JACKSON — The Jackson Ranger District is moving forward in closing Swinging Bridge area to any firearm shooting. The decision was made earlier this month by the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) to improve the safety of visitors and to mitigate increased resource damage.
The prohibition of any firearm use comes from the substantial increase in shooting activity in the past few years, especially near residential areas. Resource damage, debris and litter accumulation, as well as vandalized signage have also been problematic in the area.
“The amount of shooting in the area raises safety concerns,” said Dale Deiter, Jackson District Ranger. “We want our users to enjoy public lands, but we have to acknowledge that some uses aren’t right for some areas, such as in this case where forest lands are surrounded by private.”
After Forest review, and taking into account comments received from the public, the Forest has decided to prohibit discharge of firearms in the Swinging Bridge area depicted in the Special Order 04-03-327.
Hunting during state regulated seasons would be exempted from the closure. Signs identifying the closure area are installed and the area is to be cleaned up.
To get a copy of the Special Order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/btnfunder “Quick links: Special Orders.”
