$100 Million Land Purchase in Wyoming’s Grand Teton Secures Vital Wildlife Migration Route
A game-changing $100 million deal safeguards a critical wildlife corridor in Grand Teton, benefiting both nature and Wyoming’s students for generations. 🌐 #News #JacksonHoleWY #Wyoming #Science
JACKSON HOLE, WY – In a significant move for wildlife conservation, the U.S. Department of the Interior has secured a vital 640-acre parcel in Grand Teton National Park, ensuring the protection of a critical wildlife migration route. The purchase of this land, which was the last unprotected plot within the park, marks a major victory for conservation efforts in Wyoming and promises to benefit both local wildlife and the surrounding communities for years to come.
A Major Milestone for Wildlife Protection
On December 30, 2024, the Interior Department confirmed its purchase of the Kelly parcel, a key piece of land within Grand Teton National Park. The square-mile plot, located within the southern portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, connects several important wildlife habitats, including Yellowstone National Park and national forests such as Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee. This acquisition is seen as a critical step in preserving wildlife corridors used by species like pronghorn, elk, and mule deer.
The purchase, costing $100 million, will have lasting benefits for Wyoming’s public education system. Of the total cost, $62.4 million was funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), while the remaining $37.6 million was contributed through private donations raised by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. These funds will support not only wildlife conservation but also educational initiatives for Wyoming’s students, offering a long-term impact on both the environment and the community.
Public Support Drives Conservation Efforts
The conservation of the Kelly parcel was strongly supported by the public, with over 10,000 comments pouring in from across Wyoming and the nation, all voicing their backing for its permanent protection.
“Today marks an incredible milestone, decades in the making, to permanently protect an essential wildlife migration corridor and treasured landscape within Grand Teton National Park,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
She further emphasized the benefits of the project, stating that it “will benefit our public lands and Wyoming’s public school students for generations to come.”
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams also expressed gratitude for the broad support, adding, “People from every state come to Grand Teton National Park each year to enjoy the stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife protected in the park. We are grateful for the support of countless stewards in the park’s local community, Wyoming and across the nation who contributed their voices leading to this incredible conservation achievement that will benefit generations to come.”
Economic and Ecological Benefits for Wyoming
In addition to the ecological benefits, the conservation project is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. In 2023, Grand Teton National Park contributed $936 million to the local economy and supported over 9,000 jobs in the surrounding area. This acquisition is expected to further boost tourism and related industries, while preserving the park’s iconic wildlife and natural beauty.
The Kelly parcel lies on the Path of the Pronghorn, one of the longest land migrations in the lower 48 states. Protecting this corridor ensures that species such as pronghorn, elk, and mule deer can continue their seasonal movements without obstruction, preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the region.
As part of a larger effort to connect Grand Teton National Park with other protected areas, the Kelly parcel acquisition serves as a vital link in the ongoing effort to safeguard Wyoming’s wildlife for future generations.
RELATED TOPICS: Science | Wyoming
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