Western Wyoming Will Host Forest Plan Symposium

A Must-Attend Event for Understanding National Forest Planning

The Bridger-Teton National Forest, in collaboration with Friends of the Bridger-Teton, is set to host a symposium focused on National Forest planning. Scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, this event is be held for anyone interested in understanding forest management and planning.

The symposium, which is free and open to the public, can be attended both in-person and online. It will be held at four different locations: the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts in Jackson, the Civic Center in Afton, the Sublette County Library in Pinedale, and the South Lincoln Training & Event Center in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Additionally, the program will be live-streamed to these venues and available online for those unable to attend in person. The link to the event will be posted on the Center for the Arts events page on the day of the symposium.

While the focus of the symposium is not limited to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, it aims to provide essential context and background information. According to Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson, forest planning is a complex process that brings together ecological, social, and economic interests to sustainably manage 3.4 million acres of forest land.

The evening will kick off at 5:00 pm with an informal session where attendees can chat with Forest staff and others. Dr. Melanie Armstrong from the University of Wyoming Ruckelshaus Institute will moderate the program starting at 6:00 pm. The panel includes experts like Dr. Martin Nie, James Magagna, Adam Cramer, Ms. Randy’L Teton, and Clancy Jandreau, each bringing unique perspectives on forest management. After their remarks, the panel will engage in a dialogue followed by a Q&A session, facilitated by the online platform Sli.do.

Chad Hudson highlights the symposium as an exceptional opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals in forest planning, including a special focus on tribal involvement in national forests, as shared by Ms. Randy’L Teton.

For anyone with an interest in forest management, environmental stewardship, or community involvement in ecological issues, this symposium is an great opportunity to learn. Light refreshments will be available, and Forest staff will be present for further discussions.