Project Overview

Grand Teton National Park was established to protect the area’s native plant and animal life and its spectacular scenic values, as characterized by the geologic features of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. The parks’ Strategic Plan highlights the significance of the Snake River as habitat for cutthroat trout and as a recreational resource, along with the abundant mammal, plant and bird species that reside in the park. The parks 1997 Snake River Management Plan emphasizes the desire to maintain the river’s natural character in order to protect wildlife and scenic values.

The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation – National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Conservation Partnership Program is funding this project to continue the restoration work that was begun in 1984. Prior to the dedication of Grand Teton National Park a fish hatchery was constructed and dams were erected nearby to provide rearing ponds for the introduced fish. Later the hatchery was abandoned and the dams were left unattended and began to buildup silt in the river. In 1984 the park and Wyoming Game and Fish Department removed three of the dam structures, excavated sediment and exposed gravels to a limited extend. The funding provided will continue the started restoration work and will focus on removing the remaining dam structures and accumulated sediments, narrowing the channel to its historic width, excavation of natural gravels or placement of commercial washed gravels where natural gravels cannot be reclaimed, and placemen of overhead cover (trees) for protection of spawning fish and escape cover for fry.

Project Status:

Habitat restoration and enhancement at Bar BC Spring for cutthroat trout habitat has been completed.