JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has re-authorized the Compatibility Determination (CD) for the multi-use pathway on the west side of the National Elk Refuge.
There were no changes from the recently expired CD, except the Service defined the types of bicycles that are permitted on the trail. A public comment period for this re-authorization took place from November 19 through December 10, 2020. Twenty-eight written comments were received.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that the re-authorized Compatibility Determination maintains the seasonal closure of the multi-use pathway which reduces wildlife stress and disturbance on the west side of the refuge, maximizes habitat use and dispersal by wintering elk, reduces the potential for disease transmission, and prevents conflict with other compatible uses.
A Compatibility Determination regarding the multi-use pathway was originally completed in 2009 and CDs must be re-evaluated every 10 years. The purpose of the multi-use pathway is to provide a safe, accessible, and connected facility for non-motorized (pedestrian and bicycle) recreation and transportation in proximity to a major highway and the National Elk Refuge. USFWS says that the pathway provides a connection between the Town of Jackson and Grand Teton National Park while simultaneously providing users with a safe, educational, enjoyable, and alternative form of travel and recreation.
Compatibility Determinations are documents written, signed, and dated by the refuge manager and the regional chief of refuges that signify whether proposed or existing uses of national wildlife refuges are compatible with their establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
