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1) Alliance
annual meeting on Dec. 2 tops list of December
events • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1) Alliance annual meeting on Dec. 2 tops list of December events Each Tuesday through December Wednesday, Dec. 2 Thursday, Dec. 3 Thursday, Dec. 3 Wednesday, Dec. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 16 Sunday, Dec. 20 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 2) Comp Plan review proceeds in fits and starts Jackson and Teton County planning commissioners are continuing to review and make recommendations on the draft Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan in weekly public meetings, each Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., County commissioners’ chambers, 200 S. Willow. These hearings are expected to continue at least into early next year, but due to the holidays, meetings will not be held on Dec. 24 or 31. To help make up, an additional hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9, same time and place. In November, the planning commissioners completed their preliminary review of Theme Two, “Manage growth responsibly” and began reviewing a rewritten draft of Theme One, “Promote stewardship of wildlife, natural resources, and scenic vistas.” (For a link to the commissioners’ recommendations to date, visit www.jacksontetonplan.com/blog/2009/08/planning-commission-review. Visit www.jhalliance.org/Library/Alerts/2009/CompPlanMeetingsSummer09.pdf for brief recaps of the meetings held so far.) This month’s hearings are expected to begin with more discussion on Theme One before the commissions move on to their preliminary review of Theme Three, “Uphold Jackson as heart of the region.” Although this review of the draft Comp Plan remains dogged by compromises and split votes -- leading one planning commissioner to state, “Mediocrity is the price of consensus” -- some progress is being made. It’s important for people to keep showing the planning commissioners and elected officials that we care about the future of Jackson Hole, and to keep demanding that they make the changes needed to protect what makes our community unique -- our wildlife, natural and scenic resources, and rural character. Questions? Contact Alliance community planning director Kristy Bruner at Kristy@jhalliance.org, or come to our weekly informational open houses, each Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 685 S. Cache. Background information on the Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan revision is available at www.jhalliance.org/issuescompplan.htm. Links to the Alliance’s comments are available via www.jhalliance.org/library.htm#comments.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 3) Other community planning news In addition to the Comp Plan, the Alliance continues to monitor a host of other community planning matters. Here’s a roundup, but please bear in mind that all meetings are subject to change. Call the Town of Jackson at (307) 733-3932, Teton County at (307) 733-8094, or reach Kristy Bruner at Kristy@jhalliance.org or (307) 733-9417 for confirmation. If you’d like to comment on any of these issues, contact information for all local public officials is available at www.jhalliance.org/takeactioncontacts.htm. WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY FENCING: Teton Board of County Commissioners workshop, Dec. 2, 9 a.m., 200 S. Willow. Many Teton County residents would like the new Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan to include a requirement that any fencing be “wildlife-friendly,” and the county commissioners are scheduled to discuss improvements to current regulations regarding such fencing on Dec. 2. Visit www.jhalliance.org/Library/Alerts/2009/WildlifeFriendlyFencing.11-09.pdf for a PDF of the current rules. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: Jackson Town Council and Teton Board of County Commissioners joint information meeting, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., 200 S. Willow. At the November JIM meeting, the electeds directed the planning staff to come up with a more detailed mandate and set of responsibilities for the proposed Environmental Commission, whose mission will be to “develop and provide the public and local decision-makers with a comprehensive, science-based understanding of the health of the Teton region’s ecosystems.” Those details are expected to be presented at the Dec. 7 JIM meeting. The idea of an Environmental Commission was suggested in the draft Comp Plan, and many including the Alliance agree that it’s better to get this advisory board going now instead of waiting for the Comp Plan to become finalized. Also at the Dec. 7 JIM meeting, the electeds are supposed to get an update on the Comp Plan review. PEARL AT JACKSON PLANNED MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT: Jackson Town Council hearing, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 150 E. Pearl. The economic downturn has led at least one developer to ask for changes in the already approved final plans for his PMD at 270 W. Pearl. Town councilors are expected to discuss the request on Dec. 7. The nebulous nature of the PMD tool is one of the primary reasons that the Alliance has repeatedly asked for a moratorium on it. For the fourth time this fall alone, the town has postponed workshops meant to discuss ways to improve the tool; most recently, a workshop set for Dec. 21 has been cancelled and not yet rescheduled. We’ll keep you posted, meanwhile, for background information on the PMD tool, visit www.jhalliance.org/Library/Alerts/2009/TownDevelopment.3-09.pdf. GRAVEL STUDY: Teton Board of County Commissioners hearing, Dec. 15, 9 a.m., 200 S. Willow. In September, the Teton Board of County Commissioners decided that the Teton County Gravel Study 2009 Update should undergo public hearings, which continue on Dec. 15. The study identifies 13 specific parcels in the county as potential sites for long-term gravel extraction and processing, and reassesses supply vs. demand for gravel for construction projects in light of the recession. Due to the impacts of gravel extraction on wildlife, wildlife habitat and the quality of life of adjoining neighbors, the Alliance supports a full public review of this study. SEARCH AND RESCUE HELIPAD AT Y INTERSECTION: Teton Board of County Commissioners hearing, Dec. 15, 9 a.m., 200 S. Willow. (UPDATE: On Dec. 15, this hearing was postponed to Jan. 5, same time and place.) On Nov. 9, the county planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval, with conditions, for Teton County Search and Rescue’s proposal to build a helicopter pad and training facility at the Y intersection of Hwy. 22 and Broadway. Given the location of the project at a major gateway to Jackson -- and within both the Natural Resources and Scenic Resources overlays -- the Conservation Alliance and others voiced concerns about whether alternative locations had been fully explored. The proposal goes before the county commissioners on Dec. 15. TOWN DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE: Jackson Town Council workshop, Dec. 21, 3 p.m., Town Hall, 150 E. Pearl. Councilors are expected to discuss whether reviews of development proposals by the DRC should come before or after town planning commission reviews during this Dec. 21 workshop. Discussions about the controversial PMD tool (see above) and about a proposal to allow more than one person to own different structures on single lots in the auto-urban residential zoning district have been removed from the agenda for this workshop. UPDATE ON ROAD ABOVE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART: On Nov. 17, the Teton Board of County Commissioners denied a variance request regarding property across Hwy. 89 from the National Elk Refuge. (The applicant, Volunteer Associates, proposed to put a road up a steep slope to access building sites that are above and to the north of the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The applicant also proposed an amendment to off-site mitigation regulations.) The Conservation Alliance commends the decision to deny these variances, particularly given the site’s location in the Natural Resources Overlay and at a character-defining gateway to Jackson.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 4) Protect wildlife -- please don’t poach the powder! As the snow deepens and people’s thoughts drift toward those first runs of the year, please keep in mind that not all of Jackson Hole’s tempting slopes are available as winter playgrounds. Snowshoers, skiers, boarders and snowmobilers need to make sure their enjoyment doesn’t come at the expense of wildlife. Winter’s deep snow, scarce food and cold temperatures are tough on our elk, deer, moose and bighorn sheep, and wasting energy to avoid people and dogs can kill them. Please help wildlife survive the winter by staying out of closed areas. Visit www.jhalliance.org/dontpoach.pdf for the maps. Please remember, “poaching” closed areas on foot or with dogs, skis, snowboards or snowmachines can be as harmful to wildlife as poaching with a rifle. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 5) Bridger-Teton updates SALE OF NORTH CACHE PARCEL: Comments on the environmental assessment regarding Forest Service land sale and employee housing plans for Jackson were due on Nov. 30. Bridger-Teton Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton is expected to make a final decision this winter. The Alliance’s final comments are available via www.jhalliance.org/library.htm#comments; visit www.jhalliance.org/Library/AllianceAction/AA.2009/Nov09AA.htm#AA3 for background info. MANAGEMENT PLAN: We’re still waiting for amendments to the B-T’s 1990 long-range management plan, which were expected to be released in September. Please check back for updates. CONTESTED LEASES: We’re also still waiting for a supplemental environmental impact statement regarding leases for energy development on about 20,000 acres of the Bridger-Teton National Forest that was expected in early November. We’ll provide an update as soon as it’s released; please check back. Here’s some background information: During an August celebration to mark the passage of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act, which prohibits new leases for energy exploration and development on 1.2 million acres of the Bridger-Teton, Bureau of Land Management officials announced that they would not be issuing leases on 24,000 additional acres of the forest. The Interior Board of Land Appeals had ruled that the environmental studies done on these lands were inadequate and had to be supplemented. While the Forest Service was complying with this ruling, Congress passed the Wyoming Range Legacy Act, and the BLM decided to return money to the bidders for 23 leases that it had sold but not yet issued. Still in contention are an additional 20,000 acres on the Wyoming Range, where leases were both sold and issued; the supplemental EIS concerns them.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 6) Wolf fact sheets now available The Western Wolf Coalition (of which the Alliance is a member) recently published a set of fact sheets covering the ecological benefits of wolves, and discussing the relationships between wolves and economics, wolves and livestock, and wolves and ungulates. Check them out at www.jhalliance.org/Library/Reports/WolfFactSheets.11-09.pdf. Background information regarding efforts to protect Wyoming’s wolves is available at www.jhalliance.org/issueswolves.htm. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 7) Cindy Harger appointed Alliance interim executive director After working nearly four months as executive director of the Alliance, Paul Hansen unexpectedly resigned on Nov. 16 citing personal reasons, and longtime managing director Cindy Harger has stepped up as the Alliance’s interim E.D. Cindy originally joined the Alliance staff as communications director in May of 1999 and over the years her leadership on outreach, development and finance steadily grew, resulting in her appointment as managing director in January 2006. “Although we regret that it didn’t work out, we can assure our members and the community that the Alliance’s quality of work, level of work and our commitment to standing up for a wild and beautiful Jackson Hole is greater than ever,” Cindy says. “We have a strong staff with high levels of expertise and experience. Together, they have 31 years of combined experience at the Alliance alone. Also, our board is active, knowledgeable, and willing and able to step in to fill any gaps that may arise. The Alliance is one of the oldest and largest membership organizations in the valley, and we are proud to have just celebrated our 30th anniversary. As we move into our fourth decade of service to this community, we can assure you that we do so on solid footing financially, with committed board, staff and members, and with a strategic eye toward the future.”• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 8) Conservation Alliance memberships make great gifts! The holidays are coming right up and now’s a great time to consider giving your friends and family members Alliance gift memberships. They’re a thoughtful way to share your love of Jackson Hole, and perhaps inspire new conservation advocates. Please visit www.jhalliance.org/join.htm for information on member benefits, and click on “Give a Gift Membership” for our secure online donation system. Other super gift ideas include the DVD of our brand new 30th anniversary film and our Alliance tote bags. Click on the links at www.jhalliance.org or simply call us at (307) 733-9417 or stop by our office at 685 S. Cache Street for details on how you can pick them up!• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 9) Thinking about end-of-the-year donations? Think Alliance! The approach of year-end prompts us to check our giving -- as well as other financial affairs -- to make certain we have reached our goals. The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is blessed by many donors whose generosity is expressed at this time of year. You can designate your gift to benefit any program of the Alliance, such as Public Lands, Endowment Fund, Community Planning, Building Fund, Community Outreach, General Fund or to address any specific issue of special interest to you. Undesignated gifts are used by the Alliance for strategic initiatives in programs or equipment and supplies. Many friends give in gratitude for some benefit that they or their family have received, while others give in honor of or in memory of a loved one. As you consider giving to the Alliance, please keep the following principles in mind:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Back to top) 10) Valley Voices “Look with joy into every day.” - Julius Muschaweck
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Alliance Action is a publication of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. The Conservation Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to responsible land stewardship in Jackson Hole to ensure that human activities are in harmony with the area’s irreplaceable wildlife, scenic, and other natural resources. We’re located at 685 South Cache Street in Jackson, Wyoming. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 2728, Jackson, WY 83001-2728 and our phone number is (307) 733-9417. If you'd like to sign up to receive our monthly Alliance Action via email, please click here. |
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