Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that this corridor would be situated along the Melody Ranch housing development, not the larger Melody Ranch land parcel. It has been corrected to more accurately describe the location of the corridor. Buckrail regrets the error.
JACKSON, Wyo. — On Tuesday, June 18, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a limited Waiver and Release to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for the designation of a wildlife migration corridor, which is situated along the Melody Ranch parcel.
The parcel is 48 acres of agricultural open space, located on the southern tip of Melody Ranch. The small right-of-way corridor accesses Bridger-Teton National Forest land, and is approximately 234 feet long and 32 feet wide – totaling approximately 0.17 acres.
According to the BCC, the USFS acquired the easement to provide legal access to public lands adjacent to the private property. Melody Ranch has permitted the USFS and the public to cross the property from Highway 89/191 just south of Little Horse Thief Canyon Subdivision.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) installed a pedestrian gate along the wildlife fence to facilitate continued public access. It is worth noting that in addition to the wildlife fence recently installed by WYDOT along the east side of the highway, a wildlife underpass was installed under the highway approximately a quarter mile to the south.
The Waiver and Release will also allow the Forest Service to construct a roadway for vehicular access. The only vehicles allowed access to the easement area would be for administrative work and, if needed, firefighting. Management of the adjacent USFS lands only allows seasonal use for hikers and horseback riders, with all human entry restricted from Dec 1 to May 1.
