With the Wyoming Legislature’s 67th biennium budget session fading in our rearview mirror and this summer's green grass sprouting across Wyoming we can reflect on a significant land conservation win and opportunity: a 640-acre piece of scenic public land next to Grand Teton National Park, known as the Kelly Parcel, will remain public. Yes, the 2024 legislative session was ripe with controversy and political wrangling, but there were also some unique moments of bipartisanship.

You might ask, “why a win and an opportunity?” Let me explain. 

When Wyoming ratified its constitution in 1889, it declared a portion of lands to be used for the financial benefit of public schools and students. In general, these lands are referred to as “State Trust Lands” and are often mapped as Sections 16 & 36 in each township.

The State is to maximize financial benefit from these lands through lease or sale to support public schools, a common practice in many western states. These State Trust Lands provide more than a financial avenue for the state's schools, they provide vital habitat for wildlife of all shapes and sizes, animals on the wing, hoof, or paw. They also support traditional Wyoming industries like agriculture and energy development. But, not all State Trust Lands are suitable for all uses.

The Kelly Parcel is a good example of keeping the spectacular lands open and wild.    

The Kelly Parcel is arguably one of the most scenic and valuable square miles of land in the United States. Surrounded by Grand Teton National Park and bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest, it provides year-round habitat for elk, moose, and bison, seasonal habitat for mule deer, and is along the Path of the Pronghorn. The parcel is also known for its recreation opportunities; Wyomingites have long enjoyed access to the parcel for hunting, hiking, foraging, and more. The parcel also offers access to the Wild & Scenic Gros Ventre River for swimming, fishing, and boating.    

Last year the Kelly Parcel was being considered for open market sale. However, Wyoming statute did not allow for a direct sale of the Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park (National Park Service), it requires an auction to the highest qualified bidder.   

History has proven that Wyoming’s national parks-based economy generates millions of dollars of local tax revenue and has international significance as “Americas’ best idea.” Conserving open space has been a boon for wildlife, our heritage, and our economy. Over the last two decades, the State of Wyoming has worked with the National Park Service and sold several isolated parcels of State Trust lands to the American people.

With the Kelly Parcel, the land conservation legacy continues.  

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition actively engaged with Wyoming’s Senators and Representatives in both chambers of the Legislature. We joined our peer NGOs, many citizens, skilled lobbyists and went to work advocating for keeping Wyoming wild and free. The debate was fierce. Legislators from across the state spoke on behalf of Wyoming’s wildlife, open space, and school children. Unlikely voices stood up and said, keep the Kelly Parcel wild. Wyoming Senator Mike Gierau, representing Senate District 17 (Teton County, WY) even wore a tie formerly owned by the late Senator Cliff Hansen (historically a foe but turned ally of the national park) during his impassioned plea to pass the budget bill allowing for the sale to Grand Teton National Park.

It worked. 

In this case the public has spoken through numerous open house meetings, thousands of written comments, and the Wyoming Legislature respected our voices during the 67th session. Legislators in the House of Representatives and Senate have carried the land conservation mantle forward. They approved the direct sale of the Kelly Parcel to the Grand Teton National Park for $100 million with the passage of Wyoming’s biennium budget bill.  

Now, we need your help to finalize the sale. The Federal Government has pledged approximately $62 million from the Land & Water Conservation Fund (royalties generated by offshore gas and oil drilling) toward the sale. That leaves a shortfall of $38 million. The good news is the Grand Teton National Park Foundation has a proven track record of connecting with private philanthropists of all sizes and raising these enormous funds. Donations big and small will have an impact. We can all participate in securing the Kelly Parcel's future for wildlife.

Let’s support Grand Teton National Park, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, and students of Wyoming by funding this sale. Let’s build upon the land conservation legacy of the likes of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and the Snake River Land Company. Let’s protect migration corridors forever.  

Thank you for all you do for Greater Yellowstone!

—Jared Baecker, Wyoming Conservation Manager (Jackson, Wyoming)

Thumbnail Photo: Grand Teton National Park Foundation