Stilson: Crossroads
October 17, 2024
Stilson is the crossroads of Teton County. Moose, deer, elk, commuters, and tourists all pass through. Once a historic 100-acre ranch, Stilson was sold in 1997 to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The resort obtained County approval and built a residential development on the northern half of the property. The southern half is a three-lot subdivision, known as Stilson. More than half of Stilson is protected by the Teton County Scenic Preserve Trust. Stilson can be an exemplary and successful coexistence model if we support wildlife while improving our transportation infrastructure.
Stilson lies northwest of Highway 390 and Highway 22. This scenic corridor sees thousands of motorized commuters and tourists daily. Fencing encourages wildlife to use two newly constructed wildlife underpasses to cross these thoroughfares. Everyone is safer.
The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance understands the need for the transit center at Stilson. Improved transportation will decrease congestion, benefiting animals and humans. However, we are concerned about the impact on the wildlife corridor. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent to build underpasses that funnel wildlife directly onto this land. We must protect both the welfare of our wildlife populations and the investments in the wildlife corridor!
The Alliance advocated for wildlife and wild places during the County Commissioners’ approval of the transit center in August. We highlighted the impacts of pavement, light pollution, noise, and human activity. Commissioners heard our concerns. Teton County staff were directed to assess possible measures to offset these negative impacts.
One of our recommendations is to place the 8.5-acre parcel adjacent to the transit center under the Teton County Scenic Preserve Trust. This measure would protect the wildlife corridor and our investment in the underpasses. Once the 8.5-acre parcel is protected, we recommend using it for recreation, including stargazing, wildlife watching, hiking, or other low-impact activities. (Ideally, this land would not be used for recreational activities that require landscaping, nets, obstacles, or equipment, as these might deter wildlife.)
Another recommendation is to consider habitat restoration to the western side of Stilson. Adding native trees and grasses would provide inviting cover for animals to move through. The success of the wildlife underpasses depends on a healthy wildlife corridor. An underpass that ends in a busy parking lot will not be used. According to the JHMR website, they are “committed to the conservation and restoration of our natural habitat.” We are glad to hear this. For this project to succeed, the resort must be a willing partner in the restoration at Stilson. We hope the entire community will pitch in when the time comes!
