For Immediate Release pan>

From:             Friends of Pathways

Date:              July 2, 2011

Re:                  Jackson Hole Trails Project underway

Contact:        Tim Young, Executive Director, tim@friendsofpathways.org Mobile: 307-413-8464 

The Jackson Hole Trails Project partners are proud to announce the trail improvements funded by a Wyoming Business Council Grant are on schedule and nearing completion. The overall project is about three quarters complete, and crews are working to complete the projects this summer. Once completed, over 25 miles of trail will have been constructed or reconstructed, greatly enhancing Teton Pass, Greater Snow King, and Teton Village trail systems. A full list of project components is available on the Friends of Pathways website, http://www.friendsofpathways.org/projects/4-jh-trails-project

The Jackson Hole Trails Project is a community partnership between Teton County, Wyoming – the lead grant applicant, the nonprofit Friends of Pathways – which also coordinates the overall project – and the Forest Service, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Resort. The two-year project received a $455,715 Wyoming Business Council Community Enhancement Grant in 2010 that, upon completion this summer, will have been matched 1:1, totaling approximately one million dollars invested in sustainable trails for Jackson Hole.

The partnership builds on a long history of related recreational projects that have successfully enhanced economic development in the tourism and recreation sectors for Jackson Hole and Wyoming. A recent economic impact study by the University of Wyoming reported that over $18 million in economic activity was generated by the trails system in 2010 alone. Additionally, employment and wages relating to the trail system in Teton County totaled $3.6 million in 2010. 

Among the completed project components is the new Teewinot Biking Park at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Jessica Milligan, JHMR representative, explained that the newly opened park is already a hit at the resort. “The Jackson Hole Bike Park has been open less than two weeks and there is a already a great buzz around the village.” She added that, “We are really looking forward to our “Free for All” launch on Saturday July 9th to celebrate the efforts of so many folks- Gravity Logic, Friends of Pathways, the US Forest Service, the Wyoming Business Council, and the hard working trail crew at JHMR.

Linda Merigliano, programs manager for the Bridger-Teton National Forest has been especially pleased with the opportunities the new trails have given users. “The Forest Service is thrilled with the project progress and the opportunity these trails provide, connecting people to our public lands.” The project has completed improvements on Game Creek, Josie’s Ridge, Snow King Nature Hike, the Phillips Ridge Trail, History Hike/Horse Trail, and downhill bike trails on Teton Pass.

Ben Ellis, Teton County Commission Chairman is equally pleased. "We're really excited about the progress on the Trail project and pleased the County could help bring the partners together. I'm looking forward to seeing all the trails completed so more visitors can enjoy access to our world class trail system." 

Friends of Pathways’ Executive Director, Tim Young echoes these sentiments, pointing out the project progress and the public-private partnerships that have made it successful. “The improvements to these three front country public trail systems improves both the community recreation options, and enhances the public land experience for our many visitors. It is really a win-win for both community and visitors.” 

Friends of Pathways is a local nonprofit that works closely with the Forest Service, the Town of Jackson and Teton County governments, businesses, and other nonprofits to promote a complete pathways system, safer streets and great trails for Jackson Hole.

Any questions may be directed to the Friends of Pathways office: tim@friendsofpathways.org, 307-733-4534. Extensive photos of the project are also available upon request.