After missing their first

paychecks, the many federal workers who

live and work in Sublette County, but

have been furloughed, received community

support Jan. 15 with a potluck dinner.

While the furloughed employees were

far outnumbered by the public, those who

did attend the dinner were thankful for the

outpouring of support.

The Sublette County Women’s Advocacy

Group sponsored the event in

cooperation with the Upper Green River

Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Hundreds of community members

brought pots in hand. Others donated gift

certificates for groceries or money to anyone

who may need it.

Anita Douglas, a receptionist for the

Bridger-Teton National Forest Pinedale

Office, said she has only missed one

check so she hasn’t felt the impact yet.

However, she said she is concerned that

the shutdown has gone on as long as it

has. Of her coworkers, she said, “They’re

all concerned.”

Rob Hoelscher, district ranger for the

Pinedale Office of Bridger-Teton National

Forest, said he’s still working, but

not being paid.

He said many employees are working

on projects that were funded in previous

budgets and are not contingent on Congressional

approval, including state trails

and snowmobile patrols. Also, items such

as hiring firefighters for the upcoming

season are considered health and safety

issues.

One thing on hold is current comment

periods for ongoing environmental impact

statements as part of the National

Environmental Policy Act processes, he

said.

“Right now we’re unable to legally

proceed with something that costs us

money,” Hoelscher said.

Many of the comment periods will

need to be extended once the government

agencies are fully operational. “We’re not

getting any mail because the receptionists

aren’t working.”

He said he has weekly phone meetings

with agency heads in Washington, D.C.,

twice-a-week meetings with regional offices

and phone meetings three times a

week with Forest Service leaders for updates.

“That doesn’t mean we know anything,”

Hoelscher said. “They pretty much

tell us to listen to the national news.”

Nan Stinson, a fire prevention officer

for the U.S Forest Service, is one of the

lucky persons still working. This past

week she did background checks on those

who have applied to work on fire crews.

She said that effort is somewhat futile because

people listed as references are not

in their offices.

Stinson said the community’s show

of support has been uplifting to the local

federal employees.

Jeremy Riggan, wilderness manager

for the U.S. Forest Service, said he feels

OK about the shutdown. “I just bought a

house so it has given me time to do some

projects,” he said, but he added he is

ready to get back to work.

“It’s great to have the community support,”

Riggan said.