Forest Service issues draft decision, opens objection period for Grand Targhee Resort expansion plan
The U.S. Forest Service will publish Federal Register notices announcing the availability of the Grand Targhee Resort Master Development Proposal Projects final environmental impact statement, along with a notice of opportunity to object to the programmatic amendment associated with the project.
A legal notice will be published in the Post Register, initiating a 45‑day objection period for the project and its five project‑specific amendments. A 60‑day objection period will also begin for the programmatic amendment. The forest will post the draft record of decision on the project website.
The Forest Service received more than 2,100 substantive public comments before the draft environmental impact statement comment period ended on June 20, 2025. The agency reviewed and analyzed all comments to refine the proposed action, identify key concerns, and evaluate potential alternatives and environmental impacts.
“The Caribou-Targhee National Forest reviewed all comments received to help refine the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision,” said Kim Pierson, forest supervisor. “These comments provided specific information about the proposal, suggested corrections, and identified information that assisted in reaching my draft record of decision.”
In addition to reviewing public comments, the Forest Service has engaged tribes, state and county officials, local governments, cooperating agencies, community organizations and other and other interested stakeholders throughout the process.
The proposed decision expands the resort’s special use permit boundary by 694 acres, increasing the total permitted area to roughly 3,000 acres. The expansion and facility upgrades enhance year-round recreation opportunities and support local businesses and jobs in surrounding communities.
Objections to the proposed project activities or forest plan amendments will be accepted only from individuals or organizations that previously submitted timely, specific written comments on the proposed project or activity, or those who submitted substantive formal comments on a plan amendment during a designated public comment period, as outlined in 36 CFR 218.5(a) and 36 CFR 219.53. Additional eligibility requirements are described in 36 CFR 218.5(b) through (f).
Objections can be submitted electronically via on the project website by mail to: Kim Pierson, Forest Supervisor, c/o Jay Pence, Teton Basin District Ranger, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401; or by e-mail to: jay.pence@usda.gov. Please include “Grand Targhee Master Development Plan Projects” in the subject line.
For further information, contact Jay Pence at 208-354-6610 or via email at jay.pence@usda.gov.
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