Teton County commissioners voted to approve a professional services contract to prepare restoration plans, a conservation easement and a conditional use permit (CUP) application for the county‑owned 8.5‑acre parcel at Stilson, but narrowed the approved scope to the county parcel only and directed staff to prepare a separate amendment should Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) agree to participate.

Why it matters: Stilson sits near important wildlife movement corridors and a recently completed wildlife crossing. The county’s action advances planning to restore habitat, clarify park elements and document an open‑space easement for the county parcel — steps proponents say are needed to preserve connectivity and align park uses while opponents warned the work might be used to justify changes to existing scenic preserve easement boundaries held by JHMR.

What the board approved: The board voted to approve a base contract limited to the 8.5‑acre county parcel and to remove the contract tasks that would have analyzed Lot 4 on the JHMR Scenic Preserve Trust parcel. The approved contract amount was not to exceed $70,000; staff said removing the JHMR tasks reduced the county’s immediate costs and avoided asking JHMR to pay for county planning work. Staff also was directed to pursue a future amendment if JHMR seeks to participate or cost‑share.

Public comment and concerns: Dozens of residents and conservation organizations spoke. Supporters — including the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and others — urged analysis of both the county parcel and JHMR lot 4 to improve wildlife permeability and make wildlife investments effective at scale. Some residents, and at least 1 commissioner, worried the analysis could be used to support future changes to easement boundaries; the board explicitly said it would not be approving any open‑space boundary amendments as part of this contract.

Vote: The motion to approve the county‑parcel contract (with removal of the JHMR components) passed 4‑1. Commissioner Gardner voted against the motion, saying he preferred to proceed with both parcels together and that delaying could lose momentum.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the county‑parcel scope, proceed with required environmental and public engagement steps, and negotiate any future amendment and cost‑share terms with JHMR if the resort agrees to participate. Implementation work (plantings and on‑the‑ground restoration) would be scheduled later and would require separate procurement and permitting.