Bridger-Teton National Forest To Sell 10 Acres In Jackson

The path has been cleared for the town of Jackson to purchase 10 acres of property on the Bridger-Teton National Forest administrative site. The existing supervisor’s and Jackson Ranger District offices will be retained on the remaining 5.3 acres of the existing 15.2 acre site after the 10 acres are sold.

According to the decision, signed Friday by Forest Supervisor Jacque Buchanan, if the town cannot for some reason purchase the property, the forest will then pursue a sale on the open market to private bidders.

The sale proceeds will be used for rebuilding the remaining facilities at each of three administrative sites: North Cache, Nelson Drive and Cottonwood Work center, including the administrative office, other support facilities and housing. The final amount of the proceeds from the sale will not be known until an appraisal is completed in May.

Whether the supervisor’s office will remain in Jackson is up in the air. Alpine, Wyo., is still being considered as a possible location as well as a possible consolidation or staff sharing opportunities with adjoining forests. A final decision is expected later this year.

The decision also includes construction of 13 new multi-family housing units at the Forest Service housing site on Nelson Drive. The additional housing is needed for permanent and seasonal employees.

The existing supervisor’s office was built in the 1960s and is obsolete for current needs.