Public lands support wildlife, recreation, and the Jackson Hole economy. Teton County residents and visitors alike are inspired by these vistas and the natural world within them.
Today, public lands face tangible threats from both the federal government and local land-use policy decisions. Private interests continue to undermine and threaten the sanctity of our public lands.
You don’t have to look far to see the public land threads and dangerous precedents being set. For instance, the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust’s Nelson Drive proposal would allow private housing on Forest Service land. A private landowner is pushing to have a personal say in the future of recreation on the dike at Emily Steven’s Pond. And Grand Targhee Resort is planning a massive 866-acre expansion, which threatens wildlife habitat and so much more.
Some public land threats stem from a complete disregard, and others from a genuine desire to solve a problem, such as housing. But even benevolent intentions would have unacceptable impacts on wildlife, natural resources, and the environment.
This is why JHCA focuses on regulations and land-use policy, advocating for conservation solutions backed by science. Any proposal to sell or transfer public land, weaken protections, or defund the agencies that steward these national treasures must be met with clear and robust opposition.
Stay connected with JHCA to be informed of local threats to public lands and next steps for speaking out. And reach out to your state and federal representatives to tell them that public lands belong in public hands now and always.
