Bridger-Teton National Forest reminds visitors to prepare for changing seasons 

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) —The Bridger-Teton National Forest is reminding visitors conditions across the forest are varied this time of year.

Officials say to check in with your local district office before heading out for any fall activity.

Firewood permits for personal use are still on sale, and Christmas Tree permits are now available online. Firewood permits are $7 per cord with a five-cord minimum and maximum of 10 cords per year. Permits are valid for the 2023 calendar year only, and load tickets must be visible at the time of harvesting and transport. Permits are offered at all six district office locations. Christmas tree permits are available online at Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming - Recreation.gov for $15 per tree up to 20-feet in height.

Winter has arrived in the high country, so visitors to the Bridger-Teton National Forest should expect a wide range of driving conditions on forest roads. Even though it may be sunny and warm in the valley, recent storms have left snow on the ground. Many roads, especially those in higher elevations, have already become impassable due to ice and snow. Remember, Forest Service roads are not maintained for winter travel. Be aware that even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck. Winter storms can trigger unexpected rockslides, and falling limbs and trees; they can change driving conditions on forest roads from passable to impassable in a matter of minutes.

"It is important to check local conditions, leave a route itinerary with someone at home, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and be aware of wildlife activity," Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Affairs Officer Mary Cernicek said. "Bears are still active across the Forest so remember to carry bear spray and have it readily available, follow food storage regulations, and be sure someone knows your travel plans in case the conditions keep you from returning as scheduled."

And while the forest is still burning piles, recreationists can expect to see smoke in the areas where the firefighters are working. Most brush piles do not completely combust in one day. Some may smolder for days or even weeks, especially when piles contain large amounts heavy fuels, like tree trunks. Continued smoldering is all part of the fuel’s reduction process. Air quality sensor are in place and smoke conditions continue to be well within the parameters set by Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, air division. Firefighters will continue with daily patrols to monitor smoke and fire behavior until the burning is complete and the piles are dead out.

Visit or call your local Ranger District office for the latest updates regarding weather, including snow levels and driving conditions.

• Kemmerer Ranger District
  308 Hwy 189 North
  Kemmerer, WY 83101
  (307) 828-5100
• Big Piney Ranger District
  10418 South US Highway 189
  Big Piney, WY 83113
  (307) 276-5800
• Greys River Ranger District
  671 North Washington St.
  Afton, WY 83110
  (307) 886-5300
• Jackson Ranger District
  340 N Cache
  P.O. Box 1689
  Jackson, WY 83001
  (307) 739-5400
• Blackrock Ranger District
  Hwy 26/287
  P.O. Box 278
  Moran, WY 83013
  (307) 543-2386
• Pinedale Ranger District
  29 East Fremont Lake Rd.
  P.O. Box 220
  Pinedale, WY 82941
  (307) 367-4326

Find more information on the Bridger-Teton National Forest HERE or by calling 307-739-5500.