JACKSON, Wyo. — A lot of Jackson residents like to use U.S. Forest Service land to recreate and kick back, but Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) staff and volunteers repeatedly got stuck cleaning up a trashed campsite this summer.
BTNF shared a social media post with photos last Wednesday, showing a pile of metal, tires and garbage bags at a popular overnight spot off Fall Creek Road. BTNF staff and ambassadors with Friends of Bridger-Teton have dealt with the massive cleanup job, removing over 500 pounds of garbage. The message was shared with the intention of reminding “all visitors that responsible recreation is essential to protecting the public land we all share.”
The large, multi-acre campsite of concern is located south of Munger Mountain on Forest Service Road 31015, which runs alongside Fall Creek. BTNF said that the site has repeatedly been left in “unacceptable condition.” Alcohol cans and bottles, fireworks, burned tires, vehicle debris and food waste have all been left behind by campers.
Retired BTNF employee Linda Merigliano said that the area near this campsite has become a party spot with local folks. “Obviously, leaving a site trashed is not acceptable,” she told Buckrail in a text message. “Public lands are a treasure and we all need to help by leaving an area better than when we arrived. Picking up litter and packing out trash is an easy way to start.”
According to BTNF, the violations at hand could be punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals ($10,000 for organizations), imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
