REPORT ON WILD AND SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS
ON THE BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST, WYOMING
FEBRUARY 2021
Charles Wolf Drimal Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Waters Conservation Coordinator
Teddy Collins Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Field Technician
Orion Hatch Snake River Fund, Field Technician
© 2021 Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Snake River Fund, American Rivers, The Pew Charitable Trusts Cover photo by Charles Wolf Drimal: Lake Creek of the South Buffalo Fork, Snake River Watershed
2 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Streams Determined to Meet Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Criteria (Table)………………………………………..7
Outstandingly Remarkable Values & Abbreviations (Table)……………………………………………………………………..7
Coantag Creek – Bear River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………8
Hobble Creek – Bear River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Poker Creek – Bear River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Salt Creek– Bear River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………………9
Smiths Fork – Bear River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………………9
Bare Creek – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Big Sandy River – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………10
Boulder Creek (3) – Green River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………..10
Clear Creek (4) – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………….11
Fish Creek (3) – Green River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………11
Fontenelle Creek – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………12
Fremont Creek – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………….12
Hams Fork – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………………13
Lake Creek (6) – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………..13
New Fork River – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………13
North Cottonwood Creek – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………….14
North Fork Boulder Creek – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………14
North Horse Creek – Green River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………15
North Piney Creek – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………….15
Porcupine Creek (3) – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………….16
Slide Creek (1) – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………….16
South Cottonwood Creek – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………17
South LaBarge Creek – Green River Watershed………………………………………………………………………..17
South Piney Creek – Green River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………….18
3 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest West Fork Hams Fork – Green River Watershed……………………………………………………………………….18
Arizona Creek – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………18
Cache Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………19
Corral Creek (2) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………19
Cottonwood Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………….20
Dell Creek (2) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………….20
Enos Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………..21
Fall Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………….21
Fish Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………….22
Flat Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………….22
Game Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………22
Goosewing Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………23
Jack Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………………23
Lake Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………23
Lost Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………24
Murphy Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………..24
North Fork Fall Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………..25
North Fork Fish Creek (1) – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………….25
North Fork Spread Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………..26
North Three Forks Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………..26
Pilgrim Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………….27
Sheep Creek (4) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………27
Shoal Creek – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………………….28
Slate Creek – Snake River Watershed………………………………………………………………………………………..28
South Fork Fish Creek – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………….29
South Fork Hoback River – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………..29
South Fork Spread Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………..29
Spread Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………….30
Strawberry Creek (2) – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………30
4 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest West Bailey Creek – Snake River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………..31
West Dell Creek – Snake River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………………31
Pass Creek – Yellowstone River Watershed……………………………………………………………………………….32
Silvertip Creek- Yellowstone River Watershed…………………………………………………………………………..32
About Wild and Scenic Rivers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………33
Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………34
Maps……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..39
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Overview (Bridger-Teton NF)………………….……39
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Overview (Public Lands & Reservation)……….40
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Overview (Designated Wilderness)……………..41
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Overview (North)………………………………………..42
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Overview (South)………………………………………..43
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Native Cutthroat Trout……………………………….44
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Climate Refugia…………………………………………..45
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Elk Migrations…………………………………………….46
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Mule Deer Migrations…………………………………47
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Moose Migrations………………………………………48
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Path of the Pronghorn………………………………..49
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Grizzly Bear Priority Habitat………………………..50
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations – Wolverine Sightings…………………………………….51
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….52
Appendix A. Cultural ORVs of Smiths Fork and Hams Fork……………………………………………………………………..54
Appendix B. Blog Post July 11, 2020……………………………………………………………………………………………………….55
Appendix C. Blog Post August 11, 2020………………………………………………………………………………………………….56
Appendix D. Blog Post October 8, 2020………………………………………………………………………………………………….57
Appendix E: Blog Post October 15, 2020………………………………………………………………………………………………..58
Appendix F: Wild & Scenic Rivers Eligibility Analysis Data Sheet…………………………………………………………….59
5 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Acknowledgement
The rivers and creeks of the Bridger-Teton National Forest have been home to indigenous people for over 10,000 years. In the most recent millennium, over a dozen tribes have considered these waters part of their traditional homelands. This includes, but is not limited to, several tribes of Shoshone, Bannock, Lemhi, Niitsitapi/Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Salish, Apsaalooke/Crow and Arapaho. We are indebted to indigenous peoples’ stewardship of these streams.
Introduction
The following report contains determinations by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Snake River Fund, American Rivers and The Pew Charitable Trusts for new eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Bridger- Teton National Forest. This project was developed and managed by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC), with technical support from the Snake River Fund (SRF), and with financial support and insight from American Rivers and The Pew Charitable Trusts. The report was generated through a combination of field data collection by Greater Yellowstone Coalition and Snake River Fund employees, Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis, interviews with outfitters, biologists and tribal members, peer reviewed literature, scientific papers, ecological and climate models, and wildlife and fisheries data.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest spans 3.5 million acres in northwest Wyoming, covering much of the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These lands host a diverse assemblage of species and ecoregions, along with thousands of miles of wild rivers and cold, clean water. This expansive national forest includes remote alpine basins, healthy riparian areas, world renown ungulate migrations, four subspecies of native cutthroat trout (Bonneville, Colorado, Snake River, Yellowstone), sensitive mammalian species such as grizzly bear and wolverine, and historically significant traditional homelands to more than a dozen Native American tribes.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has 783 named streams across six ranger districts. Every ranger district of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is located within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) of northwest Wyoming. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and Snake River Fund reviewed all 783 streams and chose to conduct a field inventory and analysis of 133 streams in the summer and fall of 2020. The Bridger-Teton National Forest already manages 15 designated Wild and Scenic Rivers covering 327.65 miles and 25 eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers covering 411 miles. Our organizations determined 57 additional streams on the Bridger-Teton National Forest meet established criteria for Wild and Scenic River eligibility. These 57 streams account for 639.91 miles.
The purpose of generating this report is to combine in-depth, on-the-ground, field analysis with interviews, scientific literature, data and models to provide the most comprehensive determination of eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Through extensive field analysis, our survey technicians experienced firsthand the immense diversity of streams within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This national forest’s vast expanse of rivers and creeks is filled with unique ecological features and remote beauty. Iconic mountain ranges play host to vibrant riparian habitat and incredible scenery. Future conservation for these streams is paramount in a region experiencing unprecedented change, population growth, recreation growth and resource use. The 57 streams in this report deserve the highest form of administrative protection, and inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System would safeguard their future.
6 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Streams Determined To Meet Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Criteria
Our organizations determined that 57 additional streams on the Bridger-Teton National Forest meet Wild and Scenic River eligibility criteria. These 57 streams account for 639.91 miles and are named below.
Name (FS Number) ORV Watershed Name (FS Number) ORV Watershed Coantag Creek F, CR Bear Dell Creek (2) W, S, F Snake Hobble Creek F, CR Bear Enos Creek W, S, F Snake Poker Creek F, G Bear Fall Creek W, R Snake Salt Creek F Bear Fish Creek (1) W, CR, F Snake Smiths Fork F, CR, HC Bear Flat Creek (1) W, S Snake Bare Creek F, HC Green Game Creek W, R Snake Big Sandy River CR, S, R Green Goosewing Creek W, G, R Snake Boulder Creek (3) CR, G, S Green Jack Creek R, S, W Snake Clear Creek (4) W, CR, G, S Green Lake Creek (1) W, CR, S Snake Fish Creek (3) F, W Green Lost Creek (1) W, CR, S, R Snake Fontenelle Creek R, S Green Murphy Creek W, S, R Snake Fremont Creek CR, S, G, R Green North Fork Fall Creek W, R Snake Hams Fork W, HC Green North Fork Fish Creek (1) W, CR, F Snake Lake Creek (6) CR, S Green North Fork Spread Creek W, CR, F Snake New Fork River G, R, S Green North Three Forks Creek W, CR, S Snake North Cottonwood Creek F, W, HC Green Pilgrim Creek W, CR Snake North Fork Boulder Creek CR, S Green Sheep Creek (4) W, CR, S Snake North Horse Creek R, F, HC Green Shoal Creek S, R, F Snake North Piney Creek F, W Green Slate Creek W, CR, G Snake Porcupine Creek (3) CR, W, S, R Green South Fork Fish Creek W, CR, F Snake Slide Creek (1) CR, S, G Green South Fork Hoback River CR, F Snake South Cottonwood Creek F, R, S, HC Green South Fork Spread Creek W, F Snake South LaBarge Creek F, HC Green Spread Creek W, S, F Snake South Piney Creek HC, W, R Green Strawberry Creek (2) S, W, R Snake West Fork Hams Fork G, W Green West Bailey Creek F Snake Arizona Creek W Snake West Dell Creek CR, S, F Snake Cache Creek W, R Snake Pass Creek W, CR, F Yellowstone Corral Creek (2) W, CR, HC Snake Silvertip Creek W, CR, F Yellowstone Cottonwood Creek (1) W, CR, R Snake
Outstandingly Remarkable Value ORV Abbreviation
Climate Refugia CR
Fisheries F
Geology G
Historical & Cultural HC
Recreation R
Scenery S
Wildlife & Ecological W
7 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Coantag Creek FOREST SERVICE # RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV DISTRICT 246/247/248 Kemmerer Bear River 13.095591 F, CR
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Bear River cutthroat trout population within Coantag Creek.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Coantag Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Segment: Headwaters to Hobble Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
Hobble Creek FOREST SERVICE # RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV DISTRICT 596 Kemmerer Bear River 18.851643 F, CR
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Bear River cutthroat trout population within Hobble Creek.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Hobble Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Poker Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1095 Kemmerer Bear River 4.576773 F, G
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Bear River cutthroat trout population within Poker Creek. Lake Alice supports the only lake-strain Bear River Cutthroat population in their range.
Geology: Lake Alice was formed by a large landslide thousands of years ago. The lake reaches depths of 200 feet and is three miles in length. The trail to Lake Alice follows the massive debris pile, allowing forest users the chance to observe this geologic wonder.
Segment: Headwaters to Lake Alice.
Classification: Wild
8 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Salt Creek FOREST SERVICE # RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV DISTRICT 1195/1196/1197 Kemmerer Bear River 7.181374 F
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Bear River cutthroat trout population within Salt Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Smiths Fork River FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1272/1273/1274 Kemmerer Bear River 16.09113 F, CR, HC
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Bear River cutthroat trout population within the Smiths Fork.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Smiths Fork River will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Historical/Cultural: Smiths Fork was frequently utilized by fur trappers and Native Americans during the trapping era. Osborne Russell notes 500 lodges (tipis) of Shoshone, Bannock, Nez Perce and Flathead here in one day.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Bare Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 44/45 Big Piney Green River 5.763282 F, HC
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat within Bare Creek.
Historical/Cultural: During the tie hack era, a surge dam was constructed in Bare Creek. After accumulating railroad ties and water, the dam would be released sending the ties to South Cottonwood Creek and eventually the Green River.
Segment: Headwaters to South Cottonwood Creek confluence.
Classification: Scenic
9 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Big Sandy River FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 76/77/78 Pinedale Green River 14.204545 CR, S, R
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Big Sandy River will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: The Big Sandy River drainage offers recreators incredible views of the high peaks of the Wind River Range.
Recreation: The Big Sandy River drainage is home to one of the most popular trails in the Wind River Range. It is heavily trafficked by climbers, backpackers and anglers.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
Boulder Creek (3) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1645/118/1646 Pinedale Green River 12.633016 CR, G, S
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Boulder Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Geology: Boulder Creek winds through quintessential Wind River granite formations.
Scenery: Those walking or horse packing though the Boulder Creek drainage are greeted with views of calm, clear, and deep stretches of water positioned between dramatic cascades of water over Wind River granite. Boulder Canyon itself is host to exceptional views of glacially affected granite formations.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
10 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Clear Creek (4) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 235/1629 Pinedale Green River 8.151214 W, CR, G, S
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Clear Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and bighorn sheep.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Clear Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Geology: The Clear Creek Natural Bridge is formed by water undercutting and penetrating a resistant wall of limestone rock in the Clear Creek Canyon. The upstream opening is approximately 40 feet wide by 15 feet high and the downstream exit is approximately 20 feet wide by 4 feet. This is a textbook geologic formation showing the power of preferential weathering.
Scenery: The Clear Creek drainage offers exemplary views of the Northern Winds. The Natural Land Bridge is a highly popular destination for photographers and sightseers.
Segment: Headwaters to Green River confluence.
Classification: Wild
Fish Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 498/499/500 Big Piney Green River 8.965426 F, W
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat within Fish Creek.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Fish Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
11 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Fontenelle Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 519/520 Kemmerer Green River 22.376056 R, S
Recreation: Fontenelle Creek drains southeast from the Commissary Ridge region of the southern Wyoming Range. Numerous trails along the creek provide access to this high alpine environment for hikers, motorized users, hunters and horseback riders.
Scenery: The picturesque alpine bowls, lush riparian corridors and unique geology of the Commissary Ridge region are highly visible and accessible from Fontenelle Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
Fremont Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 528/529/530 Pinedale Green River 14.69523 CR, S, G, R
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Fremont Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: Fremont Creek offers outstanding vistas and incredible views of the Pine Creek Drainage and Long Lake.
Geology: Exemplary views of Wind River granite formations and abundant evidence of glacial activity.
Recreation: Fremont Creek is a popular destination for backpackers, horse packers, fishermen and is often used as an access route for hikers in the Wind River Range.
Segment: Headwaters to Bridger Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
12 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Hams Fork FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 570/571 Kemmerer Green River 15.731256 W, HC
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Hams Fork drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose.
Historical/Cultural: The Elk Creek Ranger Station was built in 1914 on the bank of the Hams Fork. Rangers used this structure as they managed livestock numbers, timber cutting and forest fires during the early 1900’s.The Hams Fork was frequently visited and utilized by fur trappers and Native American tribes alike during the fur trapping era. Osborne Russell notes 500 lodges (tipis) of Shoshone, Bannock, Nez Perce and Flathead here in one day. In the early 1900’s significant tie hack operations took place in the Hams Fork drainage along with the production of mine props for the coal mines in Kemmerer, WY.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Lake Creek (6) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 693/694 Pinedale Green River 16.68734 CR, S
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Lake Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: The views of the Wind River Range, unique lacustrine estuary and fine-sand littoral zone on the northern end of Willow Lake are visual treats for recreators in the Lake Creek drainage.
Segment: Headwaters to Willow Lake.
Classification: Wild
New Fork River FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 693/694 Pinedale Green River 14.206794 G, R, S
Geology: The New Fork River drainage contains exemplary views of Wind River granite and extensive glacial activity.
Recreation: The New Fork Trailhead is a popular destination for backpacking, horse packing, and fishing.
Scenery: A stroll up the drainage yields outstanding views of the New Fork canyon and Wind River Range.
Segment: Headwaters to New Fork Lake
Classification: Wild
13 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest North Cottonwood Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 946/947 Big Piney Green River 11.290043 F, W, HC
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Colorado River cutthroat trout population within North Cottonwood Creek. Survey technicians successfully caught and released these beautiful trout in the prime holding water and riparian habitat.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the North Cottonwood Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Historical/Cultural: North Cottonwood Creek was home to Johnson City, a tie hack village in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Significant logging operations took place to produce railroad ties and mine props during this time period.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
North Fork Boulder Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 953/954 Pinedale Green River 12.698794 CR, S
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, North Fork Boulder Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: North Fork Boulder Creek hosts many lakes as it meanders through the granite of the Wind River Range. Ethel Lake and the waterfall at the outlet are exceptionally gorgeous.
Segment: Headwaters to Boulder Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
14 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest North Horse Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1005/1006 Big Piney Green River 20.703147 R, F, HC
Recreation: Renowned hunting for elk and mule deer is found in the headwaters of North Horse Creek, with hunting camps and outfitters present in the drainage. Anglers can pursue native Colorado River cutthroat trout as part of the Wyoming Cutt-Slam initiative.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Colorado River cutthroat trout population within North Horse Creek.
Historical/Cultural: North Horse Creek was home to significant tie hack operations in the early 1900’s, with a small village constructed during the height of activity.
Segment: Headwaters to North Horse Creek TH.
Classification: Wild
North Piney Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1083 Big Piney Green River 6.800658 F, W
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a Colorado River cutthroat trout population within North Piney Creek.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the North Piney Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
15 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Porcupine Creek (3) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1114/1115/1116 Pinedale Green River 8.081435 CR, W, S, R
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Porcupine Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Porcupine Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Scenery: From Porcupine Falls, recreators who look north will be greeted with incredible views of the Green River floodplain above the Green River Lakes.
Recreation: The Porcupine Creek Drainage is a popular travel route for hikers travelling through the Wind River Range.
Segment: Headwaters to Green River confluence.
Classification: Wild
Slide Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1264/1265 Pinedale Green River 6.921015 CR, S, G
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Slide Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: Slide Creek Lake offers exemplary views of Lost Eagle Peak and Flat Top Mountain.
Geology: Slide Creek Falls is a unique geological experience. Water flows over a ¼ mile down a 40 degree slab of uplifted limestone. Just downstream of Slide Creek Lake, Fish Bowl Spring is an ethereal artesian spring that captures the imagination of countless hikers.
Segment: Headwaters to Clear Creek confluence
Classification: Wild
16 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest South Cottonwood Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1300/1301/1302 Big Piney Green River 12.267987 F, R, S, HC
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Colorado River cutthroat trout population within South Cottonwood Creek.
Recreational: South Cottonwood Creek is a popular camping destination and sees significant use during the fall hunting season. Anglers pursue Colorado River cutthroat trout in the prime fishing habitat along the riparian corridor.
Scenic: Outstanding views of the Wyoming Range are present along the drainage, with iconic peaks such as Triple Peak and Lander Peak highly dominating the skyline.
Historical/Cultural: Significant tie hack activity occurred in the South Cottonwood Creek drainage throughout the early 1900’s. Isolated cabins were constructed during this time period.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
South LaBarge Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1352 Kemmerer Green River 7.558678 F, HC
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Colorado River cutthroat trout population within South LaBarge Creek.
Historic: Constructed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Scaler Guard Station is a former ranger guard station that is now a restored cabin that can be reserved by forest users. The cabin is located on the bank of South LaBarge Creek.
A large tie hack village was constructed on the banks of South LaBarge Creek in 1937, where significant timber harvest operations occurred.
Segment: Headwaters to LaBarge Creek confluence.
Classification: Scenic
17 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest South Piney Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1353/1354 Big Piney Green River 14.95615 HC, W, R
Historical/Cultural: Numerous USFS signs along South Piney Creek depict the hardships and struggles of the Lander Cutoff Trail, a variation of the Oregon Trail that was used by thousands of emigrants in the late 1800’s.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the South Piney Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Recreation: The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail begins in Snyder Basin at the South Piney Creek Trailhead, traversing the Wyoming Range for 75 miles and finishing in the Hoback Canyon at Bryan Flats Trailhead.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
West Fork Hams Fork FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1543/1544/1545 Kemmerer Green River 16.25144 G, W
Geologic: Big Spring sends a surging cascade of water out of the ground and down sedimentary bands of rock, significantly contributing to the volume of water in West Fork Hams Fork. A picnic area and foot trail have been constructed for visitors to experience this unique geologic feature.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Jack Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose.
Segment: Headwaters to Hams Fork confluence.
Classification: Scenic
Arizona Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 18/19 Blackrock Snake River 8.985298 W
Wildlife: Arizona Creek is a well-known hotspot for grizzly activity within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. According to Craighead Institute models, Arizona Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. Arizona Creek falls within the IGBST’s Buffalo-Spread Creek Bear Management Unit. Ursine tracks litter the silty banks of the creek.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
18 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
Cache Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 188/189 Jackson Snake River 8.399097 W, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Cache Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and mule deer.
Recreation: Cache Creek Trail parallels Cache Creek and is an immensely popular and highly trafficked destination for hikers, runners, and bikers in Jackson Hole and the surrounding area.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Corral Creek (2) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 259/260/261 Greys River Snake River 7.812993 W, CR, HC
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Corral Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk. There are exquisite beaver complexes along Corral Creek.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Corral Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Historical/Cultural: Cazier Guard Station, originally named Corral Creek Cabin, was built in 1912 and sits near at the confluence of Corral Creek and the Greys River. In 1984 the site was renamed in honor of Sam Cazier, the first ranger on the old Wyoming National Forest to use an automobile for patrol.
Segment: Headwaters to Greys River confluence.
Classification: Wild
19 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Cottonwood Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 264 Jackson Snake River 18.491181 W, CR, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Cottonwood Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose and elk. Cottonwood Creek intersects with the Path of the Pronghorn.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Cottonwood Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Recreation: Just south of where Dog Creek and Sohare Creek meet Cottonwood Creek is a trailhead which provides access to the Upper Cottonwood drainage. This is a popular destination for hunters in the fall. The area also offers approximately 5 miles of trails open to OHV less than 50 inches wide.
Segment: Headwaters to Gros Ventre River confluence.
Classification: Scenic
Dell Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 341/342/343 Big Piney Snake River 15.829863 W, S, F
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Dell Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and moose.
Scenic: Astounding views of the dramatic southern Gros Ventre Range are present along Dell Creek.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Snake River cutthroat trout population in Dell Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
20 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Enos Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 461/462 Blackrock Snake River 4.450924 W, S, F
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, Enos Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. A sow grizzly and her cub were seen walking up the Enos Creek drainage during a field inventory in August 2020.
Scenery: Enos Creek flows through Enos Lake which is the largest body of water in the Teton Wilderness. Enos Lake offers exemplary views of the Southern Absarokas. Vegetation, bleached white by local geothermal activity, litters the shores of Enos Lake resulting in a striking visual experience.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within Enos Creek
Segment: Headwaters to Pacific Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
Fall Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 474 Jackson Snake River 10.399371 W, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Fall Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Recreation: This iconic drainage hosts challenging rapids and drops which attract experienced rafters and kayakers who are looking to dust off the cobwebs each spring.
Segment: North Fork Fall Creek and South Fork Fall Creek confluence to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
21 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Fish Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 493/494 Jackson Snake River 4.629405 W, CR, F
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Fish Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose and elk. Fish Creek intersects with the Path of the Pronghorn.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Fish Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within Fish Creek.
Segment: North Fork and South Fork Fish Creek confluence to Gros Ventre confluence.
Classification: Scenic
Flat Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 511/512/513 Jackson Snake River 6.66 W, S
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Flat Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Scenery: Flat Creek offers exceptional and unique views of the Teton Range to the west of the drainage. The headwaters of Flat Creek offer beautiful views of Gros Ventre Range.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
Game Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 533/534/535 Jackson Snake River 6.183284 W, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Game Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and moose.
Recreation: Game Creek Trail parallels Game Creek and is an immensely popular and highly trafficked destination for hikers, runners, and bikers in Jackson Hole and the surrounding area.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
22 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Goosewing Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 547 Jackson Snake River 7.3423 W, G, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Goosewing Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose.
Geology: The riparian corridor associated with Goosewing Creek offers exceptional examples of banded sedimentary rock characteristic of the Gros Ventre Range.
Recreation: Exceptional hunting opportunities draw numerous sportsmen from the region to the Goosewing drainage each fall.
Segment: Headwaters to Gros Ventre River confluence
Classification: Wild Jack Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 637/638/639 Big Piney Snake River 20.635383 R, S, W
Recreational: Jack Creek contains historic cabins and outfitter camps and is a world class area for big game hunting.
Scenic: Views of the dramatic Sawtooth and Tosi Peak are present.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Jack Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose. It is also a part of the Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration corridor.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS boundary.
Classification: Wild
Lake Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 681/682 Blackrock Snake River 6.215547 W, CR, S
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, Lake Creek has high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. It also falls within the IGBST’s Buffalo-Spread Creek Bear Management Unit.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Lake Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: While walking up Lake Creek from its confluence with the South Buffalo Fork, one is presented with jaw dropping views of Pendergraft Meadows and Pendergraft Peak of the Absarokas.
Segment: Headwaters to South Buffalo Confluence.
Classification: Wild
23 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Lost Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 792 Blackrock Snake River 8.64185 W, CR, S, R
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, Lost Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. It also falls within the IGBST’s Buffalo-Spread Creek Bear Management Unit.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Lost Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: The headwaters of Lost Creek begin on a high plateau in the Absaroka Range, where wildflowers, numerous species of mammals and beautiful scenery abound.
Recreation: Hunting outfitters out of Pendergraft meadows speak to the vitality of the ecosystem within the Lost Creek corridor. Outfitters claim to have harvested numerous elk from the Lost Creek drainage.
Segment: Headwaters to Lake Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
Murphy Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 926 Greys River Snake River 7.79611 W, S, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Murphy Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and moose. There are exquisite beaver complexes along Murphy Creek.
Scenery: Travelling up the Murphy Creek drainage, recreators are greeted with outstanding views of Prater Mountain of the Salt River Range.
Recreation: Murphy Creek is an immensely popular destination in the Salt River Range for camping and hunting. Backcountry skiing is popular in the headwaters on the flanks of Prater and Poudre Mountains. There is heavy ATV use along the road which parallels Murphy Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to Greys River confluence.
Classification: Scenic
24 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest North Fork Fall Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 967 Jackson Snake River 6.032463 W, R
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the North Fork Fall Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk. Numerous herds of elk were observed in the headwater basins during the fall hunting season.
Recreation: The North Fork Fall Creek drainage hosts rich and oft- used hunting grounds in the fall. All summer, North Fork Fall Creek provides popular camping grounds for locals and regional visitors.
Segment: Headwaters to South Fork Fall Creek confluence.
Classification: Scenic
North Fork Fish Creek (1) FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 968/969 Jackson Snake River 20.290078 W, CR, F
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the North Fork Fish Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose and elk.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, North Fork Fish Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within North Fork Fish Creek
Segment: Headwaters to Fish Creek confluence
Classification: Wild
25 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest North Fork Spread Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 995/996/997 Blackrock Snake River 12.883653 W, CR, F
Wildlife: The North Fork Spread Creek drainage is exceptional grizzly bear habitat and falls within the IGBST’s Buffalo-Spread Creek Bear Management Unit. According to Craighead Institute models, North Fork Spread Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, North Fork Spread Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within North Fork Spread Creek
Segment: Headwaters to South Fork Spread Creek confluence
Classification: Scenic
North Three Forks Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1008/1009/1010 Greys River Snake River 5.184988 W, CR, S
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the North Three Forks Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, North Three Forks Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: The headwaters of North Three Forks Creek are home to Lake Barstow which, on its eastern terminus, hosts a beautiful waterfall.
Segment: Headwaters to Greys River confluence.
Classification: Wild
26 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Pilgrim Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1065 Blackrock Snake River 11.901683 W, CR
Wildlife: The Pilgrim Creek drainage provides exceptional habitat for grizzly bears. World renowned nature and wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen has documented the life of the infamous grizzly 399 and her progeny in his 2015 publication Grizzlies of Pilgrim Creek, An Intimate Portrait of 399; The Most Famous Bear of Greater Yellowstone. Furthermore, it falls within the IGBST’s Buffalo-Spread Creek Bear Management Unit.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Pilgrim Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Segment: Headwaters to USFS Boundary
Classification: Wild
Sheep Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1237/1238 Greys River Snake River 11.73664 W, CR, S
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Sheep Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for elk and moose.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Sheep Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenery: Sheep Creek is host to several dramatic and captivating falls.
Recreation: The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail parallels Sheep Creek for nearly 5 miles from its headwaters to McDougal Gap.
Segment: Headwaters to Greys River confluence.
Classification: Wild
27 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Shoal Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1601 Big Piney Snake River 9.145401 S, R, F
Scenic: Exemplary views of the Southern Gros Ventre Range abound along the Shoal Creek drainage.
Recreation: Renowned hunting opportunities exist for big game species such as mule deer and elk, with established outfitter camps present along Shoal Creek. Hikers and horse packers may access Shoal Creek Falls, a geologic wonder that is within a section of Shoal Creek already designated as Wild. Excellent fishing is found in the meadow sections of Shoal Creek below Shoal Creek falls.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Snake River cutthroat trout population in Shoal Creek.
Segment: Teton/Sublette County Line to Hoback River confluence.
Classification: Wild
Slate Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 959/960/961 Jackson Snake River 3.814546 W, CR, G
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Slate Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose, elk and bighorn sheep. Slate Creek intersects with the Path of the Pronghorn.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Slate Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Geology: Slate Creek offers several dramatic views where water cascades down picturesque slate outcroppings.
Segment: Dallas Fork and Carmichael Fork confluence to Gros Ventre River confluence.
Classification: Wild
28 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest South Fork Fish Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1320/1321/1322 Jackson Snake River 31.664053 W, CR, F
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the South Fork Fish Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose and elk.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, South Fork Fish Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within South Fork Fish Creek
Segment: Headwaters to Fish Creek confluence
Classification: Wild
South Fork Hoback River FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1329/1330 Big Piney Snake River 7.172209 CR, R
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, South Fork Hoback River will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Recreational: Motorized use, hiking and horse packing opportunities exist along the trail systems of the South Fork Hoback. These trails and access points lie adjacent to the upper Hoback River, which is currently an eligible Wild and Scenic River.
Segment: Headwaters to Hoback River confluence.
Classification: Wild
South Fork Spread Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1346/1347 Blackrock Snake River 14.945195 W, F
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, South Fork Spread Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat.
Fisheries: Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a robust population of native cutthroat trout in South Fork Spread Creek.
Segment: Headwater to North Fork Spread Creek confluence.
Classification: Scenic
29 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Spread Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1371/1372 Blackrock Snake River 13.1 W, S, F
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Spread Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose and elk.
Scenery: Spread Creek hosts a stunning riparian corridor that boasts beautiful and unique views of the northernmost Tetons.
Fisheries: In 2010 a dam prohibiting travel of native potamodromous trout was removed from Spread Creek. The dam removal reconnected 60+ miles of stream for fish migration. Since, Spread Creek has been an important and productive fishery for the region. Spread Creek is host to exceptional holding waters for native trout.
Segment: Confluence of North and South Fork Spread Creek to USFS boundary.
Classification: Scenic
Strawberry Creek FOREST SERVICE # RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV DISTRICT 1437, 1438, 1439, 1440 Greys River Snake River 7.0615 S, W, R
Scenery: Once leaving the trailhead, visitors to the Strawberry Creek drainage are met with breathtaking views of the high peaks of the Salt River Range.
Wildlife: Wyoming Migration Initiative classifies the Strawberry Creek drainage as winter range and crucial habitat for moose.
Recreation: The Strawberry Creek drainage is a revered destination for backcountry skiing and other forms of winter recreation. Iconic peaks such as Haystack Peak and Virginia Peak are accessed from the drainage.
Segment: Headwaters to Diversion Dam.
Classification: Wild
30 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
West Bailey Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1533 Greys River Snake River 4.966606 F
Fisheries: Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Snake River cutthroat trout population in West Bailey Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to Bailey Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
West Dell Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1535/1536 Big Piney Snake River 8.890505 CR, S, F
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, West Dell Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Scenic: Impressive views of the southern Gros Ventre Mountains are present from the West Dell Creek drainage. The headwaters of West Dell Creek start on the flanks of Doubletop Peak, the highest peak in the Gros Ventre.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified a native Snake River cutthroat trout population in West Dell Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to Dell Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
31 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
Pass Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1052 Blackrock Yellowstone River 11.21874 W, CR, F
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, Pass Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. It falls within the IGBST’s Thorofare Bear Management Unit. It is an important migratory path for the Cody elk herd.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Pass Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within Pass Creek
Segment: Headwaters to Thorofare Creek confluence
Classification: Wild
Silvertip Creek FOREST SERVICE RANGER WATERSHED MILEAGE ORV # DISTRICT 1252 Blackrock Yellowstone River 6.367075 W, CR, F
Wildlife: According to Craighead Institute models, Silvertip Creek has a high rating for grizzly bear core habitat. It falls within the IGBST’s Thorofare Bear Management Unit. It is an important migratory path for the Cody elk herd.
Climate Refugia: Based on Isaak et al.’s Climate Shield spatial data, Silvertip Creek will serve as a cold water refuge in 2040 for temperature sensitive species of native trout.
Fisheries: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has identified Snake River cutthroat trout habitat within Silvertip Creek.
Segment: Headwaters to Open Creek confluence.
Classification: Wild
32 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest About Wild and Scenic Rivers
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The law defines a river as a flowing body of water or estuary, or a section, portion, or tributary thereof, including rivers, streams, creeks, runs, kills, rills, and small lakes.
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Congress declares that the established national policy of dams and other construction at appropriate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be complemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or sections thereof in their free-flowing condition to protect the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes.
(Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968)
The Wild and Scenic River Act dictates that each river in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System be administered in a manner to protect and enhance a river’s outstandingly remarkable values. The Act allows existing uses of a river to continue and future uses to be considered, so long as existing or proposed use does not conflict with protecting river values. The Act also directs building partnerships among landowners, river users, tribal nations, and all levels of government.
The Act is best known for protecting the free-flowing character of a river or creek. To this end, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which licenses non-federal hydropower projects, is not allowed to license construction of dams, water conduits, reservoirs, powerhouses, transmission lines, or other project works on or directly affecting Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Although streams may only be designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers through acts of Congress, all eligible segments must be managed in the interim to preserve the free-flowing nature and protect the Outstandingly Remarkable Values that have been determined.
To be considered Eligible, a stream must be free-flowing and possesses one or more outstandingly remarkable value. If found eligible, a preliminary classification determination is made based on the level of development and placed into one of three classes:
• Wild Rivers – rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted.
• Scenic Rivers – rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds largely primitive and undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.
• Recreational Rivers –rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some limited impoundment or diversion in the past.
33 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Methodology
Assessing streams in the Bridger-Teton National Forest consisted of in-field documentation, third party data and model analysis, and conducting qualitative interviews with professional and recreational users of the National Forest, as well as conducting interviews with members of tribes who regard the land and waters of the Bridger-Teton National Forest a part of their traditional homelands.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) provided training to two field technicians which covered the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Chapter 80 of the Forest Service Handbook on Wild and Scenic eligibility analysis, a primer on approaches to field data collection, a backcountry safety protocol, and a primer on backcountry travel and camping – particularly relevant to traveling in grizzly bear country. Inventory and documentation of streams was done primarily on foot and, where appropriate, by vehicle. Potentially eligible river segments were documented using geo-referenced digital photography.
It is important to note the personal experience of the field technicians prior to their involvement with the Wild and Scenic Rivers eligibility analysis. Avid forest users and devoted hikers, boaters, backcountry skiers, fishermen and hunters, these technicians approached the inventory process with a wealth of accumulated experiences and a genuine appreciation for the resource. Their devotion to conservation of the BTNF is evident through the thorough and efficient field inventory process. What is more, the project manager spent a decade guiding wilderness trips and exploring many of these watersheds on foot.
Field inventory and documentation was complemented by: Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis; analysis of spatial data, ecologic and climatic models from federal agencies and non- governmental organizations (NGOs); and interviews with tribal members, biologists, anthropologists, and recreation specialists.
Scoping of Streams
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has 783 named streams across six ranger districts. Since it was not realistic for our two technicians to personally field inventory all 783 streams in a single field season (summer through fall 2020), our team chose to generate an initial list of priority streams to inventory and analyze based on three general principles: a minimum length of at least five miles, or; containing an already-known potential outstandingly remarkable value, or; connected to existing eligible or designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. While five miles may be an arbitrary number, it represents a length that likely begins to measure opportunities for “outstandingly remarkable values” on the national forest. However, given the fact that a stream’s length should not dictate eligibility for Wild and Scenic Rivers, our team also kept an open mind to a field inventory of small creeks that have a local or regional reputation for containing specific values related to heritage, geology, wildlife, fish, recreation and scenery. Such examples include Enos Creek and Slate Creek. All total, our team conducted field inventories and/or Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis on 133 streams within the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Data Table Creation
Field data collection was organized into a 24 point data spreadsheet (see appendix) to assess the conditions and outstanding attributes of each creek surveyed on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The framework of the spreadsheet reflects the Forest Service Handbook 1909.12 Chapter 80. Chapter 80 describes a protocol for evaluating eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers on a National Forest.
34 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest The 24 point spreadsheet on eligible Wild and Scenic River analysis includes:
1. River Name - ex: Arizona Creek 2. FS Number - Number assigned by the forest service. Numbers are roughly in alphabetical order for waters across the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 3. District Name - Ranger District - ex: Blackrock 4. Watershed Basin Name - ex: Snake River 5. Inventory Priority - ex: 1 or 2 6. Field Check Date - Date mm/dd/yyyy 7. Segment Checked - Begin/end point; hydrographic features; land ownership status; development FSH 82.6. 8. Free-Flowing - Status Condition "existing or flowing in a natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, riprapping, or other modifications" "existence of low dams, diversion works or other minor structures shall not bar consideration." FSH 82.71. 9. Potential ORV - ex. Fisheries, Wildlife, Recreational, Geologic. 10. ORV Description - Located in river or corridor; contribute substantially to ecosystem function; river dependent; owes existence to river presence; if recreation - describe. FSH 82.73. 11. Climate Refuge 1 - Field: Aspect, gradient, topographical relief in channel/riparian corridor 12. Climate Refuge 2 - Climate Shield Cold Water Refuge for Native Trout (probability of 90-100% occurrence in 2040) 13. Region of Comparison - National/Regional FSH 82.73 14. Classification - Wild, Scenic, Recreation FSH 82.73 15. Water Resource Development - Impoundment, diversion, modification FSH 82.8 16. Shoreline Development - Primitive, undeveloped, small dispersed dwellings (agriculture), grazing, timber harvest FSH 82.8 17. Accessibility - Proximity of roads, bridges, railroads FSH 82.8 18. Water Quality - Any known baseline testing or reporting FSH 82.8 19. Tribal Consultation - Shoshone-Bannock, Eastern Shoshone FSH 81.1 20. NRI - Nationwide Rivers Inventory FSH 82.2 21. USGS 7.5 Minute Quad - Name of quad FSH 82.2 22. NGO Eligibility Determinations - Eligible or Ineligible 23. Segment - Stretch of water determined eligible 24. Explanation - Further justification for Wild and Scenic River eligibility determination
Wildlife - Grizzly Habitat - Craighead Institute
In 1975, only 136 grizzly bears roamed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). Habitat destruction, hunting, poaching, and human conflict are to blame for this precipitous decline in population. Thanks to conservation efforts, the estimated number of grizzly bears was 728 in 2019 using a population estimate model called Chao2. Efforts to reduce conflicts with people and preservation of existing habitat will be essential for restoring connectivity with traditional habitat outside of the GYE.
Protected riparian corridors provide excellent habitat for grizzly bears and the fish therein can often be an important part of a bear’s diet (Reinhart 1990). The Bridger-Teton has some of the best, most intact habitat left in the lower 48 states for grizzly bears (Pyare 2006). When delineating grizzly habitat as an ORV for a watershed, our team examined Craighead Institute GIS spatial modeling that focused on:
35 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest grizzly bear connectivity (rated from high to low movement costs); grizzly bear corridors (rated from high to low probability of connectivity); and grizzly bear predicted living/core habitat (rated from high to low value). When making determinations for a wildlife ORV pertinent to grizzly bear survival, our primary focus was on the High Value Predicted Core Habitat geodatabase raster dataset overlaid across creeks and rivers (shapefile) on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Wildlife - Grizzly Bear Habitat - InterAgency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST)
Bear Management Units (BMUs) are grizzly bear management areas that comprise the Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone (GBRZ) within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). BMUs were delineated by the Inter Agency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) to assist in managing habitat and monitoring population trends of the Yellowstone grizzly bear population. The GBRZ was divided into 18 distinct BMUs to help ensure that adequate habitat and numbers of grizzly bears are well distributed through the Yellowstone recovery zone. BMU areas approximate the average lifetime range of an adult female and reflect areas of biological relevance to grizzly bears in the GYE. Areas with consistent and concentrated use by one or more grizzly bears during one or more active seasons determined the core for most BMUs (IGBST 1988).
Because nearly all of the northern Bridger-Teton falls within at least one BMU, our field technicians only used BMUs to reinforce a wildlife ORV when bear-sign was seen in the field.
Wildlife - Ungulate Habitat – Wyoming Migration Initiative: Migration, Winter Range and Crucial Areas
The Wyoming Migration Initiative has archived migration data from numerous federal agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and NGOs. Technicians used reference data which delineates “Migratory Routes,” and “Winter Range and Crucial Areas” for native elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn.
Wildlife - Path of the Pronghorn
The Path of the Pronghorn is an ancient migratory route that connects pronghorn summer range in Grand Teton National Park with the animal’s winter range in Wyoming’s Green River Valley. The 200- mile migration route is the longest, and one of the most arduous, land migrations in the lower 48 (Berger 2014). The success of this impressive migration relies on the preservation of an intact ecosystem. We suggest that streams which intersected with the Path of the Pronghorn, particularly within the Gros Ventre River corridor, be considered for a Wildlife ORV.
Climate Refugia & Fisheries – Climate Shield Cold Water Refuge Streams for Native Trout
Isaak et al. published a GIS shapefile which delineates refugia for native cutthroat trout. In our analysis, we focused solely on streams which are predicted to have a 90-100 percent chance of harboring native trout with no population of invasive non-native trout by 2040. This modeling, however, only takes into account water temperatures. Field documentation allowed us to determine which cold-water refuge streams are also characterized by adequate holding water and habitat for native trout.
36 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Fisheries – Wyoming Game and Fish Department: Native Cutthroat Stream Populations
As part of their “Cutt-Slam” initiative, Wyoming Game and Fish Department published a GIS shapefile which delineates which streams in Wyoming harbor known populations of native trout including Bear River Cutthroat, Colorado River Cutthroat, Snake River Cutthroat, and Yellowstone Cutthroat. That shapefile was used to determine which waters within the Bridger Teton National Forest are currently home to native trout species.
Recreational
When determining whether a drainage was eligible for a Recreational ORV the technicians referenced the Bridger-Teton National Forest Wild & Scenic River Process Evaluation Criteria. This criteria states that a river is eligible for a Recreational ORV if:
Recreation opportunities are high quality and unique enough to attract visitors from outside the region of comparison.
The technicians used observation when in the field and conducted interviews with recreators (hunting outfitters, backpackers, fishermen, horse packers etc.) when appropriate. Much of the land in the Bridger-Teton National Forest attracts visitors from all over the world. Thus, the technicians focused on visitors who owed their visit directly to the drainage in question when suggesting a recreational ORV for a river.
Geologic
When determining whether a drainage was eligible for a Geologic ORV the technicians referenced the Bridger-Teton National Forest Wild & Scenic River Process Evaluation Criteria. This criteria states that a river is eligible for a Geologic ORV if:
The river or its corridor contains an example of a geologic or hydrologic feature, process or phenomenon that is rare or unique in the region, or an outstanding example of a commonly occurring feature.
The technicians referred to the Bridger-Teton National Forest website and recreational publications to pin-point areas of geologic wonder that are widely known (i.e. Fish Bowl Spring; Clear Creek Natural Bridge). Examples of “textbook” geologic features identified in the field were applied to drainages where appropriate.
Historical & Cultural
When determining whether a drainage was eligible for a Historical ORV the technicians referenced the Bridger-Teton National Forest Wild & Scenic River Process Evaluation Criteria. This criteria states that a river is eligible for a Historical ORV if:
The river, or area within the corridor, contains a site or sites where there is evidence of occupation or use by Native Americans, a significant historic event, important person, or rare cultural activity of the past.
37 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest The technicians consulted in-situ USFS historical signage, the History and Culture section of the Bridger- Teton National Forest website, and anthropologists to determine which drainages should be considered as eligible for a Historical ORV.
Many Native American tribes consider the lands of the Bridger-Teton National Forest part of their ancestral range. The Shoshone, Bannock, Sheep-Eater Shoshone and Eastern Shoshone Tribes maintain an exceptionally strong historical and spiritual connection to the land. Written accounts by literate trappers like Osborne Russell reveal that other tribes including the Blackfeet, Nez Perce, and Salish lived and traveled here, too. Qualitative interviews were conducted with members of the Shoshone-Bannock, experts in local Native American history, and forest anthropologists to determine which drainages might be eligible for a Cultural/Historical ORV based on native connections to the water. However, the exact location of archaeological sites within the forest is privileged information. Furthermore, many Native Americans are hesitant to share specificities about culturally and spiritually significant sites with people whom they have no rapport.
Scenic
When determining whether a drainage was eligible for a Scenic ORV the technicians referenced the Bridger-Teton National Forest Wild & Scenic River Process Evaluation Criteria. This criteria states that a river is eligible for a Scenic ORV if:
The landscape elements of landform, vegetation, water, color, and related factors result in notable or exemplary scenic features and/or attractions
The technicians focused on objectively stunning viewscapes which owed, partially or wholly, their majesty to the riparian corridor being documented. USGS maps and various other recreational publications were used to determine popular destinations for sightseeing or photography in and around watersheds (i.e. Photographers Point in the Bridger Wilderness).
38 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST
39 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WSR ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – ADJACENT PUBLIC & TRIBAL LANDS
40 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – WILDERNESS
41 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF (NORTH)
42 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF (SOUTH)
43 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – CUTTHROAT TROUT
44 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – CLIMATE REFUGIA
45 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – ELK MIGRATION
46 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – MULE DEER MIGRATION
47 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – MOOSE MIGRATION
48 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – PATH OF THE PRONGHORN
49 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – GRIZZLY BEAR PRIORITY HABITAT
50 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest WILD & SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS – BTNF – WOLVERINE DETECTIONS
51 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest References
Online Sources
Bridger-Teton National Forest-History and Culture
Bridger-Teton National Forest (2020). Retrieved 2020, from
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/btnf/learning/history-culture
Climate Shield Cold Water Refuge Streams for Native Trout
Isaak, D., M. Young, D. Nagel, D. Horan, M. Groce, and S. Parkes. 2017. Climate Shield bull trout and cutthroat trout population occurrence scenarios for the western U.S. Rocky Mountain Research Station, U.S. Forest Service Data Archive, Fort Collins, CO. DOI: pending. Retrieved 2020, from https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a64ca6b777f44633bb036b5bf eb9ad7d
Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST), 1988, Bear Management Units for the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear.
Path of the Pronghorn
Baker, Linda F. (2020) Path of the Pronghorn and the Wyoming Migration Corridor Protection Executive Order 2020. Retrieved 2020 from https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/36d0c1aa00e44fedab1ccdb1597271a8
Snake River Headwaters Home River Initiative Projects Trout Unlimited (2020). Story Map Series. Retrieved 2020, from https://trout.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=fcc6a78a58814f1dbd373a93 7c519232
Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Cutt-Slam Wyoming Game and Fish (2020). Cutt-slam. Retrieved 2020, from https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing- and-Boating/Cutt-Slam
Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Migrations https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/Migration/Corridor-Maps-and-Data
Wyoming Migration Initiative Wyoming Migration Initiative (2016). Data Viewer. Retrieved 2020, from https://migrationinitiative.org/dataviewer
52 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Printed Sources
Berger, J. and Cain, S.L. (2014), Moving Beyond Science to Protect a Mammalian Migration Corridor. Conservation Biology, 28: 1142-1150. doi:10.1111/cobi.12327
Kauffman, M.J., Copeland, H.E., Berg, J., Bergen, S., Cole, E., Cuzzocreo, M., Dewey, S., Fattebert, J., Gagnon, Gelzer, E., Geremia, C., Graves, T., Hersey, K., Hurley, M., Kaiser, J., Meacham, J., Merkle, J., Middleton, A., Nuñez, T., Oates, B., Olson, D., Olson, L., Sawyer, H., Schroeder, C., Sprague, S., Steingisser, A., Thonhoff, M., 2020, Ungulate migrations of the western United States, Volume 1: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5101, 119 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205101.
Pyare, S., Cain, S., Moody, D., Schwartz, C. and Berger, J. (2004), Carnivore re‐colonisation: reality, possibility and a non‐equilibrium century for grizzly bears in the southern Yellowstone ecosystem. Animal Conservation, 7: 71-77. doi:10.1017/S1367943003001203\
Reinhart, D.P. 1990. Grizzly bear habitat use on cutthroat trout spawning streams in tributaries of Yellowstone Lake. M.S. Thesis, Montana State Univ., Bozeman.
Russell, Osborne. 1965. Journal of a Trapper: Nine Years in the Rocky Mountains, 1834-1843. University of Nebraska Press.
Communications
Colter, Chad G., Director, Fish & Wildlife Department, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes; September 21, 2020.
Nelson, Mark, Official Custodian of Records, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wolverine data; November 13, 2020.
Peterson, Justin, Forest Fisheries Crew Lead & Focal Species Monitoring, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Cutthroat Trout data; November 9, 2020.
Smith, Carolyn Boyer, Shoshone Bannock cultural resources coordinator; September 17, 2020.
53 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Appendices
Appendix A. Cultural Outstandingly Remarkable Value of Smiths Fork of Bear River and Hams Fork of Green River indicating extensive use and rendezvous sites by many tribes (from Journal of a Trapper by Osborne Russell p.41)
54 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Appendix B. July 11, 2020 Blog Post by Orion Hatch, Snake River Fund technician
Summer in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a feast for the senses. Screeching hawks and the occasional whine from the wings of a curious mosquito punctuate the murmur of falling waters. Larkspur, geranium, and paintbrush spring from the ashes of fire scars. Strokes of color on a canvas of carbon black. I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand on end as my colleague and I realize we’re sharing a stretch of river corridor with a pack of resident gray wolves. And no drink tastes quite as sweet as the one from a mountain stream.
It is easy to lose oneself in this place. It is easy to forget that the United States has over 600,000 miles of impounded rivers, making the free-flowing waters of the Bridger-Teton National Forest one of the last vestiges of intact wilderness in the country. Throughout the Bridger-Teton, arteries of water breathe life into the forest. Gin-clear creeks harbor a robust, albeit vulnerable, population of native cutthroat trout. Silty river banks laden with ungulate, canine, and ursine tracks speak to the vitality of the ecosystem.
Humans, though seldom seen, are no strangers to these lands either. The native trout fisheries, game rich meadows, and the recreational paddling resources offered by the free-flowing waters of the forest draw countless visitors from across the globe. Ultimately, the recreational opportunities found in the Bridger-Teton serve as an irreplaceable economic engine for the region.
Our time in the forest has made it exceedingly clear that flowing waters are the tie that binds. To preserve the connectedness of these waters is to preserve the health of an entire community of organisms and protect an unparalleled recreational asset for present and future generations. With over 70 rivers left to inventory, I can’t help but feel we’re just scratching the surface of remarkable values. As the summer progresses, I look forward to exploring, more deeply, the cultural and historical significance of these waters to Indigenous communities and Euro-American settlers. We are fortunate to have the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, both as a designation tool and as an administrative approach to managing our most outstandingly remarkable streams.
Spread Creek, Absaroka Range, WY Photo by Orion Hatch
55 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Appendix C. August 11, 2020 Blog Post by Teddy Collins, Greater Yellowstone Coalition technician
“Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are. We are often like rivers: careless and forceful, timid and dangerous, lucid and muddied, eddying, gleaming, still.” Gretel Ehrlich, The Solace of Open Spaces
Standing on the divide between Big Twin Creek and Jack Creek in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, my colleague and I are met with breathtaking views of Tosi Peak, the southernmost prominence of the Gros Ventre Mountains in Wyoming. To the southeast, the vast granite expanse of the Wind River Range breaks the horizon line as dark clouds start to form over some of the highest peaks in the state. A matrix of elk, deer and moose tracks vastly outnumber our footprints, adding to the sense of remoteness we have felt since leaving the trailhead. The rich smell of riparian vegetation, indicative of summer in the mountains, creates a sensory overload as we relish our surroundings. Continuing down the trail, we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
It is often hard to comprehend and appreciate the hydrologic significance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The seemingly insignificant highpoint from which we stand marks the divide between two of our nation’s most iconic river systems, the Colorado and the Snake/Columbia. Jack and Big Twin Creeks, headwaters of these impressive river systems, both start their journey as trickles; meandering through willow-lined meadows and wetlands before joining larger tributaries. Just over Union Pass to our southeast, streams feed the Wind River, ultimately flowing into the mighty Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. Easy to cross and humble in appearance, these miniscule headwater drainages provide water for a plethora of species as well as development, industry and agriculture.
Our beloved river systems are only as healthy as their headwater streams. The importance of their protection is paramount as this region continues to develop and more stress is placed on water usage in the American West. Through Wild and Scenic River eligibility and future designation, streams such as Big Twin and Jack will keep their free-flowing qualities in perpetuity. While diversions, impoundments and streambank alterations are inevitable aspects of human development in parts of the west, it is comforting to know that the ecological integrity of some streams can remain intact with Wild and Scenic River protections. These profound locations are vital to our souls and the health of Greater Yellowstone.
Gros Ventre Headwaters, WY. Photo by Teddy Collins
56 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Appendix D. October 8, 2020 Blog Post by Teddy Collins, Greater Yellowstone Coalition technician
The cool, dark-timbered trail along Fontenelle Creek is a welcome respite from the blazing heat and smoky haze of September in Wyoming. As the trail steadily gains elevation, the dense stands of Douglas Fir give way to sparse patches of Aspen, having just begun their ephemeral fall color change. Reaching a highpoint on Commissary Ridge, I am met with a starkly contrasting view of the sagebrush steppe to the south and the high peaks of the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges to the north. Far below my vantage point, Fontenelle Creek abruptly leaves the mountains where its path began, the once swift mountain stream transitioning to serpentine bends on agricultural land. I am mesmerized by the juxtaposition of landscapes.
At 3.4 million acres, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is a vast expanse of land. Encompassing a significant portion of northwest Wyoming, the BTNF is a landscape of profound ecologic and geologic diversity. From the high plateaus of the Absaroka Range to the Wyoming Basin shrub steppe, the forest spans across ecoregions and iconic mountain ranges. The immense scope of landscapes within the BTNF are beloved by many, heavily utilized for recreation and livelihoods alike. The rivers and streams of the BTNF share this same diversity as the mountain ranges and valleys in which they reside, many of which are eligible for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
In order for a stream segment to be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation, it must be free flowing and possess one or more “Outstandingly Remarkable Value” (ORV). ORV’s include scenic, recreational, geologic, fisheries, wildlife, historic and cultural attributes that distinguish the stream segment on a regional or national level. These values represent the heart and soul of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, providing a dynamic framework for eligibility analysis. As the rapidly changing seasons represent the finite timeline of our field analysis of streams within the BTNF, it is astounding to look back on the broad scope of eligible drainages located within this magnificent national forest.
My coworker and I have observed the scenic and geologic wonders of the upper Green River drainage, where granite uplift has created dramatic tilted limestone formations along Slide Creek. We have watched as native Colorado River cutthroat trout feed delicately on mayflies in North Cottonwood Creek, and seen from afar the silent deliberation of a wolf pack crossing a gravel bar on Spread Creek. We have noted the immense recreational values of Big Sandy Creek, one of the most heavily utilized arteries into the high peaks of the Wind River Range. We have also noted the historical values of South Piney Creek in the Wyoming Range, where thousands of emigrants passed through in the late 1850’s along the Lander Cutoff Trail.
From my perch high above Fontenelle Creek, I am amazed that the same national forest where I stand spans to the southern border of Yellowstone National Park, roughly 120 miles to the north. The natural,
57 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest ecological, cultural, and economic significance of this immense landscape cannot be overstated, and the protection of stream systems through Wild and Scenic designation is one step in achieving future conservation victories. Long live the wild and unhindered waters of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Slide Creek, Wind River Range, WY Photo by Teddy Collins
Appendix E: October 15 blog Post by Orion Hatch, Snake River Fund technician
“Our land is more valuable than your money. It will last forever. It will not even perish by the flames of fire. As long as the sun shines and the waters flow, this land will be here to give life to men and animals.” Chief Crowfoot, Siksika (1825-1890)
North Fork Fish Creek. Photo by Orion Hatch
As the days of summer wane, the hum of cicadas has given way to early morning elk bugles. Parched vegetation crackles under my heels and frost coats the north facing slopes well into mid-morning. I am amazed how, even in the fall as the hills beg for moisture, nearly every drainage holds water. My time in the Bridger-Teton National Forest has deepened my respect for the divinity of this landscape and the waters that flow through it. It is no wonder that these lands are so sacred to our indigenous communities.
Time and again this summer, I’ve asked myself: what do we stand to lose if these rivers aren’t protected against development? Yes, these waters are crucial for maintaining our robust populations of charismatic mammals. Yes, the cold creeks that flow out of these mountains are irreplaceable refugia for native trout. But how does one quantify a spiritual and historical connection to an intact ecosystem? For
58 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest thousands of years, native tribes relied on the land and water of the Bridger-Teton National Forest for seasonal hunting and gathering grounds and their connection to these places persists today. Our nation’s obsession with harnessing the kinetic energy of rivers has drowned far too many sites of cultural significance. Tipi rings and camas roasting pits, seen a few feet below the surface of Jackson Lake, are a local testament to this erasure.
Enos Lake. The largest lake in the Teton Wilderness. Photo by Orion Hatch Fortunately, we have the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as an administrative tool to protect waters with Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs). These ORVs can vary widely from one geographic region to another. Some waters are host to amazing geological wonders or support crucial habitat for endemic wildlife, while others provide exceptional recreational opportunities for anglers or whitewater paddlers. Others still can be protected because of their cultural or historical significance.
The Bridger-Teton comprises the ancestral lands of many native tribes and it could be argued that all of the free-flowing streams therein are an infinitely important part of the spiritual connection those tribes have to the land. Over 4,000 miles of water support the migratory game and fisheries around which native peoples built their lives. To impound or divert water from even the most “insignificant” of free- flowing drainages would be to cut another root from the already wilting spiritual tree of our local tribes.
Despite the cultural and temporal chasm which separates our contemporary lives from those of American Indians, it is my hope that our society can continue to foster its own spiritual and cultural connection to these last vestiges of American wildness. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act gives us the opportunity to protect these free-flowing waters for the enjoyment of present and future generations of all people.
Appendix F: Report Wild & Scenic Rivers Eligibility Analysis Data Sheet (available electronically by request) Contact Charles Wolf Drimal, GYC Waters Conservation Coordinator – [email protected]
59 Report on Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determinations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest