Stilson Wildlife Corridor
The Stilson lot sits at the intersection of Highways 22 and 390, immediately adjacent to newly constructed wildlife crossings. Teton County is planning future recreational amenities on the site while also considering a permanent conservation easement. Decisions made here will determine whether wildlife can continue to move safely through one of Jackson Hole's most important corridors.
Why It Matters
The community invested millions of dollars to build wildlife underpasses beneath Highways 22 and 390. Those crossings only succeed if the land surrounding them remains permeable to wildlife. Concentrated human activity, lighting, paved surfaces, and other development near the crossings can discourage animals from using them, reducing the effectiveness of the entire project.
JHCA supports recreational opportunities where they are compatible with wildlife. At Stilson, wildlife must come first. The site connects the Snake River corridor with surrounding habitat and serves as an important movement area for elk, moose, and other species. Protecting this landscape ensures the community receives the full conservation benefit of its investment in wildlife crossings.deserves a modern and thoughtful solution. We will not settle for long-term construction congestion and environmental damage, with no long-term measurable improvement to daily travel.
What We're Calling For: Wildlife First
JHCA supports placing the 8.5-acre parcel under a permanent conservation easement and appreciates the County's efforts to cluster development and incorporate wildlife-friendly design. We believe the easement should go further by maximizing habitat protection and minimizing permanent recreational infrastructure.
We are advocating to:
Limit park amenities to the one-acre area required by the original park dedication.
Eliminate unnecessary impervious surfaces, including courts and other paved recreation facilities.
Prohibit light pollution that would interfere with wildlife.
Require seasonal closures during peak wildlife movement periods.
Use permeable trail surfaces where trails are appropriate.
Ensure future park management prioritizes wildlife movement and habitat connectivity.
Status
Teton County is considering a permanent conservation easement for the County-owned 8.5-acre Stilson parcel.
The proposed easement would permanently protect most of the property while allowing limited recreational amenities within a designated area.
JHCA supports the conservation easement framework and continues advocating for stronger protections that prioritize wildlife movement and reduce unnecessary development adjacent to the wildlife crossings.
Timeline:
2024 — Stilson Transit Center approved with conditions supporting wildlife permeability.
2025 — Wildlife crossings completed beneath Highways 22 and 390.
2026 — County considers permanent conservation easement and future park design.
TBD — Habitat restoration and park improvements implemented.
