Forest Service releases draft decision for Grand Targhee Resort expansion

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The U.S. Forest Service has issued a draft decision for the proposed Grand Targhee Resort expansion and is now opening a formal objection period for the project.

According to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the agency will publish notices in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the final environmental impact statement for the Grand Targhee Resort Master Development Proposal.

A legal notice published in the Post Register will begin a 45-day objection period for the project and its five project-specific amendments. A separate 60-day objection period will also begin for the programmatic amendment connected to the proposal.

The proposed decision would expand the resort’s special use permit boundary by 694 acres, bringing the total permitted area to about 3,000 acres. Forest officials say the expansion and facility upgrades are intended to support year-round recreation opportunities and boost local jobs and businesses in surrounding communities.

The Forest Service says it received more than 2,100 substantive public comments before the draft environmental impact statement comment period ended in June 2025. Agency officials reviewed those comments while refining the proposal and evaluating potential environmental impacts and alternatives.

“The Caribou-Targhee National Forest reviewed all comments received to help refine the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision,” Forest Supervisor Kim Pierson said in a statement. “These comments provided specific information about the proposal, suggested corrections, and identified information that assisted in reaching my draft record of decision.”

According to the Forest Service, only individuals or organizations that previously submitted timely written comments during the public comment process are eligible to file objections.

Objections can be submitted electronically through the project website, by mail, or by email to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.