B O A R D O F C O M M I S S I O N E R S
N a t a l i a D . M a c k e r , C h a i r G r e g E p s t e i n , V - C h a i r M a r k B a r r o n M a r k N e w c o m b L u t h e r P r o p s t
Patricia O’Connor Forest Supervisor P.O. Box 1888 Jackson, Wyoming 83001
November 9, 2020
RE: Support for Bridger-Teton National Park State Land Trust Purchase
Dear Supervisor O’Conner:
The Teton County Board of County Commissioners appreciates the opportunity to provide this letter of support to Bridger-Teton National Forest’s proposed purchase of two state land parcels within the Forest boundary in Teton County; one State Trust parcel and one Wyoming Department of Game and Fish parcel.
The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service – Bridger-Teton National Forest Leadership Team’s proposal to move these parcels into public ownership and manage as public open space in order to preserve its unique ecosystem, wildlife habitat, and use by the public for recreational purposes is in concert with the Teton County/Jackson Comprehensive Plan, which calls for stewardship of our ecological resources, wildlife habitat and preservation of our community character for current and future generations.
The Wyoming Department of Game and Fish parcel, sections 25 and 26, fits between the Bridger-Teton National Forest Gros Ventre Wilderness and the National Elk Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State Trust land parcel, section 36, is entirely within the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Both parcels are major migration routes for the thousands of elk that retreat to the refuge in the winter; provide public access to popular recreational and designated Wilderness areas; and offer habitat for moose, pronghorn, mule-deer, and other wildlife. Wildlife, along with natural and scenic resources, draw both residents and visitors to Teton County, and are the core of our heritage, culture, and economy.
Lastly, history shows that the Bridger-Teton National Forest has successfully secured funds to purchase lands from private landowners in Teton County, also supported by past Commissioners, and is currently managing the Poison Creek and Gilcrease Foundation lands, now open to the public.
P O B o x 3 5 9 4 ︱ 2 0 0 S o u t h W i l l o w S t r e e t ︱ J a c k s o n , W y o m i n g 8 3 0 0 1 ︱ 3 0 7 - 7 3 2 - 8 0 9 4 ︱ w w w . t e t o n c o u n t y w y . g o v B O A R D O F C O M M I S S I O N E R S
N a t a l i a D . M a c k e r , C h a i r G r e g E p s t e i n , V - C h a i r M a r k B a r r o n M a r k N e w c o m b L u t h e r P r o p s t
The Board appreciates Bridger-Teton National Forest’s work to preserve these parcels of land for public use and fully supports its effort to purchase these parcels from the state.
Sincerely, `
Attest:
______Natalia D. Macker, Chairwoman Maureen E. Murphy Teton County Board of County Commissioners Teton County Clerk
CC: Chad Hudson, Acting Forest Supervisor
P O B o x 3 5 9 4 ︱ 2 0 0 S o u t h W i l l o w S t r e e t ︱ J a c k s o n , W y o m i n g 8 3 0 0 1 ︱ 3 0 7 - 7 3 2 - 8 0 9 4 ︱ w w w . t e t o n c o u n t y w y . g o v