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U.S. Forest Service prefers land swap near Grand Targhee Resort JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has issued an environmental study that suggests swapping up to 195 acres next to Grand Targhee Resort for 385 acres at Squirrel Meadows south of Yellowstone National Park. Targhee National Forest officials propose the swap because they worry development in Squirrel Meadows will jeopardize prime habitat for wildlife, especially grizzly bears. Conservationists said the proposal would sell public land at too low of a price and the Forest Service would earn more money by selling the land at a public auction. "We'll challenge it as far as we need to," said Pam Lichtman, program director for the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. Patty Bates, Teton Basin District ranger, said appraisals for the two properties are not complete but Targhee officials released the draft environmental study to start gathering public comment. Other possibilities include swapping 108 acres of land at the resort base for 385 acres at Squirrel Meadows, restricting development under the 195-acre swap proposal and trying to acquire Squirrel Meadows another way. The study concludes that if at least 108 acres of the base were privatized, up to 970 condominiums, hotels and private homes could be built. The proposal could change significantly after a 45-day public comment period, Bates said. Copies of the study should be available this week. Forest officials plan to hold public meetings on the proposal in Jackson, Driggs and Idaho Falls next month and decide on the swap in November. Copyright 1999 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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