County commissioners and planning staff will meet today to discuss the findings of a recent gravel study that suggests the best local sources are sites in Melody Ranch, at the Ross plateau and on the west bank.

Planning staff released the 58-page report last month and will hold a meeting at 10 a.m. in chambers, 200 S. Willow St., to discuss the findings. The report ranks sites based on potential impacts to wildlife, access to roads, visibility and noise.

Since the report was released, the county engineering department has recalculated the estimate of gravel needed through 2014.

Though it was first estimated at 2.45 million tons, the recession has impacted that demand, now estimated at 1.65 million tons.

The latest study was conducted as an update to past reports.

Among its recommendations, the study suggests that Melody Ranch be allowed to extract gravel for a limited time.

The study also found that the Ross plateau at Hog Island would have the least impact to neighboring properties and the least visibility from the highway. The most impact would be to wildlife. The site is crucial winter range for moose and elk, and eagles nest there.

With time constraints placed on the operation, staff recommends permitting extraction and processing at that site.

The report identifies a third potential gravel site on state lands on Moose-Wilson Road, adjacent to the Shooting Star development on the west bank, but the state would need to grant permission for extraction.

The report found that because of the proximity to neighbors, the River Springs operation near the Highway 22 bridge over the Snake River should be limited.

The report says the Roger Seherr-Thoss property in South Park should provide only limited processing because of its proximity to residential subdivisions.

The full study is available at www.tetonwyo.org.