Project: Skyline Trail
Filed under: Trails
Skyline Trail and Putt-putt Extension - Latest News as of August 2011:
On March 7th, 2011 the Bridger-Teton National Forest released a public comment Scoping Document as part of the approval process for a proposed new multi-use trail in the Greater Snow King Area, tentatively called the Skyline Trail, as well as a one-mile extension of the existing Putt-Putt Trail.
The BTNF accepted comments on the Scoping Document until April 7th, 2011. Over 90% of public comments were in favor of the trails, but some concerns were also expressed in the comments. The Forest Service is continuing to evaluate the public comment on the Skyline Trail and Putt-Putt, and based on the Scoping comments, it is likely that the FS will release an Environmental Assessment (more detailed than scoping) with a second round of public comments. The EA will be released this winter, and a decision will be made in the spring of 2012 - after that EA and comment period. FOP will provide updates as more information is available.
Friends of Pathways - Background on the Skyline Trail and Putt-Putt Extension:
The Skyline Trail and Putt-Putt extension would be designed as nonmotorized multi-use trails for biking, hiking and horseback uses. These trail would complement and enhance the existing Greater Snow King Area Trails, and would create significant benefits for National Forest visitors and the Jackson Hole community.
Skyline Trail and Putt-Putt Trail Need and Benefits:
- A sustainably built, non-motorized, multi-use (hiking, biking, horseback) trail would create new trail loop opportunities close to town and replace user-created trails that currently exist, relieving pressure and helping to mitigate conflict on existing trails experiencing increased use.
- These trail additions would expand close-to-home recreational opportunities on public lands adjacent to the Town of Jackson, part of a finite, well-planned Greater Snow King Trail System that is sustainable and manageable. The new trails will incorporate sustainable design to protect wildlife in the more critical winter and spring seasons. For example, the trail will be constructed using north slope alignments in key sections to hold snow in May, thereby naturally restricting use.
- If approved, the trail would be constructed by the FS over the next several years with a combination of public and private funds, volunteer labor, and significant community involvement
- Trails like Skyline and Putt-Putt are excellent examples of facilities that meet the new Forest Service Sustainable Recreation Framework criteria that supports healthy lifestyles, support for local economies, cultivating community engagement, and connecting citizens to their public lands
- The proposed new trails are compatible with the guiding principles for the management of the Forest’s Greater Snow King Area, which seek to facilitate community connection to public lands in areas close to Town so that people can maintain daily contact with our natural environment
- The trails will be designed for hiking, running, horseback riding, and mountain biking - shared use trails.
