Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS) are leading development of a management plan/environmental impact statement (EIS) for the bison and elk that utilize the National Elk Refuge (NER) and Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) near Jackson, WY. These animals are part of the “Jackson Hole Bison and Elk Herds,” which comprise the largest concentrations of free-ranging bison and elk in North America - approximately 14,000 elk and 600 bison. Because the animals also use other lands, the FWS and NPS are seeking to implement a cooperative approach to management planning involving all of the associated federal and state agencies and a broad range of organized and private interests. The USDA Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are cooperators and the State of Wyoming and the Bureau of Land Management are partners in the planning effort. The EIS will analyze management options for the NER and GTNP and how those options may impact the missions and interests of all stakeholders.

A series of "pre-scoping" meetings were held in Wyoming locations from February through

May, 2001, to discuss existing conditions, desired futures, and the planning process. Scoping meetings are planned for July 20 through August 3, 2001, at the locations listed below from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Changes to this schedule will be available on the project website.

Meeting times will be from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
July 20, Jackson, WY, Commisioners' Chamber (200 S. Willow)
July 21, Rock Springs, WY, Holiday Inn (1675 Sunset Drive)
July 23, Idaho Falls, ID, Quality Inn (850 Lindsay Blvd.)
July 24, Bozeman, MT, Best Western Grantree (1325 North 7th)
July 25, Sheridan, WY, Best Western Sheridan Center (612 N. Main)
July 26, Casper, WY, Holiday Inn (300 West F Street)
July 27, Riverton, WY, City Hall (816 N. Federal Blvd.)
August 1, Cheyenne, WY, Little America (2800 W. Lincolnway)
August 2, Denver, CO, Denver Sheraton West (360 Union Blvd; Lakewood)
August 3, Arlington, VA, Holiday Inn at Ballston (4610 N. Fairfax Drive)

For further information, send written comments, and/or requests (including additions to the mailing list) to Don DeLong, Assistant Project Leader, Jackson Bison and Elk Management Planning Office, P.O. Box 510, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, USA, or via email to bison/elk_planning@fws.gov. The project phone number is 307-733-9212 (ext.235). Please visit the Bison And Elk Plan web site.