Town NRO
Waterbodies and Wildlife Permeability Amendments
The Town of Jackson is updating its Natural Resources Overlay (NRO) mapping and habitat protection standards, waterbodies and wetlands, and wildlife permeability standards. These updates will determine how future growth occurs in Jackson and whether development better protects the natural systems that sustain our community.
Why It Matters
Jackson's remaining natural resources continue to face increasing pressure from redevelopment and infill. As vacant land becomes scarce, new projects are more likely to affect water resources and wildlife permeability. Strong environmental standards help ensure these resources are identified, avoided where possible, and protected throughout the development process.
The proposed NRO amendments are an important step forward. They create a more comprehensive framework for evaluating environmental impacts, but several provisions can be strengthened. Clear standards for wildlife permeability, habitat protection, environmental review, and mitigation will help ensure future development reflects the Comprehensive Plan's commitment to protecting Jackson's natural resources.
What We're Calling For: Stronger Environmental Standards
JHCA supports the overall direction of the proposed Natural Resources Overlay amendments. We are working with Town staff and elected officials to strengthen the regulations so they are clear, effective, and grounded in science.
Our recommendations include:
Strengthen protections for wetlands, waterbodies, and the community's highest-value wildlife habitats.
Require better waterbody protection.
Require environmental review for projects that could affect sensitive natural resources.
Prioritize avoiding and minimizing impacts before relying on mitigation.
Adopt wildlife-friendly retaining wall standards and continue work on wildlife-friendly fencing.
Ensure the regulations remain consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and are practical to implement.
Apply wildlife permeability standards throughout the Town whenever feasible.
Status
The Jackson Town Council is reviewing proposed amendments to the Natural Resources Overlay, wetlands and waterbody regulations, and wildlife-friendly retaining wall standards.
JHCA submitted recommendations supporting the framework while proposing revisions to improve wildlife habitat protection, environmental review, and implementation.
Additional discussion of wildlife-friendly fencing and town-wide wildlife permeability is expected before the end of 2026.
Timeline:
March 2026 — Town begins updating the Natural Resources Overlay.
July 2026 — JHCA recommends substantial edits. Planning Commission recommends approval with very few changes.
August 2026 — JHCA submits recommendations to Town Council supporting the amendments with additional improvements. Council approves with little change. Wildlife Friendly Fencing and Wildlife Permeability are put on hold for future discussion.
August 17, 2026 - Town Council’s 1st of 3 readings. JHCA, POW, JHWF, SRF recommend specific language edits.
TBD — Town Council considers adoption of the revised regulations.
