Munger Mountain State Land Conserved
On Thursday, August 1, the State Board of Land Commissioners approved the Munger Mountain proposal to place a 35-year recreational lease on a 640-acre state lands parcel off Fall Creek Road.
This proposal represents several years of work between Teton County, Wyoming, and organizations, including Friends of Munger Mountain and the Jackson Hole Land Trust, to provide funding to our K-12 public education while securing a 35-year recreational lease that will be layered with the existing and future grazing lease.
“We applaud the decision of the State Board of Land Commissioners and appreciate the collaboration with the Office of State Lands and Investments,” says Teton County Board of Commissioners Chair Luther Propst. “This proposal represents a huge community effort from Teton County, the Jackson Hole Land Trust, Friends of Munger Mountain, Friends of Pathways, and many folks who supported this effort over the last three years.”
The Munger Mountain proposal will provide noxious weed mitigation throughout the parcel, enhancing both wildlife and grazing habitat. Weed mitigation will be completed before trail and parking lot enhancements take place to safeguard against the further spread of weeds.
Trail enhancements will be coordinated with the Bridger Teton National Forest to hopefully connect to their robust existing trail system. Draft trail map design included input with Wyoming Game and Fish to protect critical elk habitat.
“Munger Mountain represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance the recreational values and connect to a Bridger Teton National Forest trail system that is beloved by many in the region,” says Friends of Pathways Executive Director Katherine Dowson. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners across the county to create a system that supports multi-use recreation and occasions to enjoy this special parcel.”
“Today’s vote and approval by the State Board of Land Commissioners is a huge win for the community and the Wyoming values we all love—recreating, hunting, and wildlife,” says Jackson Hole Land Trust President Max Ludington. “This is a remarkable turnaround from where we were three years ago, and it is an example of how a community and the state can come together on these parcels throughout the state. We hope this will be a blueprint for others on how to support your community values and recognize the fiduciary requirements of the state lands parcels.”
The 35-year proposal will provide $75,000 annually plus a 3.5% increase adjusted for inflation every year.
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