Teton County commissioners ask congressional delegation to press administration to restore federal land workers

The Teton County Board of County Commissioners on March 6 approved a letter to the county's congressional delegation asking federal leaders to press the administration to restore U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service staff who have been fired or otherwise removed from on‑the‑ground duties.

Commissioner Mike, who introduced the item, said the county’s “tourism economy is really dependent on our access to public lands,” and that without on‑the‑ground federal staff “we won't have people to open campgrounds, to clean restrooms, to maintain trail heads.”

The letter, which the board discussed and then approved by voice vote, asks members of Congress to work with the federal administration so that federal employees who perform visitor services and resource maintenance are returned to duty. Commissioners noted mayors from Tetonia, Driggs and Victor had been contacted and indicated they want to sign on to the message.

Commissioners described the request as narrowly focused on public‑lands operations rather than on broader federal staffing or budget decisions. After a motion to approve the letter and a second, commissioners voted in favor; the chair announced, “Aye. Motion carries.”

The board did not reference any specific statute or appropriation in the discussion; it presented the item as a formal request for congressional action on behalf of Teton County residents and the local tourism economy.

The county clerk will transmit the signed letter to the delegation, with participating local mayors noted as supporters of the message.