Grand Teton National Park: “For Sale” Sign Still Up
Friday, September 3, 2010
JACKSON, Wyo. - Several parcels of state land within Grand Teton National Park are being re-appraised, with results expected this month that could help ongoing negotiations for the state to sell the land to the federal government. A total of 1,300 acres is at stake, with valuations ranging upwards of $120 million.
Sharon Mader, a senior program manager with the National Parks Conservation Association Grand Teton field office, agrees that sounds high, but she wants people to keep in mind the location.
"It is extremely beautiful landscape with very important natural resource values and a breathtaking view of the Grand Teton Range."
Gov. Freudenthal has said if a deal isn't reached with the federal government, the land could go to the highest bidder - and developers are eying it for a ski resort.
The negotiations have been in progress for several years, according to Mader, but she says that's no guarantee things couldn't change quickly.
"Just because people don't see trophy homes and luxury homes dotting the landscape now, does not mean that that could not be our reality in the future."
The land currently serves as a way to generate money for education, but is only bringing in about $3,000 a year, which is why the governor wants the federal government to buy it or do a land and mineral-rights combo swap.
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