Conservation Currents Fall 2023

FALL 2023

2023 Annual Report

Curious about the recent activity of Teton Conservation District? Explore our 2023 Annual Report to learn about the past year's accomplishments.

Highlights include publishing the Mountain Neighbor Handbook, launching a Residential Conservation Planting Program, hosting the most successful Trout Friendly Lawns Business Certification event to date, and securing four more years of voter approved funding.

Winter Wildlife Reminders

It's that time of year again. Let's all do our part to help local wildlife as they navigate the challenges of winter:

Open Gates: By keeping our gates open, we're giving our beautiful deer, elk, and moose the freedom to move to their winter grounds. Let's ensure their safe passage. Keep highway gates closed and latched to prevent animals from getting on the roadway.

Drop Fences: Lower those fences! Wildlife's seasonal migrations and daily quest for food and water become a breeze when we eliminate unnecessary barriers.

Turn off Pond Aerators: Between December 1st and April 15th, please power down pond aerators. It's a simple step that helps prevent moose from breaking through the ice and drowning.

Stash Hazardous Chemicals: Don't forget to stash away hazardous chemicals like anti-freeze. Let's protect our furry friends from accidental poisoning.

Please spread the word and remind your friends and family to do their part. Together, we can make a big difference. Click here for Winter Wildlife Closures Map.

Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District

If you reside or own property within the Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District (FCWID) boundaries, you should have received your 2023 ballot. It's time to elect two Directors for the FCWID Board, which operates as a sub-board of Teton Conservation District, focused on mitigating winter flood risks on Flat Creek. For more details on the FCWID, check out our most recent Field Notes blog.

Boundary outline and thaw well locations of the FCWID.

Partners in Conservation
February Grant Application Deadline

Our Board of Supervisors allocate funding for projects that promote natural resource conservation through three grant programs. Among these programs is Partners in Conservation (PIC), which is available to various entities, including nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. Applicants can apply for funding covering up to 50% of their project budget, with typical requests ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

We encourage those interested to review our Guidelines and FAQs. Applicants can also connect with our staff for project feedback and application support. Please do so at least two weeks before the final deadline.

PIC Grant application deadline is February 1st, 2024.

Successful 2023 PIC Grant projects included place-based education, wildlife monitoring and research, water quality monitoring, sustainability initiatives, native plant research, and more.

Teton County Water Quality Masterplan

Since January 2022, Teton County, in partnership with Teton Conservation District, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, and the Town of Jackson, has been diligently developing a comprehensive Water Quality Master Plan. Trihydro is providing technical expertise and will present draft findings and recommendations on November 15, marking the beginning of the public comment period, which runs until December 31, 2023.

The Project Team looks forward to hearing from the public as they work to finalize the plan. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of water quality in Teton County. Here are the ways to get involved:

Attend the meeting to review the first draft on November 15 at 4:00 pm at the Teton County Library.

Share your comments on the project by visiting the website here or by sending an email to tetonwaterqualityplan@publicinput.com.

Join the open house event on December 13 at 4:00 pm at the Teton County Library.

Residential Food Waste Composting

Teton County Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling started accepting residential food waste last year. Teton Conservation District is a proud partner on this initiative, helping to not only keep waste out of landfills and methane out of the atmosphere, but also recycle nutrients back into local gardens and landscapes.

Food waste may be brought to the Recycling Center between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Food waste may be hauled in 5-gallon buckets or less and the use of a compostable liner or bag is permitted; complimentary buckets are available. The fee for residential food waste composting at the Recycling Center is $2.00 per container. Learn more here.

TCD Staff have started collecting food waste at the office, we hope you consider joining this initiative, too!

Cowboy Hall of Fame Inducts TCD Board Members

Tom Breen and Mike Taylor, former Teton Conservation District board members, were honored with induction into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame. Congratulations!

"Tom Breen grew up on the Triangle X Ranch and lived there until he graduated from Jackson Hole High School. Tom was leading pack strings and pack trips while still in high school. He broke colts and mules for the ranch as well as his own. He learned to be a horseshoer and became a fine leather worker… (read the full story here)."

"James Michael Taylor went to school in Teton Valley Idaho and graduated from Teton Valley High. Mike found his passion at Fish Creek Ranch where he became ranch supervisor at the age of 24. Not long after calling Fish Creek Ranch his home, he leased the 499-acre property back from Gil Ordway to begin his dream of raising Black Angus cattle … (read the full story here)."

Tom Breen (left) and Mike Taylor (right) during their tenure on the TCD Board of Supervisors.

CONTACT US:

(307) 733-2110
420 W. Pearl Ave. | PO Box 1070
Jackson, WY 83001
www.tetonconservation.org

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Teton Conservation District · 420 W. Pearl Ave. | PO Box 1070 · Jackson, WY 83001 · USA