May 8, 2012 Meeting Summary

A group of 28 Fremont County residents, representing local business, recreation, tourism, outdoor education, and other interests, met in Lander to discuss the value of our public lands to all of us who live here and to our local economy, and to learn about current opportunities to get involved in decisions that will affect how public lands in Fremont County will be managed.

The meeting focused on the management plan for the Shoshone National Forest, which is under revision. This plan, when finalized, will guide how the forest is managed for the next 20 years, and individuals, local businesses, and other interests have the opportunity to influence that decision.

Aaron Bannon (NOLS) gave an overview of the Shoshone National Forest, and Lisa McGee (Wyoming Outdoor Council) described the legal process the Forest Service must go through to produce an Environmental Impact Statement, which is required to update the Forest Plan, and the opportunities the general public has to participate in that process. Steff Kessler (Wilderness Society) shared summary information about the economic contributions of wild and undeveloped public lands and abundant wildlife to our local economies in Riverton, Lander, and Dubois. The structure and role of the Cooperators Group in the planning process was defined for those who weren’t familiar with that.

A general discussion with meeting participants followed. Participants made the following points:

  • People generally felt that their interests were not being represented in the formal planning process through the Cooperators Group. Several people were especially dissatisfied by the positions taken by County Commissioners at thosemeetings.That position was summarized as one-sided support for intrusive development (oil and gas drilling, road-building and large-scale timbering) and not reflecting the values of an undeveloped forest. People expressed frustration withthe undue influence that local elected officials have on the planning process.
  • People agreed that keeping undeveloped areas of the Shoshone National Forest undeveloped was important to the economies of the local communities, but also strongly expressed that it is more than just economics but is equally important to the quality of life for Fremont County residents.
  • There was general agreement that if the people in the room, representing small business, recreation, tourism, outdoor education, and other interests, worked together and joined their voices, it would provide a much stronger presence.
  • Conversely, several people felt that participating as individuals was minimally effective.

As a first opportunity to become involved, everyone at the meeting was invited a meeting with Joe Alexander, the Shoshone National Forest Supervisor, on Thursday May 10 in Lander. Fifteen people said they would be able to attend, and everyone was encouraged to invite others who might be interested. We all agreed that this was a great chance for community leaders to learn more about the process and gain perspective from the Forest Supervisor. If people wanted, they could explain their opinions on how the Forest should be managed for the future and to describe their feelings that their viewpoints were not being heard through the Cooperators Group.

Finally, the conservation groups at this initial meeting (The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Wyoming Outdoor Council, and Wyoming Wilderness Association) explained that their role was to help bring together this initial meeting and to provide organizational support, but that it was up to the folks at this meeting and others who might become involved to choose the structure and direction this new group might want to take. These groups will continue to play a supporting role going forward, helping the group with whatever strategies and activities it decides to pursue.

The meeting adjourned with a commitment to send out a reminder to all about the meeting with Joe Alexander and that next steps would be determined after that meeting.

Meeting participants

Scott Kane, Creative Energies, Lander

Emily Tilden, Wild Iris, Lander

Kim Wilbert, Sweetwater Gardens, Riverton

Aaron Bannon, NOLS, Lander

Tom Zimmer, WY Catholic College, Lander

Darran Wells, CWC Outdoor Program, Riverton

Dick Inberg, Apex Surveying, Riverton

Tim Hudson, Hudson’s Custom Carpentry, Lander

Judy Inberg, longtime Riverton resident, Riverton

Ron Hansen, One Stop MarketWind River Outdoor Company, Lander

Eric Concannon, Integral Group Project Engineer, Lander

Missy White, Lander Nordic Ski Association, Lander

Trey Warren, Wimpy Wolf Builders, Lander

Valarie Harris, Wind River Backcountry Horseman Association (WRBHA), Lander

Matt Sissman, International Climbers Festival, Lander

Tony Ferlisi, Lander Cycling Club, Lander

Tim Wilson, PACD Cooperator, Lander

Al Sammons, Riverton businessman and WRBCA, Riverton

Merna Sammons, WRBHA, Riverton

Jim Fergeson, Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions, Lander

Brit Schiner, Two Ocean Dental Lab, Dubois

Bill Weaver, Construction worker, Dubois

Lisa Hueneke, Lander Art Center, Lander

Gary Collins, Tribal Liaison (arrived at the end of the meeting), Riverton

Stephanie Kessler, The Wilderness Society

Lisa McGee, Wyoming Outdoor Council

Connie Wilbert, Sierra Club

Sara Domek, Wyoming Wilderness Association