We need your help in protecting Jackson Hole Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and the abundance of wildlife that have been here long before people and helicopters!

Currently a helicopter tour company called “Wind River Air” (WRA) has applied to open helitour business operations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  

At an open house hosted by the Jackson Hole Airport Board last week, the community expressed concerns and reservations ranging from noise to safety to general quality of backcountry experience. As a result of the feedback, applicant Tony Chambers withdrew his request to formally go before the airport board. He wants more time for both he and the community to see if an amicable way forward can be found. 

At this point, the airport board is still expecting Chambers to present on February 17 his Wind River Air (WRA) proposal to provide scenic helicopter rides based out of the Jackson Hole Airport. The ultimate decision lies with Congress and the FAA.

While the airport itself does not have a final say, only input, it seems the board is not thrilled with the idea of Chambers flying his bird out of its airport based in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. At its December 18 meeting, airport board president Rick Braun directed staff to “revisit anything that they can do over the next 60 days to see if there is a legal remedy to prevent the operations of scenic helicopter tours.”

The airport is expected to reach out to legal counsel, congressional delegates, as well as the FAA to forge its opinion and present it to community leaders. 

Jackson Hole and Teton National Park is a beautiful area, with abundant wildlife.  Including a massive Elk Refuge where thousands and thousands of elk migrate to each winter.  Additionally, there is an abundance of Moose, Big Horn Sheep, Bison, Bear, Mountain Lions, Deer, Fox, Coyotes, Eagles and so much more.  These proposed Helicopter tours will surely disrupt and have negative impacts on wildlife and wilderness character, increase wildfire risks, public and natural safety hazards and climate pollutions. 

Largely, the residents of Jackson are strongly opposed to Helicopter tours. We want to protect this beautiful country and the wildlife that live here. 

Look at what has happened to places like Hawaii who have allowed these sorts of businesses to operate.  Aside from a “tourist thrill” and filling the pockets of the helicopter operators, there has been nothing positive about those tours!  In fact, look at what just happened in Hawaii this week where six people died in a helicopter tour.

Residents and tourists alike do not appreciate the noise, the hazard of accidents and most importantly the negative impact these operations have on our wildlife. 

We need your vote to help protect Jackson Hole. Ultimately the FAA and Congress will have to decide wether to approve this or not.  The more support we can get from each of you who wish to protect these mountains and the natural habitats, the more likely Congress and the FAA will follow our lead in making the right decision to deny “Wind River Air” from opening operations in Jackson Hole. 

Please stand up for what is right!  Protect Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park by voting now!  Thank you so much for your support!