Mr. Ricketts has been very generous in donating to causes in Sublette County. However, the amount he gives to the county will never pay for the loss of what the county is giving up. You cannot replace what he is taking. This beautiful, natural, pristine, western ranching area will be transformed into a busy, commercial recreational area.”

D.J.  Kominsky, Bondurant, Wyo.

Dear Editor,

This letter is to the Sublette County Commissioners, Planning and Zoning Department and citizens of Sublette County and surrounding counties.

Well, here we go again! How many times will the Jackson Fork Ranch approach the Sublette County Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Sublette County Commissioners requesting more exceptions to the zoning rules that are intended to regulate the development of Bondurant and the Upper Hoback region? It seems that certain leadership in our county government has simply ignored the existing zoning, and assisted investors in ways to negotiate bypassing these regulations. Who are they representing? Some areas of the county might want this type of development. The Bondurant and Hoback Basin communities do not want this type of development! And why? Because we have seen what has occurred in Jackson Hole. And why is Joe Ricketts determined to develop this Upper Hoback area?  In his own words, “Because of the proximity to Jackson Hole and name recognition.” This explains his continued effort to change the name of Bondurant to “Little Jackson Hole.” God help us if this ever happens!

His latest request is to construct “a gravel pit and concrete pit, with a concrete batch plant and a secondary request to construct a temporary workers camp directly across the Upper Hoback Road from his Homestead Resort construction! In other words, those who use this scenic drive (humans as well as our forest friends) will need to pass through a construction zone, with traffic, noise and toxic dust. I have a novel idea. How about his constructing this industrial park on the other side of the valley, near his home and with a road across his property, to the construction point? Then at least the impact on the road would be at the construction site. Animals of all sorts cross this road to reach water and humans use it to walk, run, bike and drive. Yet, according to Mr. Ricketts, “he is helping save the environment.”

Mr. Ricketts has been very generous in donating to causes in Sublette County. However, the amount he gives to the county will never pay for the loss of what the county is giving up. You cannot replace what he is taking. This beautiful, natural, pristine, western ranching area will be transformed into a busy, commercial recreational area. Other billionaires will recognize this and put their money to use, buying up any real estate available until it becomes unrecognizable to residents. How many of your children will be able to afford to buy a house or property in “Little Jackson Hole?” Many residents in Jackson tried to fight the tide when this happened in their community, but of course, the “money won out.” Many of the former residents finally just gave up and moved elsewhere. For those in Sublette County who think this is a great idea, why don’t you invite Joe Ricketts to build his five-star hotel in your community? There are other beautiful places in the county. My guess is that if proposed, it would not be accepted. Why? Because other areas are not near Jackson Hole. The location is simply a marketing ploy.

I have always believed we live in a Representative Republic, where our representatives are supposed to vote with the wishes of their constituency. What a novel idea! How many residents in Bondurant and the Hoback Basin have agreed to change our name and region into a recreational area for billionaires? Last meeting I attended, not many (about five in a roomful of people) supported the idea. This issue will be voted upon at the May 7 Sublette County Commissioners meeting. Before then, make your wishes known but be careful what you wish for, if in doubt, look at the town of Jackson! 

I would like to thank commissioners Doug Vickrey and Dave Stephens who have consistently voted with their constituency. Since I will not be able to attend this meeting, I humbly ask that this petition be denied by the Board of Sublette County Commissioners.

Sincerely Yours,

D.J.  Kominsky, Bondurant, Wyo.