
Carry out the goals and objectives of the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN).
Assist and advise state agencies, organizations, and the general public in understanding the process and preparing applications for submission to the BGN.
Advise the BGN on matters concerning geographic names in Wyoming
Officers/Members
Officers:
Herbert W. Stoughton, Ph.D.: Chairman
John (Jack) Studley, PLS: Vice Chairman
Shelley Messer: Executive Director
contact: @ shelley.messer@wyo.gov or 307-777-5801
Members:
Calvin B Williams Cindy Brown
Dan White Janie Nelson
Mary Agnes McAleenan Jessica Otto
RJ Pieper Scott Scherbel
Scott Gerber Jeffrey Hamerlinck
The Wyoming Board of Geographic Names (WyoBGN) recognizes the need for open and candid communication concerning the naming and/or re-naming of geographic features within the State of Wyoming. The WyoBGN seeks and considers input from all interested sources before rendering decisions. This process may require several months, and is addressed at every scheduled meeting. Inquiries concerning the naming or re-naming of any geographic feature should be submitted to Ms. Shelley Messer, WyoBGN Executive Director, State Engineers' Office. Although any WyoBGN member can comment on a particular issue, it is the consensus of the members that inquiries should be directed to Ms. Messer, who has and maintains the official records of the organization. [Reference: WyoBGN meeting: 16 November 2022].
Next meeting, April 19, 2023 @ 3:00 PM
or join by phone (US) +1 641-583-6023 PIN: 808 556 837#
All are welcome to attend our meetings.
Agendas, Minutes, and Resources:
Useful Information:
By-laws United States Board on Geographic Names Policies
Name Proposal process Name Proposal Form
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) is a Federal body created in 1890 and established in its present form by Public Law in 1947 to maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. The BGN comprises representatives of Federal agencies concerned with geographic information, population, ecology, and management of public lands.
Current Discussions:
In the News:
Previous Recommendations:
18-May-2022 The WBGN voted to recommend rejection of the proposal to name an unnamed feature Mount Jackson Pollock
Proposals to rename Mount Doane and Hayden Valley:
WBGN voted to recommend: The name Mount Doane be changed to First People's Mountain.
The name Hayden Valley be retained.