Bridger-Teton National Forest Plans for Solar Eclipse

Posted 8/4/17

Bridger-Teton National Forest Plans for Solar Eclipse

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Bridger-Teton National Forest Plans for Solar Eclipse

Posted

JACKSON – The Bridger-Teton National Forest is finalizing plans to welcome visitors to experience the total solar eclipse on August 21.  Many outstanding viewing locations and camping opportunities are on the National Forest and public cooperation will be essential to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Beginning August 17, the Forest Service will provide information about opportunities and responsibilities on public lands at nine stations along major access routes, some of which will be located and staffed with interagency personnel. The Blackrock, Jackson, and Pinedale District offices will be extending normal business hours during the period of August 16 to August 22 and will be open during the pre-eclipse weekend.  The Forest is also temporarily expanding camping opportunities at developed campgrounds and at suitable RV sites, as well as preparing to manage the expected increase in visitor use at undeveloped sites and on trails in day use areas near town and in the wilderness.

Public cooperation is vital to help assure public safety by (1) keeping forest roads open for emergency traffic (2) preventing human caused wildfires (3) keeping food and garbage properly stored and (4) properly disposing of human waste. We are also reminding visitors to not drive across meadows or vegetation. Motorized travel is limited to the type of vehicle and designated routes that are shown as open on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. Visitors can obtain a digital copy of this map at www.fs.usda.gov/main/btnf/maps-pubs. Come prepared to be self-sustaining in terms of food and water and please check the current status of fire restrictions on the Teton Interagency Fire website, www.tetonfires.com, as they are subject to change.

Forest Road 30972 that accesses Phillips Ridge in the Teton Pass area will be closed to vehicular travel from Aug. 14 through Aug. 22. The area will remain open to day-use and backcountry camping only, but access will be restricted to non-motorized travel. Parking will be available in defined areas along Highway 22.

The temporary road closure is being implemented to address safety concerns expected from increased visitation during the eclipse. District Ranger Dale Deiter stated that, “We feel the closure is necessary to alleviate the potential for accidents and congestion along the steep and narrow road.”  The District is also concerned about the potential for human caused wildfires during the event that could then threaten the Bonneville Powerline that supplies the majority of power to the valley. “The last thing we need during the eclipse is to further complicate what will already be a complicated situation,” Deiter said. The Phillips temporary road closure will be the only eclipse-specific road closure on the Jackson District.

There are opportunities for community members to volunteer to assist with visitor contacts during the eclipse and with cleanup of public lands following the eclipse. More information can be found at the Town of Jackson eclipse information page, http://tetoneclipse.com.