Activity Report Explorer

WHALES of Teton Valley • Entered by Janna Rankin on April 20, 2020

Fighting heli tours around the Tetons

April 16, 2020

Key Issue: Public Lands Health & Protection
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Landscape/area: Jedediah Smith Wilderness (123896 acres)

Measurable Outcomes

Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (28 comments)

Short Description of Activity

Sent email to Google Group encouraging comment on the Jackson Hole airport considering the application of Wind River Air to conduct heli tours around the Tetons. Example comment below…
Flying over or near the National Parks, Forest and particularly the Wilderness areas would violate the intent of preserving some unique areas of the country for peaceful enjoyment. Below is a information copied from the Forest Service. Flying helicopters near or within the National Park and Wilderness Area airspace would impact the experience including views within these areas. The risk to human health and the environment has not been adequately evaluated including the noise and air pollution from helicopters in or near a wilderness. I argue that the sight and noise of helicopters would violate the intent of the law. These areas are set aside with restrictions against motorized equipment although specific provisions have been allowed specific to areas such as Yosemite and Boundary Waters in MN.
Has the Federal Government through publication of a new rule in the FAR defined the flight restrictions for the parks and wilderness areas? See Boundary Waters, MN, Yosemite changed this law passed in October 1984 to allow this type motorized (helicopter) vehicle that will impact the wilderness, CA s experience?
If there is a accident/crash does this company have a plan to fight fires caused by their activity?
With regard to #2, How would a fire be fought in the heavily used Teton National Park i.e. notification and evacuation of hikers and campers east and west of the Tetons?
I acknowledge that a crash may be low probability, the weather conditions and winds near this range add more complexity and risk to flight. An accident in the area would be very high consequence, not only to the passengers that are by choice accepting the risk, but to the sensitive ecosystem in the area.
Based on the assumption that there could be a helicopter crash, how would the resulting fire be fought in the wilderness or do you just rely on tax payers to clean up after you if there is an accident?
What is the environmental impact from the noise and exhaust emitted from the helicopters?
Is there a map of the areas that you are allowed to fly and flight density?
Reference: In October 1984 the Wyoming Wilderness Bill was signed into law creating the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (123,451 acres) and the Winegar Hole Wilderness (10,721 acres) on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The Wilderness Act allows hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, and grazing in these areas. Campfires are allowed in most areas, but some areas are closed to open fires to protect resources. Mechanical transport and motorized equipment is prohibited year round and some additional regulations apply to protect the wilderness character. Horses can be used in both Wilderness areas; however, overnight camping with stock is not allowed in specified locations.
The Jedediah Smith Wilderness was designated because of the unique karst limestone geology. It lies on the west slope of the Teton Range, adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. The towns of Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, and Ashton, Idaho are 10 to 30 miles west of the Wilderness.

Reflection/Evaluation

Katya filled out this report for Janna, but no reflections included.