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A proposed merger of the Bridger Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests has been abandoned by the National Forest Service. The merger was originally proposed to reduce fixed operational costs within the two forests. However objections from area residents, elected officials and forest employees along with no solid evidence of cost reduction led to the decision to call-off the merger. US Representative Cynthia Lummis released the following statement after learning of the decision:

“I’m pleased with the decision to set aside a very bad idea on merging the two forests. Thankfully the concerns of residents and employees were acknowledged and taken seriously. While a merger is not the solution to runaway government spending, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and the Forest Service to find ways that the Forest service can save real money.  No agency, no forest, no American can avoid the budget hole we've dug ourselves."

An official announcement is from the Forest Service is expected later in the week.