SWEETWATER COUNTY — The Sweetwater County Commissioners unanimously approved an annual operating plan for the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office to provide special law enforcement and patrol at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The plan is between the Sheriff’s Office, the USDA, US Forest Service, and Ashley National Forest.

The US Forest Service gives the Sheriff’s Office $6,000 to pay deputies to do land and marine patrol at the Flaming Gorge during summer holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July, said Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle.

The special enforcement situations include, but are not limited to fire emergencies, drug enforcement, and certain group gatherings. 

Sheriff Grossnickle said there is talk of increasing the amount of funds the US Forest Service gives to the Sheriff’s Office for future years, as the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office does more patrol at the Flaming Gorge than other agencies.