JACKSON - The Bridger-Teton National Forest has paid $6.57 million to
ranchers to prevent development in Buffalo Valley.
Forest Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton said preventing development in the area
near Teton Pass is a top priority for the forest.
The easement covers 105 acres along U.S. 26-287. Forest officials say, at
$62,590 per acre, the price of the easement is below the appraised value of the
land itself.
Although purchased with public funds, the easement will remain privately
owned and closed to public access.
Funding for the easement included $3.5 million Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.,
helped secure in 2001.
At the time, the Forest Service planned to team up with the Jackson Hole
Conservation Alliance to buy the conservation easement.
But that would have required splitting up the easement.
Thomas helped secure another $2.8 million for the easement earlier this year.
Ellison said the Land Trust agreed to drop its option to buy the easement and
allow the Forest Service to buy it.
Other funds came from the state Department of Transportation's scenic byways
program.
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