I’ve been a Targhee skier since the 90’s. I support the people who work there, and the skiers who value having a world-class resort in our backyard. I love the new terrain on the Peaked side of the hill.  But supporting the resort does not mean supporting all expansion. The current proposal includes an extension of the resort’s permit area into portions of Teton Canyon and Teton Valley that provide important habitat for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, that depend on these old growth forests and open spaces.

I believe we can support recreation and a strong local economy without asking Teton County residents, our infrastructure, or our natural resources to absorb unlimited growth. Development decisions should account for impacts on traffic, housing, public services, wildlife, and the quality of life that makes Teton Valley such a special place. Growth should serve the people who live here, not come at their expense.

I am open to solutions that allow Grand Targhee to continue to improve and invest in the resort within its existing boundaries. There is already land available within the current permit area that can be better utilized before expanding farther into public lands and critical wildlife habitat. I believe that is the more responsible path forward: support our resort, support our skiers, and protect the land and communities that make Teton Valley worth visiting in the first place.

Dan Powers

District 2 Teton County Commissioner