Wyoming’s Governor and other top leaders have chosen to postpone the auction of a large piece of state-owned land within Grand Teton National Park. Instead, they will strive to secure a purchase or land swap with the United States government in order to protect the pristine and valuable property. Depending on the outcomes of the negotiations, the state Board of Land Commissioners may reassess the proposal in the fall.
The board, which is made up of Governor Mark Gordon and four statewide elected Republicans, voted unanimously in favor of the decision. After the vote, Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Palmer “Chip” Jenkins Jr. thanked them for their consideration. While the staff at the park understand that the revenue from the lands funds education, they are also conscious of the potential for development in inappropriate places.
The auction, which was initially suggested by State Lands Director Jenifer Scoggin, would have taken place in January of 2021. As it stands, the land is assessed at $62.4 million. Scoggin proposed that the minimum bid should be set at $80 million; this investment would yield millions of dollars a year, compared to the $2,800 that is currently earned through grazing leases and recreation permits.
Since October, thousands of people have spoken out against the proposal. Out of concern for the wildlife, a form statement provided by the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund has been circulated, reading: “This area should not be destroyed by the construction of luxury houses and other development. Too much development has already encroached on critical winter habitat near the park.” This statement has been signed by over 12,500 people.
The Kelly Parcel is the square-mile of land in question. Located on the eastern edge of Grand Teton, it is unspoiled with the exception of a single road running through it. The land is known for its beautiful view of the Teton Range, and is also renowned as a habitat for moose, elk, deer and other animals that are typical of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The state of Wyoming has owned the land since it won its statehood, but it has been part of the national park since it was expanded in 1950. In the past, the state has made revenue off of the sale of mineral rights and 86 acres of land in the park. In total, Wyoming has earned over $62 million from these sales.
Governor Gordon raised the issue with the Interior Department during the Western Governors Association meeting in Jackson Hole last month. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder suggested that the Kelly Parcel should not be sold for an inadequate rate of return, and that negotiations should focus on other options, such as a land swap. She firmly stated that, “our land and our education are worth more than that.”
In short, Wyoming’s Governor and other top leaders have decided to postpone the auction of a precious piece of state-owned land within Grand Teton National Park. This decision was made in order to continue negotiations with the U.S. Government, as the land is seen as essential to Wyoming’s character. The proposal may be revisited in the fall, but for now, the thousands of people who have spoken out against the auction can rest easy.
