JACKSON HOLE, WYO – A conservation plan drafted by a coalition of concerned environmentalists was submitted last week to the Teton Public Lands Initiative (TPLI) Committee last week for consideration.
Wyoming Wilderness Association, along with Lloyd Dorsey of the Wyoming Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Doctor Bruce Hayse submitted the plan calling for “Wilderness” status for a majority of the public lands in Teton County lacking protection. Dorsey and Hayse are also sitting members of the TPLI committee.
The Teton County Advisory committee meets today, Wednesday, August 8 at 2pm at the Forest Service office to discuss this proposal, and several other proposals that are being considered in the TPLI.
“Jackson Hole is surrounded by rare wild areas that are roadless, untrammeled and provide visitors with an opportunity for solitude,” said Peggie dePasquale of the Wyoming Wilderness Association. “It is important that the Teton advisory committee consider a plan that protects these qualities through strong Wilderness recommendations.”
dePasquale added the Wildlands Conservation Plan takes a balanced approach while still protecting some of the wildest areas in Teton County. The plan recommends new Wilderness designation for 254,280 acres of National Forest while proposing 124,453 acres as Conservation Areas. The Conservation Areas allow for continued mechanized and motorized use in areas that are important to these user groups. Finally, the Plan calls for a ban on mining and logging on National Forests countywide.
The Wyoming Public Lands Initiative was launched in Teton County almost two years ago, explicitly based on the principle of consensus agreement. Two study areas are being looked at by the TPLI—Palisades Wilderness Study Area and Shoal Creek Wilderness Study Area.
“We hope that the folks who care about wildlife, solitude, and consensus will show up and support this plan”, said Peggie. The Wednesday meeting is open to the public and time for public comment is allotted.
