Two Valleys - One Vision
TAAF began as a way for people of diverse backgrounds and objectives to work together on solving problems. As a not-for-profit organization TAAF is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations that seek to overcome polarizing viewpoints and find common ground for the good of the larger community.
The two Teton Valleys of Idaho and Wyoming are among the fastest growing and most environmentally sensitive areas in the Nation. This combination can produce dramatic and seemingly intractable differences of opinion in how to manage growth and the overall health of the communities. Understanding other viewpoints and fInding common ground is not always easy but it is always easier when there is an effort to communicate and explore alternatives. TAAF's misson is to help this process unfold.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
You are invited to contribute your Idaes, knowledge, and opinions on what is the best approach for managing natural resources.
This first in a series of forums on Natural Resources in the two Teton Counties will focus on the forest fuels management. What are the hazards when too much fuel builds up? How do these hazards affect public safety and recreation? What options do we have for mitigation and habitat enhancement? How do we choose between the trade offs?
To focus the discussion, Teton Canyon will serve as an example although the issues being examined will apply throughout the region. The canyon can see upwards of 1000 recreational visits per day. It also is home to the Scout camp as well as the USFS campground. Because of this significant usage, planning to enhance public safety in the event of a wildfire is very important.
So what tools are available to accomplish this? Controlled burns certainly reduce fuel loads but are frequently protested because of the inconvenience of smoke in the air. Cutting and hauling invite objections from other interest groups for reasons such as ground disturbance and aesthetics. Intermingled with these concerns is the need to preserve or enhance wildlife habitat and biodiversity in both flora and fauna. We need answers to how best to balance among these sometimes competing interests.
Such answers are not always easy to come by, but one thing is certain: the best answers come from open discussion of all the viewpoints. That is what this first forum is about, so please consider participating. The forum will provide detailed information on the existing situation and pros and cons of available management strategies.