The Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) is extending the submission of public comments for the bighorn sheep winter habitat protection environmental assessment. The park previously announced the deadline as May 20, but today moved it to June 20, according to a news release.
“We appreciate the public’s interest in this process,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “We look forward to continuing these conversations together on how best to protect bighorn sheep in the Teton Range while still providing for winter activities like backcountry skiing.”
The goal of the assessment is to give a safe winter habitat for the bighorn sheep population without being disturbed while providing winter outdoor recreational activities in the backcountry.
The proposed actions include increased outreach to the public and education, signage, improved surveillance of bighorn sheep and recreational use, new or extended winter closures in certain areas, and designated travel routes, among other actions.
People interested in commenting on the matter must send their feedback at https://parkplanning.nps.gov.bighorn_habitat. The public comment website is not equipped to accept attachments.
If the commenters want to provide an attachment to further expound on their comment, they must first submit their public comment through the website and mention that they will also submit an attachment along with their comment. They must then email attachments to [email protected].
Commenters must ensure they use the same name and email address they input for the online public comment to associate the attachment to them, according to the news release. Emailed attachments without public comments sent to the website will not be entertained.
Isn’t it interesting that the deadline for public comments on protecting bighorn sheep habitat in Grand Teton National Park got extended? It’s all about finding that sweet spot between conservation and winter fun. Share your thoughts on how we can keep these sheep safe and still enjoy the snow!