JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Bridger-Teton National Forest is finalizing plans for an influx of visitors expected for the Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) on August 21. Forest lands will provide many outstanding viewing and camping opportunities for the event and forest officials want to make sure everyone can do so safely.
“Public cooperation will be essential to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience,” said USFS reps in a press release.
In preparation for an increase in visitation, the Forest Service will provide information about opportunities and responsibilities on public lands at nine stations along major access routes, some of which will be located and staffed with interagency personnel. The Blackrock, Jackson, and Pinedale District offices will be extending normal business hours during the period of August 16-22, and will be open during the pre-eclipse weekend.
The Forest is also temporarily expanding camping opportunities at developed campgrounds and at suitable RV sites, as well as preparing to manage the expected increase in visitor use at undeveloped sites and on trails in day use areas near town and in the wilderness.
While forest officials look to expand areas to accommodate visitors, some closures will be in effect in the interest of public safety. Forest Road 30972 (Phillips Ridge access road) in the Teton Pass area will be closed to vehicular travel from Aug. 14-22. The area will remain open to day-use and backcountry camping only, but access will be restricted to non-motorized travel. Parking will be available in defined areas along Highway 22.
The temporary road closure is being implemented to address safety concerns expected from increased visitation during the eclipse. District Ranger Dale Deiter stated that, “We feel the closure is necessary to alleviate the potential for accidents and congestion along the steep and narrow road.”
The District is also concerned about the potential for human caused wildfires during the event that could then threaten the Bonneville powerline that supplies the majority of power to the valley. “The last thing we need during the eclipse is to further complicate what will already be a complicated situation,” Deiter said. The Phillips temporary road closure will be the only eclipse-specific road closure on the Jackson District.
