“Preserve and protect the area’s ecosystem in order to ensure a healthy environment, community and economy for current and future generations”
–The Vision Statement of the Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan
It’s Time to Act!
For too long, Jackson Hole has taken our ecosystem for granted.
We’ve assumed that the region’s astonishing amount of public land – the national parks and forests and other lands that comprise 97% of Teton County – guarantees our ecosystem’s health.
We were wrong, and today we’re paying the price. Among the examples:
- All of Fish Creek and portions of Flat Creek are considered “impaired” by Wyoming’s DEQ.
- Jackson Hole’s elk herd is threatened by chronic wasting disease, and brucellosis has been found in both elk and bison.
- Groundwater pollution problems have been identified throughout the county.
Most troubling of all, though, is we have no clear idea of what other problems lurk. Why? Because we have no clear idea of how well – or how poorly – our ecosystem is faring. And without knowing, how can we act?
It’s said the second-best time to plant a tree is today – the best time was 20 years ago. Today we have a chance to act, a chance to ensure that, 20 years from now and beyond, the greater Tetons ecosystem will remain healthy and vibrant.
Ecosystem Stewardship
Ecosystem stewardship is the core value of Teton County and the Town of Jackson. Yet since the Comp Plan was adopted in 2012, local government has directed few, if any, additional resources toward preserving and protecting the area’s ecosystem.
This can change on July 1, when local government starts its new fiscal year.
How? In its draft FY 2022 budget, the Town of Jackson proposes creating an Ecosystem Stewardship Department. Although housed in the town government, the department will embrace the Comp Plan’s Vision by focusing on the Teton area’s ecosystem.
You Can Help
Today, the Ecosystem Stewardship Department is just a proposal – there’s no guarantee it will become reality. This is where we need your help.
Regardless of where you live, you can help make the proposed Ecosystem Stewardship Department a reality by taking any or all of these steps:
- Sign the petition expressing your support for an Ecosystem Stewardship Department
- Volunteer to contact elected officials to urge them to support creation of the Ecosystem Stewardship Department
- Donate to help fund the Ecosystem Stewardship Department during its critical start-up years – even the smallest amount will help
More information
For FAQs about the proposed Ecosystem Stewardship Department and associated Ecosystem Stewardship Commission, click here.
For a detailed description of the proposed Ecosystem Stewardship Department and associated Ecosystem Stewardship Commission, click here.
To download a pdf of the description, click here.