On July 11, staff of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) released their draft assessment of the forest, officially kicking off the forest plan revision process. Covering 3.4 million acres, the Bridger-Teton is an iconic forest in Northwest Wyoming that provides habitat for a vast array of wildlife and supports world class opportunities for hunting and fishing. With human pressures increasing and technology advancing, now is the time to update management of the BTNF.
The Bridger-Teton forest plan, the document that guides virtually every decision made on forest land, has not been updated since 1990, and quite a bit has changed on and around the forest since then. This plan revision will give forest service staff and all stakeholders the opportunity to outline what the next few decades will look like on the forest. The Forest Plan revision process is part of the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires public input. The draft assessment is the first step in the process and the first opportunity for public land owners to make their voices heard.
We are still very early in the revision process, which will take several years to complete. The draft assessment doesn’t include any new management proposals, but this is the time for the public to help shape the foundation of updated management. It is an opportunity to use local knowledge and experiences to help inform the next steps of the planning process.
As hunters and anglers, our pursuits rely on healthy, intact habitat that allows wildlife populations to thrive. From the Teton Wilderness to the Wyoming Range and the Wind River Mountains, it is difficult to think of a better place than the BT to chase big game or take in the serenity of a mountain stream while casting to eager trout. To ensure the future is bright for the BTNF, it is imperative that we make our voices heard and engage in forest planning. Comments on the draft assessment will be accepted through August 24.
BT planning staff are finishing up open house events and are planning more engagement opportunities throughout the summer in communities surrounding the forest. Check out the planning page for more information and stay tuned to WWF for updates.