Jackson, WY – Lee Bauknight, a 17‑year resident of Jackson, has entered the race for the Teton Conservation District (TCD) Board of Supervisors. He is the only non‑incumbent among four candidates vying for three open seats.
Community roots and conservation focus
Bauknight says his longtime love of the outdoors and concern for the valley’s natural resources have driven his decision to run. He has been a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for 15 years and has previously worked with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance.
“We, the little people, continuously see the environment, the wildlife, the ecosystem around us pushed to the back burner,” Bauknight told Buckrail. “I think we’re very fortunate to live in such a small community where our voice makes a difference.”
Volunteer experience and personal stakes
He once applied to be a volunteer rescuer with Teton County Search and Rescue, making the final 20 of 175 applicants before the selection narrowed to ten. Reflecting on the experience, he noted the demanding on‑call schedule would have been a tough fit.
Living in the valley, Bauknight enjoys hunting, fishing, rafting and biking. A septic‑system replacement three years ago highlighted for him the importance of clean water, especially in Hoback and Fish Creek. He says water‑quality programs should be a priority and praises recent TCD and county focus on the issue.
Support for the district’s funding
Bauknight backs the continuation of TCD’s current mill levy of one mill. While the district has not yet used the full levy, he warns that without it the agency could lose the ability to operate effectively.
“It would be a shame to see this county vote that down on this ballot measure,” he said.
Election field
The race also includes incumbents David Adams, Bob Lucas and Cate Watsabaugh. Voters will decide the three board members in the upcoming election.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
