Teton County secures funding for river access

A group of local and regional partners have jointly raised $720,000 in funding to acquire 80 acres of property along the Teton River in Teton County, Idaho.

Friends of the Teton River said the funding will be used to acquire the property known as the Bates Bridge river access.

Once the purchase is finalized, ownership of the parcel will transfer to Teton County. 55 acres will be protected through a conservation easement with the Teton Regional Land Trust. The rest of the property will be designated for recreational use by the public.

Located 4 miles west of Driggs, the Bates property has become the most popular access point to the Teton River. Even so, it has been located on private property that came up for sale last year.

The public access site will be located on the north side of the road and include an improved boat ramp, increased parking, a restroom facility, informational kiosks, and spaces for picnicking and day-use of the area.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department has secured a $50,000 grant to be used for site improvements that will begin next spring.