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 park’s 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 park’s 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 providing funding for this program because the west banks of the Snake River at Moose has retreated as much as five feet over the last six years in response to 1997 flood conditions. Undercutting of the bank is ongoing, evidenced by several trees that have recently toppled into the river. Park managers have temporally implanted unattractive riprap to help reduce bank erosion in this reach of the Snake River until more permanent restoration programs can be executed. This project will utilize state-of-the-art bioengineering techniques to restore riparian vegetation, thereby restoring fish habitat to this area. In addition, this project will serve as a demonstration project of stream bank restoration techniques. To spread word about this project and generate involvement The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in cooperation with the local conservation districts, will sponsor a “riparian ecology and restoration” outreach workshop in Moose, WY.

Project Status:

A stream bank restoration workshop was held in the Grand Teton National Park from September 30- October 1, 2003 where eighteen participants attended. An additional workshop is planned in conjunction with the actual restoration work, anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2004. This project has been delayed slightly due to constraints of water levels and contractor availability.