Star Valley Ranch approves lodging‑tax grants for The Wall That Heals and Forest ambassador program

The Star Valley Ranch Town Council on April 14 approved two Travel & Tourism Lodging Tax grants totaling $24,597 to bring regional events and trail stewardship to the valley.

The first grant approved $12,000 to host The Wall That Heals — a three‑quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — at the middle school in Afton July 9–12, 2026. Travel & Tourism Board Chairman Frank Bell and organizer Lisa Wall told the council the full cost to host the exhibit was $12,000 and emphasized plans to provide transportation and lodging assistance for veterans. Councilman Toolson moved to approve the $12,000 grant and Councilman Bitter seconded; the motion passed 4–1 with Councilman Ellis opposed.

The council also approved a $12,597 grant to Friends of the Bridger‑Teton National Forest for an ambassador program focused on trail outreach, Leave No Trace education, pet control near wildlife areas and wildfire prevention within Star Valley Ranch and nearby trailheads. Carly Ideker, the program manager, said the position will primarily do public education and monitoring rather than trail construction; the council requested accountability and reporting, and Ms. Ideker said a public dashboard would track encounters and outreach. Councilman Merrill moved to approve and Councilman Toolson seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The Wall That Heals is expected to draw large visitation to the valley and requires regional coordination; the ambassador program targets increasing trail use and wildfire prevention in areas adjacent to Star Valley Ranch.

The grants were approved in the meeting; staff will monitor implementation and reporting requirements.