Forest turns to the public for help fixing damaged roads

Snowmelt, washouts and spring runoff have created several road and trail failures across the Bridger Teton National Forest. “Access is an important aspect of the Forest Service mission, and right now we are triaging what areas to address first,” said Forest Supervisor Tricia O’Connor. “Typically during this time of year we are blading and grading roads, but due to the wet conditions and runoff, we instead rented a dump truck and excavator and we are in the process of repairing many slumps and slides impacting roads and infrastructure across the forest,” she said. The forest said emergency repairs are being delayed due to a shortage of funding for damaged or deteriorated infrastructure. In fact, O’Connor said closures may remain in place for several years for non-critical access. “The Bridger-Teton cannot afford to replace every bridge that fails nor every road that washes out,” said O’Connor. For example, the Blind Bull closure, on the Greys River Ranger District, may be at least a year, but could be indefinite depending on availability of funding for reconstruction. O’Connor said the forest will pursue additional funding after a complete assessment of all the damage. The forest engineer will review funding opportunities, cost, and timelines for repairs and replacements. The forest will also look for public and partner support for restoration of roads and access. Anyone who has road building experience who would like to assist in getting some of these landslides or blowouts repaired can contact Forest Engineer Mike Oltman at 307-739-5445. There are impassable roads in Lincoln, Teton and Sublette Counties all within the Bridger-Teton’s jurisdiction.
As of June 8, 2017 the following emergency closures are in place. Kemmerer District: — Hams Fork Road between Kelly Guard Station and Big Springs Camp Ground – Closed- Washout — LaBarge Road near Fish Barrier – Closed – Washout — Minnie Holden Creek at Fontenelle Road – Closed – Washout Big Piney District: — South Piney Creek -Closed- Washout — Thompson Pass – Closed – Washout Greys River District — Blind Bull – Closed – Landslide — Cottonwood Creek – Closed – Washout Jackson District: — Ditch Creek- Closed -Washout — Crystal Creek Campground – Closed – Flooded — Little Granite Creek – Closed – Washout Blackrock Ranger District: — South Fork Spread Creek (Leidy Lake Road)- Closed -Washout Pinedale District: — Teepee Creek – Closed -Washout