WHALES of Teton Valley • Entered by Liz McCane on March 1, 2025
Comments on Wildlife Advisory Committee
February 10, 2025
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 1 |
| Post Admin hours | 18 |
| Activity Hours | 2 |
| Participants | 18 |
| Total Hours | 55 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (18 comments)
Short Description of Activity
Teton County ID has a Wildlife Advisory Committee (WAC) tasked with reviewing land development plans sited in vulnerable habitat on the County’s Natural Resource Overlay. Land Developers, citing government interference with private property rights, have urged our two new (of 3 total) commissioners to eliminate or change the membership of the committee. I alerted the WHALES in my weekly email, and at least 18 members either addressed the commissioners during open mic time or emailed their comments in support of the WAC.
Reflection/Evaluation
The commissioners seemed surprised by the public outpouring of support for the WAC. They insist they don’t want to eliminate the committee, but might sill change the makeup of the committee to include pro-development voices. The input from so many WHALES was much appreciated by local environmental nonprofits and individuals, and may lead to invitations for further engagement. And now we’re on the radar of the pro-development people, who have been attempting to join our private Facebook group.