NEW FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE RECREATION GUIDES BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST By Linda Merigliano, Bridger-Teton National Forest
Sustainability. The concept is simple: meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The goal is to seek the sweet spot at the intersection of environment, social, and economic considerations. In Bridger-Teton National Forest, this pursuit is ongoing. Challenged by declining budgets, aging infrastructure, and changing visitor needs and expectations, early sustainability efforts within the Forest Service focused on campgrounds and buildings. Talk of sustainable trails referred only to the level of erosion and how well they functioned for their intended use. This narrow lens fell short of addressing sustainable recreation as a whole. In 2010, shifts in traditional ideology gave birth to an updated and more dynamic Framework for Sustainable Recreation. This new approach was a way to align the entire recreation program. Sustainable recreation explores how we can provide opportunities for people to connect with the land and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, while also ensuring ecological, social, and economic sustainability for present and future generations. Sustainable recreation acknowledges the hard truths and challenges we face, but also provides optimism that there is a path forward. It requires changing our collective focus from ME to WE. It changes how we approach our work internally and emphasizes public engagement and partnerships to create a focused vision for the future and
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shared action to steward the land and water we all love. The path towards a sustainable future begins with understanding the Forest’s history and role in the larger landscape. Did you Know that the Bridger-Teton National Forest... · Contains 3.4 million acres that are integral to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem? · Is home to numerous wildlife migration corridors, 315 miles of Wild and Scenic rivers, 3 national system trails, and over 2 million acres of wilderness and backcountry? · Provides a wide range of diverse recreation opportunities? · Attracts 2.2 million annual visitors who contribute substantially to the local economy through outfitterguide services, guest ranches, mountain resorts, and those here to, “live the dream” or fulfill a livelihood that is in their blood?
The Forest’s history and role are embodied in its vision: “The Bridger-Teton is home to world-class headwaters, wildlife, wilderness, and wildlands. Providing for year round recreation and sustainable uses, while conserving these values is our legacy.” Click to hear more from Tricia O’Connor
Forest Supervisor for Bridger Teton National Forest
