Popular Bridger-Teton forest hiking area being considered for oil, gas lease

The Associated Press

An area around a popular Bridger-Teton National Forest hiking trail in Wyoming is being considered for oil and gas exploration.

Forest officials say the recreational value of the Cliff Creek Falls trail will be considered in deciding whether to issue any permits. And a permit must still be sought even if a lease is granted.

Environmentalists contend that the proposed leasing of 100,000 acres is overkill in northwest Wyoming, where 76 percent of available land in Sublette County is already slated for drilling.

Dru Bower, vice president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, said the area is appropriate for oil and gas drilling.

“This is on the southern portion of the BT, in an area where there is already development,” she said.

The area is in the Big Piney Ranger District between Alpine, Bondurant, Willow Creek to the north and south to Barge Creek and Riley Ridge. Most of the area has soil that is unsuited for drilling or is too steep. Other portions have wildlife restrictions, such as for elk calving.