Public commenters and commissioners favor 'Raven Peak' in discussion on renaming Grand Teton-area summit

The Teton County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 4 heard public comment and discussion about a U.S. Board on Geographic Names proposal to rename a peak in Grand Teton National Park. The county—9s public information office solicited public input and the board opened the floor to commenters before asking staff to draft outgoing correspondence for the board—9s review at a subsequent meeting.

Paul Horton, a local advocate who said his group recommended "Raven Peak," urged the board to support a nature-based name that respects the park—9s wilderness character and avoids human-associated names. Horton cited local wildlife and the relative absence of bird-based peak names in the Tetons as reasons to favor a name tied to native fauna.

Jill Verdier, speaking online, proposed renaming Mount Woodring to "Ferguson Peak" or "Mount Ferguson" in honor of her late father, John T. Ferguson, an artist and veteran with ties to the Jackson community. Verdier offered to provide additional materials and said she would welcome the county—9s support in advancing that renaming effort.

Several commissioners spoke in turn. Commissioner Carlman thanked public researchers and advocates and said he was "grateful to be a supporter of Raven Peak as the name." Commissioner Gardner and Commissioner Mecker both said they were comfortable supporting Raven Peak. Commissioners asked staff to collect the names and addresses provided by commenters and to draft a proposed outgoing letter for consideration at next week's voucher meeting.

No formal board vote to endorse a specific name was recorded on Aug. 4; commissioners' remarks showed clear, repeated individual support for Raven Peak and staff was directed to prepare correspondence for the board to finalize at a future meeting.