JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is hosting a “Rally to Stop the Kelly Parcel Auction” on Jackson’s Town Square, Monday, Nov. 6 at 4:45 p.m.
“Join us on Monday to tell the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners to stop the auction and give the Wyoming Legislature the opportunity to protect our public lands,” the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance said in a Nov. 1 Instagram post.
The 640-acre state trust land parcel is located within the external boundary of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). It borders GTNP to the north, west and south, the National Elk Refuge also to the south and the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the eastern boundary.
In early October the Office of State Land and Investments initiated an administrative review and detailed analysis proposing the disposal of the state parcel. The State Board of Land Commissioners will consider the proposal for disposal at their Dec. 7 meeting.
According to the detailed analysis, “the appraiser determined that the maximally productive use and most reasonably supported highest and best use for the State Parcel is for residential subdivision into thirty-five (35) acre, or greater, sites for residential development.”
According to Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, “this auction is akin to putting an ‘Open House’ sign in one of America’s preeminent national parks (it is believed that a minimum of 18 trophy homes could be built on the parcel if it were purchased and subdivided.)”
Meanwhile, the OSLI says that disposal of the land will “provide comparatively greater and more consistent returns than what is realized by continuing to hold the parcel and allow it to appreciate in value.”
It is appraised at $62.4 million. Currently, the land generates nearly $3,000 annually from grazing leases and temporary use permits.
Public comment is being accepted on the item and the Teton County Board of County Commissioners have weighed in. Comments can be sent in writing to Attention: Jason Crowder, Office Of State Lands and Investments, 122 W. 25th Street, Herschler Building Suite W103, Cheyenne, WY 82002 or email at jason.crowder@wyo.gov.
