More than 200 acres of what was formerly Snake River Ranch are now protected from development after a conservation transfer added a sixth and final private parcel to Grand Teton National Park.
Since 2001, the park has worked with the national non-profit The Conservation Fund and the landowning Resor family to protect the private inholdings from development.
The Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 helped complete the transfer. With Congress’ approval, $35 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s offshore energy revenues funded the conservation of 210 acres over the last 25 years.
“This achievement was made possible through the partnership of The Conservation Fund, the National Park Service, and LWCF funding secured with the support of U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis,” a press release from the nonprofit said.
The additional park land sits near the boundary of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Saratoga Bowl, close to the Moose-Wilson Road park entrance.
“That land is really high value [with] high development pressure, potential,” said Dan Schlager, the Conservation Fund’s Wyoming state director.
“The decisions that were made over the past 25 years will benefit the local community and visitors to the park, wildlife and outdoor recreation.”
Last week, conservation partners held an on-site celebration for the project, which Grand Teton Superintendent Chip Jenkins said has been on his mind since he took the helm in 2020. He oversaw the transfer of four parcels, a milestone he’s glad to have reached.
“Another 210 acres are grizzly, bear, moose and elk habitat,” Jenkins said, while thanking the private landowners. “Another 210 acres are available for public recreation and enjoyment.”
Schlager said parcels that had been the most at-risk for development are now protected, leaving just a few potential areas for similar land exchanges. At the time, he didn’t have more details on what land transfers could be next for the park.
