National Parks Group Calls Moose-Wilson Road Corridor Study a Step in the Right Direction

Background: Today, Grand Teton National Park released a draft environmental review of the Moose-Wilson Road Corridor and offered the public options to consider for how the area will be managed in the future. The lengthy analysis and associated recommendations are the result of years of community engagement and scientific study specific to the 7.7 mile stretch of road. The road corridor is home to grizzly bears and other iconic Grand Teton Wildlife and significant Native American archeological resources.

“At first read, the National Park Service’s preferred action for future management of the Moose Wilson Road corridor strikes an important balance of protecting Grand Teton National Park while supporting user access. National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) commends the National Park Service for its work to date to ensure that hard science and conservation values define the next phase in management of the corridor.”

“In recent weeks the Moose-Wilson Road has been closed intermittently by the National Park Service due to heavy grizzly and black bear use—to reduce potential conflicts between visitors and bears. Bears are drawn to the road and surrounding area to feast on Hawthorne berry bushes and fatten up before their long winter hibernation. We are pleased to see that the Park Service’s preferred option in the plan would build on existing efforts to protect bears and people in the corridor.”

“As the National Park Service moves forward with its environmental review and public comment period, it will hear many differing perspectives about how the Moose-Wilson Road corridor should be managed. NPCA believes that Grand Teton National Park’s identified preferred action puts the park on track to preserve the Moose-Wilson Road corridor’s unique resources for the long term. As the National Park System prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2016, such long-term planning for our children and grandchildren is essential to the health of Grand Teton and all of our country’s crown jewels.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.