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Cheyenne—A bill clarifying the legality of “corner crossing” in Wyoming—the act of stepping from one tract of public land to another at a common corner where adjoining parcels are private—has cleared early hurdles in the state legislature. House Bill 19, dubbed “Corner crossing clarification,” aims to codify existing legal precedent and provide clarity for recreationists and law enforcement.

The issue centers on access to public lands locked by private property. Corner crossing allows hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to legally access isolated parcels of public land without needing permission from landowners. Even as affirmed by state and federal courts, including a ruling by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the practice has remained a source of contention and legal uncertainty. This bill seeks to resolve that ambiguity.

Casper Representative Steve Harshman, a longtime high school football coach, likened the bill’s progress to being “at like yard 2 of a 100-yard dash” during a Thursday meeting of the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee, according to WyoFile. The committee’s meeting drew a large crowd, including members of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s “Camo at the Capitol” advocacy training program.

The bill’s purpose, as explained by Casper attorney Ryan Semerad, who represented four corner-crossing hunters in a years-long legal battle, is to “put that 10th Circuit decision into concrete terms in our green books for law enforcement officers.” Semerad told the committee this would prevent unnecessary legal battles and resource expenditure, allowing officers to confidently state that corner crossing is not a crime. The 10th Circuit decision affirmed the legality of the practice, but a clear state statute is seen as crucial for consistent enforcement.

Representative Harshman, a Natrona County Republican and former Speaker of the House, emphasized that the bill’s passage is not yet assured. The legislation was drafted last year by the same committee and builds upon previous discussions regarding public land access.

Legislative Context and Recent Disputes

The corner crossing bill comes amidst broader debates within the Wyoming legislature. Recently, Representative Harshman considered seeking a reprimand for fellow lawmaker John Bear, a Gillette Republican, over accusations made in a guest column. According to WyoFile, Bear accused non-Freedom Caucus lawmakers of being unduly influenced by lobbyists. Harshman ultimately decided against bringing a motion, but the incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the statehouse.

Impact on Public Land Access

The passage of House Bill 19 could significantly impact access to approximately 800,000 acres of landlocked public lands in Wyoming, according to estimates from the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. Currently, navigating these areas requires careful consideration of property boundaries and potential legal challenges. A clear legal framework would provide greater certainty for recreationists and reduce the risk of trespassing charges.

The bill is of particular interest to hunters and anglers, who often rely on access to public lands for their activities. The Wyoming Wildlife Federation has been a vocal advocate for corner crossing rights, arguing that it is essential for preserving access to public resources. The organization’s “Camo at the Capitol” event demonstrates the strong grassroots support for the legislation.

What comes next for House Bill 19 is further consideration by the Wyoming legislature. The bill will need to pass through additional committees and ultimately receive a vote by the full House, and Senate. The outcome will likely depend on continued advocacy from groups like the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and the willingness of lawmakers to address the ongoing challenges of public land access in the state.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below. And be sure to share this article with anyone interested in Wyoming’s public lands and access issues.

A paternity crisis is unfolding within the narrative of the Turkish television drama, “La Forza di una Donna” (The Strength of a Woman), as characters Emre and Ceyda have learned they are not the biological parents of their son, Arda. The revelation, set to air on Canale 5, stems from a series of events initiated by Emre’s pursuit of legal custody of the child, according to reports from Blasting News Italia.

Emre’s attempt to secure custody through legal channels led him to Kismet, an attorney who advised a DNA test to confirm paternity. The results delivered a shocking blow: Emre is not Arda’s biological father. Accusations flew, with Emre confronting Ceyda, who maintained her certainty of being Arda’s mother. Bahar, a confidante of Ceyda, suggested a second DNA test, ultimately leading them to Dr. Jale, who revealed the truth – Arda was switched at birth with another baby.

The discovery has sent shockwaves through the fictional family, with Dr. Jale confirming that neither Emre nor the child’s mother, a singer whose identity has not been disclosed, are Arda’s biological parents. Emre has now enlisted Kismet’s help to locate his biological son, and she has begun searching hospital records for babies born on the same day as Arda, according to Blasting News Italia.

The unfolding drama occurs alongside separate storylines within the series. Enver is reportedly experiencing hallucinations of his deceased wife, Hatice, who implores him to care for Sirin, as he had promised her before her death following a car accident caused by Arif. Meanwhile, Bahar has apologized to her husband, Sarp, and requested he rejoin their family with their children, after a period of separation. Yusuf has made a proposal that has angered Arif.

Prior to the revelation of the baby swap, the series focused on Emre’s growing suspicion that he was Arda’s father, spurred by information from Idil, who overheard a conversation between Enver and Hatice. Idil’s actions led Emre to question Ceyda, and to seek legal counsel. According to Tvsoap.it, Idil intentionally planted the seed of doubt in Emre’s mind, leading to the paternity investigation.

The storyline has been building since November 2025, with reports indicating that Emre initially believed he was Arda’s father and intended to confront Ceyda. News outlets such as Notizie.buzz have highlighted the emotional turmoil and shifting alliances resulting from the paternity revelation. As of February 11, 2026, Emre remains determined to gain legal custody of Arda, according to ComingSoon.it.