Teton County consists of some 2.6 million acres of breathtaking forests, mountains and streams. Yet for some, there just isn’t ever going to be enough “wilderness” for them.

Case in point, a consistent anti-recreation narrative continues to be sown in article after article in Jackson’s local newspapers lamenting the terrible loss of “wilderness” spaces around Teton County. From “Franz Camenzind laments loss of quieter, more natural wilderness experiences,” (Jan. 13, 2020, Buckrail), to “Some question Snow King backside skiing,” (Dec. 11, 2019, JH News & Guide), just to name a few (a very few), this narrative is constantly the same: recreation of any kind is ultimately bad and continually encroaching on and damaging the “wild” places of Teton County.

But is this, in fact, true?

Let’s look at the numbers.

Teton County has millions of acres, yet a relatively tiny portion of it is actually open and available to all recreation users (including motorized users). And many of those precious few acres are continually dwindling with each new Forest and Travel plan issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Even more important, 82% of Teton county is either federally designated Wilderness or managed as defacto Wilderness and off limits to all mechanized and motorized recreation. (See the map below of recreation allowances.)

So how in the world can some continue to maintain the narrative that “quieter, more natural wilderness experiences” are going away when not a single acre of federally designated Wilderness has changed?

Because it fits the narrative many believe, which is that recreation and conservation simply cannot exist side by side. That somehow recreation will always lead to destruction and therefore must be fought and eliminated at all costs.

This is utter nonsense, however. Teton County is the perfect example of these two attributes existing and thriving side by side.

But we can’t let this false narrative continue unchallenged. Which is why it’s so important for our supporters to make sure their voices are heard.

What can you do?

· Simple. Just comment on these stories each time they come out, stating how you enjoy multi-use recreation and how much you value conservation as well.

· Use our map, send it to your friends, attach it to social media posts in defense of recreation.

· When you hear someone comment on the need for “wild” places, remind them that 82% of the county is already designated Wilderness and off limits to all mechanized and motorized recreation!

· And be a good steward yourself! When you are out there, follow the rules and protect the natural beauty of our county.

Every time we let these conversations happen without them being challenged, we run the risk of letting this narrative of “recreation is bad” sink into the general public and become “truth.”

So, don’t let it happen.

Be heard!

Anti-Recreation needs to be challenged