Jackson Hole Underground

How is a health- and eco-conscious hiker to hydrate, in the wake of yesterday’s announcement by Nalgene that it’s pulling its water bottles off the shelves?

Concerns over the chemical bisphenol A, which is used in a wide variety of plastic and canned food products, prompted the move. The Canadian government listed the substance as toxic, setting in motion a ban on its use up north.

Low levels of bisphenol A have been found to cause reproductive defects, cancer, hyperactivity and neurological disorders, among other problems. The substance is used in plastic baby bottles, making young children particularly vulnerable.

From what I understand, the danger of imbibing bisphenol A from a Nalgene water bottle is minimal. Pouring boiling water into the bottle is said to increase the risk.

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Will this bucolic pasture be home to a major new development? Not likely.

The sale of the 78-acre Lloyd property at the mouth of Cache Creek Canyon has residents of east Jackson alarmed.

The prized parcel, much of which is marsh land bordering the creek, was bought by developer and Jackson Hole native Jamie Mackay late last year, with backing from others in the community.

Mackay has not revealed his plans for the land, which borders the Bridger-Teton National Forest and sits outside the city boundaries. But the prospect of 40 to 50 housing units — a figure floated by his attorney — has the resistance organizing.

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Trail-riding vigilante: DeBoer, right, with attorney Bob Horn

Game Creek Horseman of the Apocalypse Paul DeBoer escaped jail time and left the courthouse smiling Wednesday, after Judge Tim Day gave him another free pass for a run-in on the trail.

But DeBoer may not be smiling for long. Deputy County Prosecutor Brian Hultman is weighing whether to press charges for a more serious offense.

This time, the self-appointed marshal of trail justice who has railed against mountain bikers and dogs may find himself in deep doo-doo.

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… and the creeks, the fish, the elk and the fresh air we breathe.

Today is the last day to submit comments on the Bridger-Teton National Forest plan.

The plan is being revised to guide use of the forest for the next 10 to 20 years. It’s possible (although not probable, with your input) that more than half of the 3.5 million acres could be opened to oil and gas drilling.

Comments can be e-mailed to: btnfplanrevision@fs.fed.us.

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