Munger Mountain Parcel’s 35-Year Lease Begins–Here’s What’s Ahead

Teton County’s 35-year recreational lease on the Munger Mountain State Trust Land Parcel has officially begun, marking the start of a new chapter for this 640-acre property! The agreement provides $75,000 annually for Wyoming’s public schools while ensuring the land remains protected open space for wildlife and the community. The Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) is playing a leading role in the lease’s implementation, collaborating with Friends of Munger Mountain, Friends of Pathways, and Teton County Parks & Recreation to enhance public access, protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the parcel’s ecological and recreational character.

The Munger Mountain Parcel features a rich mosaic of habitats, including open meadows, mixed aspen–conifer stands, sagebrush, and mountain shrub communities. These varied landscapes support a diverse array of native Wyoming species, from owls, bears, and mountain lions to badgers, reptiles, and amphibians. Iconic ungulates such as elk and moose utilize the parcel’s forage, while livestock move through from adjacent agricultural lands, reflecting the property’s historic agricultural use.

For the community, the lease protects recreational opportunities from hunting and horseback riding to hiking and mountain biking. The lease not only preserves public access and connects open spaces for wildlife but also expands and enhances recreational infrastructure, including new trails and improved accessibility.

Responsible and collaborative stewardship will guide these improvements. Before trail improvements can begin, noxious weeds must be controlled. The JHLT will lead efforts to identify treatment areas, timing windows, and effective management approaches. The JHLT will also ensure the property maintains the wildlife habitats through annual monitoring, including site documentation, photography from key points, and assessment of any emerging issues. Teton County Parks & Recreation will oversee overall day-to-day management.

The JHLT’s involvement reflects the parcel’s strategic importance: It sits at the intersection of U.S. Forest Service lands, existing conservation easements, and other protected federal lands, contributing to broader landscape connectivity. Protecting Munger Mountain also safeguards historic agricultural use while enhancing community access to open space.

The Munger Mountain Parcel deal is a triumph for conservation, recreation, and community collaboration. The JHLT is proud to be a part of this recreational lease and looks forward to stewarding the property alongside its partners for the next 35 years.

Photo: Mark Gocke