GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — The National Park Service (NPS) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are asking for public comment on improvements to the Taggart Lake experience in light of growing visitation and impact.
According to a press release from the NPS, Taggart Lake’s year-round trailhead has been growing in popularity, as it supports a range of recreational pursuits from hiking in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Taggart Lake is also a place where visitors of varying physical abilities and hiking familiarity have an opportunity to experience the backcountry.
“Growing visitation to the trailhead has led to overflow parking, deteriorated trail conditions, trail crowding, vegetation loss and insufficient facilities,” the NPS press release states.
GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins is asking both Jackson Hole locals and Park visitors from “near and far” to weigh in on how GTNP can continue to preserve the area and provide opportunities for high-quality experiences.
While national parks are seen as spaces that prioritize conservation of the landscape and its wildlife, the mission of the NPS is stated on its website as preserving natural and cultural resources and values for the “enjoyment, education and inspiration” of people first.
A public comment period begins today, Oct. 18, and will last through Nov. 21.
GTNP will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MST. For meeting information and to submit written comments, visit the project website.
Comments will help inform the development of alternatives for the Reimagining the Taggart Lake Area planning effort; according to the NPS, those alternatives will be analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and will be presented to the public for additional feedback in the future.
GTNP opens public comment on Taggart Lake experience
Share this:
Stay in the know.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — The National Park Service (NPS) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are asking for public comment on improvements to the Taggart Lake experience in light of growing visitation and impact.
According to a press release from the NPS, Taggart Lake’s year-round trailhead has been growing in popularity, as it supports a range of recreational pursuits from hiking in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Taggart Lake is also a place where visitors of varying physical abilities and hiking familiarity have an opportunity to experience the backcountry.
“Growing visitation to the trailhead has led to overflow parking, deteriorated trail conditions, trail crowding, vegetation loss and insufficient facilities,” the NPS press release states.
GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins is asking both Jackson Hole locals and Park visitors from “near and far” to weigh in on how GTNP can continue to preserve the area and provide opportunities for high-quality experiences.
While national parks are seen as spaces that prioritize conservation of the landscape and its wildlife, the mission of the NPS is stated on its website as preserving natural and cultural resources and values for the “enjoyment, education and inspiration” of people first.
A public comment period begins today, Oct. 18, and will last through Nov. 21.
GTNP will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MST. For meeting information and to submit written comments, visit the project website.
Comments will help inform the development of alternatives for the Reimagining the Taggart Lake Area planning effort; according to the NPS, those alternatives will be analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and will be presented to the public for additional feedback in the future.
Experience rustic luxury in this 3-bedroom Hoback Ranches home
A closer look: This 3-bedroom Cottonwood home overlooks Rangeview Park
A closer look at this 5-bedroom condo at the base of Snow King with great views
Bordering beautiful Rangeview Park, this home is more than 2,600 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, an office and 2.5 baths
A closer look at this 2-bedroom condo on Powderhorn Lane
River Stingray
River Stingray is a news reporter with a passion for wildlife, history and local lenses. She holds a Master's degree in environmental archaeology from the University of Cambridge and is also a published poet, dog mom and outdoor enthusiast.
More by River Stingray