Forest Merger Analysis In Making

A review team comprised of department leaders from both Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests have just completed a joint work session in Alpine, Wyoming where they discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages of a merger of the two forests. Now, says Forest Spokesperson Mary Cerincek, the team is to put together preliminary recommendations pertaining to the idea which Bridger-Teton Supervisor Jacque Buchanan will then deliver to the Regional Forester in Ogden, Utah by the end of the month. Cernicek stresses that this is by no means a proposal for such a merger, but rather an examination of what would and would not be gained in such a move.  Then later this year, Cernicek says, US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell plans to visit the regional office to review the general operations of the forests throughout the Intermountain Region.  At that time, she says, he will have the opportunity to see the recommendations that have been brought forward and discuss the issue face to face with regional managers. There is no indication of when the question would be put to rest.