• Trail Updates

Friends of Pathways has a formal partnership with the USFS to collaborate on design, construction and stewardship of local trails for all users – hike, bike, horse, and ski. We’re committed to providing easy year round access to trails in order to maintain our high quality of life in Jackson Hole.

 Hot off the Pathways Press – Exciting News for the entire community. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2016

Contacts: Katherine Dowson, katherine@friendsofpathways.org

Kathryn Brackenridge, communications@friendsofpathways.org

Friends of Pathways Announces Evolved Mission Statement Based in Founding Principals and Broadened to Support New Efforts

Jackson, WY – Friends of Pathways announces an evolution of its mission statement. This new directive, “supporting a vibrant community by promoting sustainable transportation and healthy recreation in Jackson Hole,” reflects growing community priorities for decreasing traffic congestion and augmenting modes of healthy and planet-friendly travel.

Whether enjoying the community pathways system, a trail up Cache Creek, or a Start Bus, FOP wants to make it easier for people to enjoy life in Jackson Hole without the daily need for a car. Central to the enhanced mission rests a priority to help community and elected officials realize their goals of decreasing traffic congestion by implementing innovative solutions for transit and active transportation.

“The mission statement addendum comes at an exciting time for Friends of Pathways. With the imminent completion of Path22 and other milestones that have contributed to a sustainable trails and pathways network, it’s a good time to take the foundations of the organization to the next level” offers Executive Director Katherine Dowson. “Our new mission still encompasses trails and pathways while recognizing the important role that sustainable transportation and healthy recreation play in our community and quality of life,” notes Dowson.

This summer, Friends of Pathways will pursue its mission with the Commuter Choice Challenge, Skyline Trail construction and other trail projects, and work to develop a permanent Bike Share program. “As Jackson Hole continues to grow and prosper, it is essential to continually assess success, keep momentum and answer the call to promoting vibrancy, health and sustainability” notes Board President Greg Epstein. FOP has long-asked residents to ‘Be Today’s Solution,’ by making choices that encourage a healthy community and environment. Sustainable transportation, or more specifically, modes of travel that increase mobility while decreasing impacts on roads, wildlife, and citizens, are a part of that solution and will continue to play a pivotal role in Jackson’s character and future.

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Friends of Pathways supports a vibrant community by promoting sustainable transportation and healthy recreation in Jackson Hole. For more information on Friends of Pathways, visits friendsofpathways.com 

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PRINTABLE RELEASE: FOP Mission Press Release

What’s Your Path? Share your stories about Pathways & Trails and All the Goods about living and getting around  healthy and sustainable way @friendsofpathways #JHTRAILS

4-15 Trail Conditions

With a week of sunny spring weather on the way I wanted to get out the first trail report for the season.  I will include a map each time with dry open trails in green, partially dry but still with patchy snow and mud in yellow, and closed trails in red (may be closed for wildlife or still snowy.  The Game Creek trail is dry for the first mile or two and make a nice outting, remember to keep your dogs on a leash through May 1.  In Cache Creek the road and Hagen trail are still snow packed but fairly passable in the mornings while still frozen.  The Sidewalk trail is dry up until Bridge 2 and then has some snow and mud and the Putt Putt and Woods Canyon trails are 95% dry from the Nelson Dr. trailhead to the Cache Creek trailhead.  Get out and explore in the nice weather but remember to look down and if you’re leaving foot prints, hoof prints, or tire tracks you are doing damage to the trail and may want to turn around.

Do you know a 15-18 year old who wants to spend the summer outside, working in the Bridger-Teton National Forest? 

FOP is looking for motivated teens to be a part of our Youth Trail Crew program. Crew members will work on a variety of projects on the Bridger-Teton National Forest for nine weeks starting June 13th. This is a four day a week position (32 hours); crew members will earn $11/hr. and receive a stipend for work boots. As a crew member you will help complete a variety of manual tasks including restoration and maintenance of trails, new trail lay-out and construction, and the closure and rehab of old trails. Crew members will interact weekly with resource managers from the Bridger-Teton, and will also learn about many aspects of forest and natural resource management (wildlife, recreation, forestry, fire management). The job requires teamwork, personal motivation, enthusiasm for new challenges and an excitement to work outdoors! Applicants must complete a written application and submit to chris@friendsofpathways.org by May 6, 2016 and attend a personal interview.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 14 and not more than 18 years of age by the job start date.
  • Successfully complete the application and interview process.
  • Be eager to work closely with the USFS Trail Crew on physically demanding projects on our public lands.
  • Be able to commit to the full work schedule.  Youth Trail Crew will work from June 13-August 11 on Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork skills.
  • No previous work experience is necessary but a positive attitude is essential.

WORK SCHEDULE

Youth Trail Crew members are expected to arrive on time for work prepared for the day.  The normal work schedule will be Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.  There are two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break during the day.  The first day of work is an orientation and safety training day.  Members are also encouraged to come out for National Trails Day on June 4th to get a preview of the Josie’s Ridge Project that we will be working on for the beginning of the season.

You must have a reliable way of getting to work each day.  We will meet at the Jackson Ranger District located at 340 N. Cache St. in the Hoback Shop at 8:00am each morning.  From there we will provide transportation to the work site each day and back by 4:30 each afternoon.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Apply by 5pm on May 6, 2016.
  2. If all application materials are received within the deadline you will be invited to a personal interview. Interviews will take place May 9-13, 2016.  Email notification of interview appointments will be sent the week prior.
  3. Candidates will be notified by May 20th.

When completing your application, don’t forget to complete all pages of the application and submit to chris@friendsofpathways.org by May 6, 2016.

2016 Youth Trail Crew Job Description

2016 Friends of Pathways Youth Trail Crew Application

2016 Letter of Reference

With unpredictable avalanche danger this year, our Teton Pass Ambassador asks all of us to spread the word about avoiding highlighted areas on Teton Pass.

Over the holidays, two user-related incidents resulted in dangerous conditions. On December 23rd, an avalanche buried two snow mobilers and on Christmas Eve, an avalanche was triggered on Twin Slides that trapped three cars and blocked a lane of traffic. Linda Merigliano, Bridger-Teton Recreation, Wilderness and Trails Program Manager, reminded users that “more incidents like this could result in a much worst outcome for motorists or create pressure to close the Twin Slides run to skiing and boarding, similar to the Mt. Rogers area in Canada… this incident is a graphic reminder that access to skiing on Mt. Glory is dependent on skiers/boarders exercising responsibility and consideration for other people.”Teton Gravity Research

Additionally, the Pass Ambassador asks that backcountry users remember five keys for backcountry safety this year:

  • Carpool and park tight
  • Take care of your pets
  • Work with the Enforcement Agencies
  • Ride with respect and humility

    Spread the word Pistono said. “The core local group, whether we feel like we’re role models or not, in terms of how we use things up here, we kind of are. So much of your actions send out the message.” Pistono urges the frequent users to speak up when they see someone not obeying etiquette or entering into unsafe practices. “Find your voice,” he said. “It might be awkward at times to talk to people, but especially if it’s a safety-related issue, communicate to those who don’t know better.” Jackson Hole News and Guide

Winter Grooming Schedule
Yesterday, Parks and Recreation began their winter grooming program. This year, grooming with occur between December 15, 2015 and March 12, 2016. Grooming is done as snow and weather condition permit.

This year’s grooming schedule:
Tuesday: Cache Creek, May Park, High School Fields, Game Creek
Wednesday: Emily’s Pond, Stilson/Wilson Centennial Path, South Park Loop
Thursday: Cache Creek, May Park, High School Fields, Game Creek
Friday: Emily’s Pond, Stilson/Wilson Centennial Path, South Park Loop
Saturday: Cache Creek, May Park, High School Fields, Stilson/Wilson Centennial Path

Parks and Recreation Grooming Report 
Single Track Grooming in Cache Creek Grooming Facebook Page
JHNordic.com


In addition, Friends of Pathways will be working to improve conditions on the single track trails in Cache Creek. Staff and volunteers will use human powered grooming with a drag behind groomer. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Chris Owen. Thank you to Teton Mountain Bike Tours and Headwall Sports for their generous donation to Friends of Pathways to support single track grooming in Cache Creek. They invite YOU to match their donation and keep the trails open for people on foot and on bike.