County letter would push back on Forest Service “open unless closed” access
On Sept. 21, Teton County commissioners are set to send a comment letter opposing a national “open unless closed” presumption for motorized access on National Forest lands, arguing it would weaken the minimization standards used to protect wildlife and manage conflicts.
Teton County commissioners are set to submit a formal comment letter on Sept. 21 opposing a national policy shift toward “open unless closed” motorized access on National Forest System lands, and the related move to drop the Travel Management Rule’s minimization criteria. The letter says those criteria are how the Forest Service and local communities decide where motorized use fits, and where it does not, so “multiple use” does not turn into “every use everywhere” commissioners’ comment letter.
For those of us who live and work here year-round, this is not an abstract fight about recreation. When rules change at the national level, the pressure lands locally, on the same small set of people trying to protect winter range, keep trails predictable, and avoid constant re-litigation of closures that were set for a reason. The commissioners’ letter argues that removing minimization criteria would “remove the standards used to achieve balance,” and it asks the Forest Service to keep the current framework instead of switching the burden to communities to repeatedly justify limits on motorized use commissioners’ comment letter.
Background
Teton County opposes a national open-access presumption and removal of minimization criteria, citing risks to local planning, resource protection, and emergency services.
Latest: 2026-09-21 — Commissioners submit formal comment letter to US Forest Service opposing national open-access presumption and removal of minimization criteria, requesting retention of current rule or equivalent protections.
curated as of 2026-09-19
Teton County opposes rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, citing ecological, economic, and planning risks, and urges the No Action Alternative to retain existing protections.
Latest: 2026-09-21 — Board submits a supplemental comment letter, reiterating opposition and emphasizing risks to 315,575 acres of roadless lands in Teton County.
curated as of 2026-09-12
Teton County requests more analysis from the Forest Service on why proposed Grand Targhee Resort facilities must be within the approved footprint, citing concerns about alternatives, local impacts, and insufficient consideration of County standards.
Latest: 2024-01 — County reiterates concerns about insufficient analysis of alternatives, local planning standards, and impacts on infrastructure, housing, and emergency services in Forest Service documents.
curated as of 2026-07-03
Source Documents
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2026 | Commissioners Comment Letter — Travel Management Rule Draft | correspondence |