One of the large cottonwood trees in Wayne May Park won’t live another year after a decision from the Teton County Jackson Parks and Rec Department and the Urban Forestry Council.
The reasons county officials use to justify the cutting down of the cottonwood are safety of the public users of the pathway through May Park, and the fact that they have plans to completely develop the park in the future.
Normally the department wouldn’t have to inform the Town of Jackson of their decision but due to the size of the tree, greater than 16” in diameter they are obligated by law to tell the Town.
The arborist for Parks and Rec said that the overall risk rating for this tree is ‘Moderate’, however, within this rating the ‘Consequences for Failure’ are significant to severe.
Their report notes the tree is in a pedestrian access corridor within May Park and the proximity to the pathway creates a potentially high likelihood of severe consequences. There are several other trees in the same area that are not being removed.
The Urban Forestry Council was notified and agreed with the recommendation from Parks and Rec to remove this tree.
Members of the Urban Forestry Council include representative from Town Planning, Town Public Works, the Parks and Rec Board and Parks and Rec Forestry staff.
- National Elk Refuge February 2026 Biological Update: Mild Winter Persists in Jackson Hole - February 9, 2026
- Wyoming Game and Fish Hosts Workshops on Elk Feedground Management Action Plans - February 9, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Considers Unmet Housing Grant Application for S4 Flats on January 20th - January 20, 2026