GYC and partners conclude Wild and Scenic River eligibility determinations for the Bridger-Teton National Forest
After nearly a year of analysis and fieldwork, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and its partners completed its inventory and Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton Forest of Wyoming. The partnership was directed by GYC and supported by the Snake River Fund, American Rivers, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. We have determined that 57 streams in the forest have outstandingly remarkable values that meet the requirements for Wild and Scenic River eligibility the highest administrative form of river protection in the United States.
Big Sandy River in the Pinedale district of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Big Sandy River’s proposed ORVs are climate refugia, scenery, and recreation. (Photo Teddy Collins)
Located south of Yellowstone National Park and south and east of Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest contains 783 named streams across its 3.4 million acres. GYC and our partners reviewed all 783 streams and chose to conduct a field inventory and analysis of 133 steams in the summer and fall of 2020. A spectacular season in the field by our technicians lead to the team finding 57 streams as eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest already manages 15 designated Wild and Scenic Rivers (327.65 miles) and 25 eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers (411 miles). The additional 57 streams and 639.91 miles would create a list of eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers the length of distance between Portland, OR and San Diego, CA or New York, NY to Memphis, TN.
New Fork River in the Pinedale district of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The New Fork River proposed ORVs are geology, recreation, and scenery. (Photo Teddy Collins)
So, what makes a river qualified to be Wild and Scenic? The stream must be free-flowing and have at least one Outstanding Remarkable Value (ORV). ORVs include native fisheries, wildlife, and ecological importance, historical and cultural significance, climate refugia, recreational concern, scenery, and geological interest. Our team reviewed each named stream and determined its ORV, if any. Check out the full review here.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has incredibly abundant water resources and its preservation must be expanded. Take a few minutes to explore the details of the Report and then let the Bridger-Teton National Forest know you support our Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations by sending an email to the Forest Service staff here.
The rivers and creeks of the Bridger-Teton National Forest have been home to indigenous people for over 10,000 years. In the most recent millennium, over a dozen tribes have considered these waters part of their traditional homelands. This includes, but is not limited to, several tribes of Shoshone, Bannock, Lemhi, Niitsitapi/Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Salish, Apsaalooke/Crow, and Arapaho. We are indebted to indigenous peoples’ stewardship of these streams.
-Charles Drimal, Waters Conservation Coordinator
