Purchase of state land within Grand Teton National Park finalized
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Governor Matt Mead have announced the purchase and permanent protection of a 640-acre parcel of Wyoming School Trust Land located within Grand Teton National Park.
The $46 million purchase price was split equally between the Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund and non-federal partners. The private partners included the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and National Park Foundation.
The property was one of two remaining tracts of school trust lands that were granted to Wyoming by the federal government upon statehood in 1890. It was later included within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park when it was established in 1950.
“Today we’re celebrating the foresight and generosity of many partners who stepped forward to protect these incredible lands within Grand Teton National Park for future generations,” said Secretary Jewell. “This important area is no longer vulnerable to development, thanks to Governor Mead, the support of many donors through the National Park Foundation and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, and the highly successful Land and Water Conservation Fund.”
Biologists said the lands are integral to the park and highly valued for their scenic and resource values. They provide key habitat for elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, deer, grizzly bears, wolves, sage grouse, and other wildlife.
“Its sale provides Wyoming a greater return on the land and allows the people of Wyoming and visitors from elsewhere greater opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the Park,” said Governor Mead. “I thank the donors, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the National Park Service for their efforts.”
National Park Foundation President Will Shafroth called the deal a great victory for the park and all those who love it. “The acquisition of Antelope Flats accomplishes a longstanding goal of the National Park Service by ensuring that this land will forever provide habitat for antelope, elk, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears as well as preserving the outstanding vistas of the Tetons for future visitors to enjoy,” said Shafroth.
Wyoming has a constitutional obligation to earn income from its state school lands, even those within Grand Teton National Park, which left them vulnerable to sale at auction and potential commercial development. Under Wyoming state law, the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners was authorized to put the parcels up for public auction if they were not conveyed by December 31, 2016.
Under terms of an agreement reached in 2010, the Department of Interior purchased the 86-acre Snake River parcel from the state of Wyoming in 2012.
The Kelly/Gros Ventre parcel is the last Wyoming school trust land still remaining within Grand Teton National Park.
