Interior Department confirms $35 million bike path plan for Moose-Wilson Road

The U.S. Department of the Interior has confirmed plans to build a bike path along the 7.1-mile Moose-Wilson Road, with an estimated cost between $35 million and $39 million. Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly informed Teton County commissioners on Nov. 3 that the agency is moving forward with the project.

Lilly stated that officials determined the environmental impacts were sufficiently analyzed in 2016, meaning no further environmental review is required. His letter noted that construction on one section near Moose could begin in the summer of 2027. The department linked to a National Park Service webpage that provides frequently asked questions about the corridor.

The move follows an April executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at reducing rules that restrict recreation in national parks. Following that order, Grand Teton National Park officials revisited a decade-old decision not to build the path. In August, park officials announced they would proceed with construction. They relied on existing 2016 environmental reviews rather than conducting new ones.

Teton County commissioners and local advocates have expressed dissatisfaction with the process. Joan Anzelmo, who leads the Friends of the Moose-Wilson Corridor group, called the Interior Department's response totally unacceptable. She described it as an insult to public participation and gateway community engagement in a news release sent Monday.

Commissioners had previously written to the department citing Secretarial Order 3434. That order directs park service officials to meet regularly with leaders from gateway communities. The county argued the decision warranted earlier and more meaningful engagement. Lilly’s response referenced a June 2026 gateway community meeting, which Anzelmo said she was not aware of.

Local leaders are now considering next steps to address their concerns. Commissioner Len Carlman suggested requesting an in-person meeting with Lilly in Moose. He proposed that officials from the Interior department walk the Moose-Wilson Road to better understand local issues. Carlman said such a visit would be a good use of time.

Commissioner Luther Propst said the county should send representatives to Washington if the department does not come to Jackson Hole. He stated the community wants public participation rather than just administrative fiat. Park officials have not yet fully identified where the funds for the project will come from.