Sublette County commissioners took decisive action on Tuesday, voting 3-2 to terminate the zoning approval that would have permitted billionaire TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts to develop an all‑inclusive luxury resort on his Jackson Fork Ranch near Bondurant. The decision restores the county’s original land‑use rules and underscores the importance of clear, consistent processes for property owners.
Vote overturns 2021 zoning change
During a day‑long meeting that included an executive‑session discussion, Commissioner Doug Vickrey moved to “initiate the process of terminating” the 2021 zoning change that set aside 56 acres for the resort. Commissioners Lynn Bernard and Dave Stephens voted in favor, while Sam White and Mack Bradley opposed. The motion passed, effectively nullifying the zoning that had been in place for five years.
Commissioner Bernard explained that the county’s zoning ordinance requires any property rezoned for resort use to undergo “substantial development” within two years, or the change automatically reverts. “Because of that, it was revoked,” Bernard told WyoFile.
Impact on pending permits
With the zoning rescinded, the county also de‑facto invalidated a building permit that covered a lodge, restaurant, bar, wellness/spa center, 20 guest suites, and a nearly 50,000‑square‑foot underground parking garage. The permit had been submitted in July and received administrative approval in September, according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Ricketts’ response
Ricketts’ spokesperson, Jessica Jaubert, emphasized the principle of private property rights, stating, “Private property rights are a cornerstone of our state, and property owners deserve clear rules, a consistent process, and confidence that their rights will be upheld.” The statement reflects the developer’s long‑standing belief that high‑end tourism can coexist with conservation efforts.
Legal perspective
County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich reminded commissioners that termination of a zoning change is not automatic; it must follow a public hearing process. However, the commissioners did not discuss any hearing or public‑process requirements at the time of their vote. Bernard later affirmed his confidence that the action was legally sound, noting that the two‑year development window had expired.
Local reaction
Many Bondurant residents expressed relief, fearing that a large resort could overwhelm the rural, wildlife‑rich character of the Upper Hoback River area. Upper Hoback resident Dan Bailey said, “The only people who seem to be buying it are some conservationists, and that’s just bewildering that those people would drink that Kool‑Aid.” Bailey added, “They’ll be back. We’re not done. That’s for sure,” indicating that the community remains vigilant.
Ricketts has previously highlighted his conservation work through the Saving Yellowstone venture and has argued that upscale tourism can fund protection of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Nonetheless, the county’s decision reflects a commitment to enforce existing zoning timelines and protect local wildlife during the critical 5.5‑month winter season when elk and moose are most vulnerable.
What’s next?
The commissioners will now notify the planning and zoning commission and the landowner of the termination. Any future attempts to re‑apply for resort zoning will need to meet the two‑year development requirement and address the county’s wildlife protections.
Sublette County’s action serves as a reminder that local governments have the authority—and responsibility—to uphold zoning statutes that balance private development ambitions with the preservation of Wyoming’s natural heritage.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
