Teton County seeks public lands consensus
Teton County, Wyoming Commissioners will try again Tuesday to reach a consensus on the county’s Wyoming Public Lands Initiative (WPLI) recommendation.
Commissioners considered a proposal last week, but voted to continue discussion.
As defined by the state, the objective of the WPLI is: “A voluntary, collaborative, county-led process intended to result in one, multi-county legislative lands package that is broadly supported by public lands stakeholders in Wyoming. The ultimate goal is a new federal law that governs the designation and management of Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs); and, where possible, addresses and pursues other public land management issues and opportunities affecting Wyoming’s landscape.”
Commissioners have supported the process in hopes of providing clarity for management of the Palisades and Shoal Creek Wilderness Study Areas.
If the commission can’t come up with a local recommendation to Congress, the areas will not be included in any recommendations to Congress. The areas would remain as Wilderness Study Areas until Congress designates the areas as wilderness or directs multiple use management.
During its first meeting last Tuesday, the Board prioritized “common ground” elements. Those included that, “there should be no new road building, no new commercial timber harvesting, no mineral extraction (except gravel), and no oil and gas exploration or development on Bridger Teton National Forest land within Teton County.” The board also encouraged the 18-member Advisory Stakeholder Group make one more attempt at consensus.
Tuesday’s session is set for 3 p.m. at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room.
