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BTNF announces elk feedground environmental analysis – Buckrail

BTNF announces elk feedground environmental analysis – Buckrail

BTNF announces elk feedground environmental analysis – Buckrail

WYOMING The public comment period is now open for the Dell Creek and Forest Park feedground’s long-term special use permit. The environmental impact statement will be prepared by Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The EIS will analyze winter elk management strategies that the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission proposed for Forest Park Feedground, Wyoming near Afton, and Dell Creek Feedground, Sublette County, Wyoming, near Bondurant.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission (WGFC), has applied to continue use of facilities on National Forest System lands for their elk management activities. They also requested hay to be provided to wintering elk in Forest Park feedgrounds and Dell Creek between mid-November and the end April. The Forest Service will decide whether or not to allow the long-term use requested and, if so under what conditions.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission proposes to allow the use of National Forest System land by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for winter elk feed operations. This is to maintain population objectives and to control elk distribution. It also aims to minimize conflicts between human land uses.

Tricia OConnor (Forest Supervisor for Bridger-Teton National Forest), said that the proposed action will be evaluated in conjunction with an alternative that phases-out feeding.

Yesterday, January 14th, was the first day of a 30-day comment period. Additional details regarding this project have been posted to the Bridger-Teton National Forest website.

OConnor stated that it is vital to hear from the public during the comments period. Public comments are also essential to include in the proposed action and alternative design features, which will be the next step in this process.

Your comments will be used to help develop alternative solutions and conduct the appropriate analysis. You can submit scoping comments electronically via this link link.Please indicate your comments as Elk Feedground EIS in the subject line. Comments are due by February 14, 2022.

About the Author

Lindsay Buckrail

Lindsay Vallen is a Community News Reporter who covers a lot of everything. She has an interest in politics and wildlife, as well as amplifying community voices. Lindsay, originally from the east coast, has made Wilson, Wyoming her home since 2017. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding, cooking, and working on the Jackson Hole Daily crosswords.

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