Bridger-Teton National Forest Releases Draft Assessment and Seeks Public Review and Comment

Jackson, Wyo., July 1, 2025—The Bridger-Teton National Forest invites the public to review and comment on its draft assessment and potential species of conservation concern, available beginning July 11 at fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/planning. The draft assessment is the first step in the multi-year process to update the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan.

The draft assessment is a summary of the “State of the Forest” and presents information about current ecological, social and economic conditions, and trends affecting the Bridger-Teton. Once finalized, the assessment informs updates to the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan.

The forest plan functions like a county comprehensive plan or zoning document. It provides comprehensive, strategic, and integrated resource direction that guide all decisions about future projects and uses on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Planning ensures a sustainable future with balanced and thoughtful use and protection of the many resources on our public lands.

Upcoming Public Meetings
In-person engagement opportunities are planned so you can speak with us about the draft assessment. To kick off this effort, we invite you to attend one of three upcoming open houses in Afton, Jackson, or Pinedale. The open houses are planned for:

• July 14 at the Afton Civic Center Room 125 A&B, 150 Washington Street, in Afton, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.
• July 15 at the Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium, 125 Virginian Lane, in Jackson, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.
• July 17 at the Pinedale Library Lovatt Room, 155 South Tyler Avenue, in Pinedale, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.

In addition to these open houses, the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan Engagement Team is working with community members to set up discussions in communities surrounding the Forest. Dates and times for these locations will be posted on the Forest planning webpage. Come chat with us!

“We look forward to sharing information on the status and trends in a wide range of topics, including fire management, recreation, wildlife migration corridors, forest products, terrestrial and aquatic ecological integrity, range management, potential species of conservation concern and more,” said Bridger-Teton Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson. “We will also discuss the forest planning process and how to provide comments.”

How to Provide Public Comment
The Forest invites you to submit comments on the draft assessment at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=63628 beginning July 11 and continuing through Aug. 24, 2025. 

“The central question is: do you think the draft assessment provides sufficient information to help identify where the Forest should focus on updating management direction?” said Hudson. 

Effective comments are specific, relevant to the document, and include facts, data, or local knowledge that can help improve the information needed for the next steps in the forest planning process. Comments submitted through social media, phone calls, email, or mail will not be accepted. 

After the comment period ends, the Forest will review all comments and use the information provided to make any necessary updates to produce the final assessment.

Learn more
Help shape the future of the Bridger-Teton National Forest so together we can care for the land and serve people for generations to come. Visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest planning webpage to learn more.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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