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Commissioners amend and approve county comments on Bridger‑Teton 'need for change,' public commenters call for more outreach
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Summary
Staff presented draft cooperating‑agency comments on the Bridger‑Teton National Forest 'need for change' document; the board amended language to better highlight legal/regulatory changes and unanimously approved the letter. Environmental groups and the Water Quality Advisory Board urged more public engagement and additional workshops.
County staff presented an overview letter to the Bridger‑Teton National Forest on March 9 as part of the cooperating‑agency review of the Forest’s 'need for change' document, a prelude to the NEPA process. Chris Colligan, Public Works project manager, told commissioners the notice of intent that will begin the formal NEPA sequence is anticipated by the end of the year and that cooperating agencies will have the opportunity to review subsequent documents (wild & scenic eligibility and wilderness inventory) before public release.
Several public commenters urged the county to press the Forest Service for broader public engagement. Jared Becker of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition said the current outreach has been limited and encouraged the county to seek public workshops at each phase of the process. Becker also offered to provide a Wild and Scenic Rivers eligibility report and an inventory of roadless areas that his organizations have prepared.
John Martin, chair of the Water Quality Advisory Board, asked for another workshop so the WQAB could deliver the advice the board’s establishing resolution requires. He said the WQAB did not have time to develop recommendations during the prior process and asked for a further opportunity to be heard.
Commissioner MacKer moved to approve the county’s letter as amended to call out legal and regulatory change and to emphasize wild and scenic river inventory considerations; staff confirmed the amendment would be incorporated and the motion carried unanimously. Commissioners said they will follow up with staff to determine whether additional workshops or further referral to the WQAB are needed.
No formal changes to county policy were adopted; staff will finalize the outgoing correspondence reflecting the amendments and will continue to engage as a cooperating agency in the NEPA timeline.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the amended outgoing letter to Bridger‑Teton and recorded unanimous consent for the amended text.
