SUMMER 2020 TETON OF THE STEWARDS NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER OF THE GRANDGRAND TETON NATIONAL NATIONAL PARK PARK FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

Photo: Andrew S. KELLY HAYFIELDS– AMBITIOUS RESTORATION EFFORT AIMS TO RE-WILD AREAS OF GRAND TETON ackson Hole’s early homesteaders settled in the area now known as Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park, partly because of the unusually deep topsoil there. Beginning in the late 1800s, they Jconverted large swaths of the local sagebrush grasslands to pasture and hay field grasses for agricultural use. These irrigated crops eventually covered more than 4,000 acres and became known as the Kelly Hayfields. Their preferred crop was smooth brome, to develop an effective strategy did not park wildlife. Sage-grouse research data a non-native perennial grass well suit- exist. Through a multi-year, systematic show a dramatic shift from avoidance ed to cool, short growing seasons. It series of small scale, controlled exper- of the old pastures to heavy use of the provided livestock with good nutrition iments in the pastures, patterns of suc- restored landscapes, while field observa- during its growing stage and could be cessful approaches began to emerge, and tions document heavy use by , bison, baled for use during the rest of the year. a course of action was charted. The park and . Historic photos of the area reveal a formalized its ambitious plan in 2007, rich, pastoral landscape in an unusually and the current effort to restore 4,500 The Kelly Hayfields restoration program stunning setting, with the acres of the Kelly Hayfields began. is a primary feature of a larger conserva- as its backdrop. tion and re-wilding effort for the greater Hayfields area. Its location between the When the 1950 expansion of Grand Snake River and Gros Ventre mountains, Teton enveloped Mormon Row, and proximity to Blacktail Butte, and habitat as the National Park Service began importance to a wide variety of species, acquiring its lands in the 1960s, active offer a remarkable opportunity to restore cultivation gradually diminished. this area adjacent to expansive sage- The converted pasture species persisted, brush-steppe landscapes in near pristine however, and compared to native condition, including those protected on vegetative communities, the unirrigat- Antelope Flats. ed, nonnative vegetation had little value to bison, elk, sage grouse, and The Foundation has provided more other wildlife, particularly outside of A historic photo of the Kelly Hayfields taken from than $120,000 to this important project the primary growing season. Blacktail Butte and looking north toward Mormon through generous support from private Row. Courtesy National Park Service, Grand Teton donors, Teton Conservation District, Park managers have had long-standing National Park, Historic Fire Records, GRTE-00552, and the National Fish and Wildlife Photographer LM Moe interest in returning the formerly Foundation. Concurrent restorative cultivated fields to native sagebrush- To date, nearly 1,500 acres are in various activities—also supported by the grasslands, but the task was daunting, stages of restoration, with areas furthest Foundation—for Kelly Warm Springs and they lacked necessary resources. along containing well-established native and Ditch Creek, and concerted efforts But in the 1990s, as ecological stew- plant assemblages. Even to the untrained to stabilize and enhance the Mormon ardship programs grew, visionary park eye, comparing pastures at both ends Row Historic District, add considerably biologists began deliberate assessments of the restoration spectrum during to its stature and overall importance, of what could be done there and how the peak of growing season leaves enhancing the ecological function and to go about it. one awestruck. The restored fields are value of this popular and accessible alive with the colors of native flower- area to all park visitors. They began with research out of ne- ing plants, and animal tracks and scat cessity, because the knowledge needed attest to the invigorated benefits to RESTORATION PROCESS • Collection of native plant seeds • Propagation of native plants and seed off-site • Removal of existing non-native vegetation • Replanting with native seeds and plants • Ongoing control of invasive plants • Use of temporary fencing when necessary until restored areas can withstand grazing pressure • Monitoring and reapplication of previous steps when necessary • Harvesting of native seed from established restoration sites for use on future sites

The re-wilding of nearly 4,500 acres from invasive grasses to native sagebrush-steppe habitat will benefit wildlife that depend on Grand Teton to survive. This includes bison, elk, , pronghorn, meadowlarks, badgers, and many more.

Bison, Elk, Deer, Meadowlark & Badger Photos: Diana Stratton Pronghorn Photo: Brad Schwarm/Alpenglowtours.com Message from President LESLIE MATTSON

Photo: Hannah Rigsby

hen Grand Teton re-opened to visitors in mid-May, people were eager to breathe the fresh air and hen experience Grand Teton the re-opened wonders ofto thevisitors park in first-hand. mid-May, Thepeople mountains, were eager rivers, to breathe and wildlife the fresh are always air Wincredible and during experience late spring the wonders and early of summer, the park butfirst-hand. this year The seemed mountains, more spectacular rivers, and thanwildlife ever—the are always calls Wincredible during late spring and early summer, but this year seemed more spectacular than ever—the calls of the Western Meadowlark, the fresh blanket of wildflowers, and the celebrity sow known asof the399 Western emerged Meadowlark, from her den the with fresh four blanket cubs of of the wildflowers, year. All of and these the seasonal celebrity changes grizzly bear were sow a welcome known reminderas 399 emerged that, despite from her what den is withgoing four on incubs the of world, the year. nature All persistsof these and seasonal is here changes to inspire were and a enjoy.welcome reminder that, despite what is going on in the world, nature persists and is here to inspire and enjoy. 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Instead, thethe ninenine existingexisting lodginglodging itoring,volunteer habitat programs, restoration, trail improve volunteer- Leslie Mattson units on thethe propertyproperty willwill househouse programs,ments, and trail more. improvements, The first year and Leslie Mattson park employees. WeWe areare proudproud to to more.of construction The first year as part of construction of our support GrandGrand TetonTeton byby providingprovid- Snakeas part River of our Gateways campaign is Snake River Gateways President moreing more space space for their for their workforce workforce to campaignalso underway, is also see underway, the article see on the the President Snake River Gateways: Work Underway at Pacific Creek loating loating the the Snake Snake River’s River’s braided braided will continue in coming years at Jackson to date. Private philanthropy is provid- channels channels beneath beneath the the Teton Teton Range Range Lake Dam and Moose Landing. ing a margin of excellence to the effort is an unforgettable experience. The that would not be possible otherwise. unmatched wildlife viewing, scenic vis- Areas in and around Pacific Creek The Foundation’s contributions are also Ftas, and recreational opportunities have represent a variety of river conditions leveraging additional National Park inspired generations to advocate for the and challenges for paddling, fly-fishing, Foundation funds authorized by the conservation of this incredible resource, and exploring, as well as serving as a National Park Service Centennial Act of leading to its designation as a federally rest stop for visitors travelling in the park 2016, bringing the agency’s total contri- protected Wild and Scenic River in 2009. by vehicle. Site improvements include: bution to the project to over $5 million. • Building a ramp that can be easily maintained Although being on the water is breath- each year to eliminate sediment deposition— For more information and to support taking, the sites that provide access are a current challenge due to the confluence the Snake River Gateways campaign, experiencing use that they were not of Pacific Creek and the Snake River just visit www.gtnpf.org/SnakeRiver. designed to sustain. Inadequate launch- upstream Thank you!

ing facilities, poor traffic circulation, • Creating intuitive traffic flow, adequate eroded river banks, and a variety of rigging and parking areas, and a pedestrian safety concerns pose a real challenge pathway for visitors seeking to launch a boat or • Designing educational elements and an simply view the river from shore. overlook area

Work is underway at Pacific Creek, • Separating user groups to decrease congestion marking the beginning of Snake River River access at Pacific Creek will Gateways—our multi-year project in be closed to the public starting Conceptual renderings show plans for new partnership with Grand Teton that will September 1, allowing construction signage and a river overlook at the site. enhance access and protect resources crews to be as efficient as possible along the river in the park. The effort while creating a site that will be used will improve the visitor experience, by park visitors well into the future. address unsafe conditions, restore riparian areas, and emphasize The Foundation’s goal is to raise accessibility for all. Pacific Creek is $6.5 million to support improvements the first of three project sites, work at all three sites, with $4 million raised Message from Grand Teton National Park Acting Superintendent

Photo: Diana Stratton GOPAUL NOOJIBAIL

ogether, we continue to navigate uncharted territory as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. I recognize that our lives at work and at home have been disrupted to varying degrees of severity. I hope everyone is healthy and safe. TWe listened to concerns from our visitors has been and remains our num- any additional steps necessary to protect local partners and based on local ber one priority at Grand Teton National our public health. Summer 2020 will be health guidance, we temporary closed Park. We are continuing to work closely a dynamic summer, and at any point, if the park on March 24. This decision with federal, state, and local health au- public health guidance shifts, we may was critical to focus on the health and thorities to limit the spread and closely need to adjust our operations accordingly. safety of everyone, and to help our monitor the pandemic. local communities manage limited Through this challenging time, I have medical facilities and resources. To that end, we have been very diligent been honored to work alongside the in our examination of each service professional and resilient employees of On May 18, in coordination with public and facility to ensure our operations Grand Teton National Park, as well as health officials and our community, are complying with Centers for Disease all our volunteers and partners. we began to phase in operations and Control and Prevention (CDC) and increase recreational access in the park. state and local health guidance. We I recognize and greatly appreciate the The initial phase of the reopening plan continue to monitor our operations continued support of the Grand Teton focused on basic day-use access for and maintain close communications National Park Foundation, especially visitors with limited services, followed with our health partners. during this pandemic. Your continued by a thoughtful and gradual increase support is incredible and always inspires in visitor access and services, including Several mitigations and procedures are me to know that we truly are a genuine access to waterways, visitor centers, in place to protect park staff. We will community working together to care for and overnight backcountry stays. continue to monitor all park functions this special place. Now, more than ever, and encourage visitors to adhere to CDC your support means a lot and makes a Ensuring the health and safety of our guidance for mitigating risks associated difference. Thanks! employees, volunteers, partners, and with the spread of COVID-19 and take $1,500 funds a bear-resistant food storage box in Grand Teton National Park, with a 3 x 5” stainless steel plaque to honor your special person. Your bear box will be installed at one of the park’s many frontcountry campgrounds and will BEAR BOXES help keep Grand Teton’s bears wild and visitors safe. Thanks to donors, more A Special Gift For Your Favorite than 500 boxes have been installed to date, moving us closer to our goal of Wildlife Enthusiast installing 1,000 bear boxes throughout Grand Teton National Park.

Visit www.gtnpf.org/WildTreasures to learn more about these life-saving lockers. Photo: Diana Stratton Contact Alex St. Clair at 307-732-0629 or [email protected] to get your bear box today!

Horace Albright Society Ensuring the future of Grand Teton National Park Foundation

CREATE A CONSERVATION LEGACY TODAY. “The Foundation’s mission is made possible solely through the generous and widespread support of its individual donors. Our belief is that the Foundation must be assured of future funding to maintain its ability to provide assistance to the unbelievable resource of wildlife, rivers and streams, mountain trails, and cultural heritage that is Grand Teton National Park. We are proud to include Grand Teton in our estate planning and bequests.” –Lynne and Van Davis, Horace Albright Society members

We invite you to consider arranging a gift in your charitable estate plan so that our work to enhance the park’s cultural, historic, and natural resources will continue for generations to come. Your will or trust, life insurance policy, and retirement accounts can provide incredible benefits to the organizations you care about. These gifts cost nothing during your lifetime and have long-lasting impact. Ask your financial advisor about tax advantages that come with including the Foundation in your plans for the future. Thank you!

Contact Ponteir Sackrey at 307-732-0629 or visit www.gtnpf.org to discover ways you can support the Foundation without impacting the way you live today. NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #4910 SLC, UT Mailing: PO Box 249 Moose, 83012

Physical: 115 East Pearl Ave. Suite 201 Jackson, Wyoming 83001

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Board of Directors Resource Council GTNPF Staff Jeff Willemain Charlotte Quesada Krugh Jessica Baker Bob Morse Leslie A. Mattson Lenea Luna Chair Doug Mackenzie Barbara Carlson Hugh O’Halloran President Development & Events Associate Debbie Barker Adrienne Mars Jan Phillips Davis Craig Pattee Mark Berry Vice Chair Lynne Davis Glenn Ray Chief Operating Officer Mary Patno Nancy McGregor & Vice President Director of Accounting Lisa Claudy Fleischman Kathryn A. Ordway Rich Dean Catherine Rose Secretary John Gerber Jerry Rose Mikaela Bartlett Molly Ruffle Katharine Overlock Assistant to the President Senior Major Gifts Officer Andy Schilling Padgett Hoke Charlie Ross Treasurer Larry Perlman Eddie Holstein John Rutter Steve Cain Ponteir Sackrey Ed Riddell Ecologist & Consultant Senior Development Officer Bruce Bowen Renny Jackson Ann Ryan Tom Saylak Kirk Davenport Latham Jenkins James E. Ryan Elise Cheney Delmolino Alex St. Clair Patti Stancarone Senior Director of Development & Maggie Gibson Leslie Jones Judy Singleton John Townsend Development Operations Communications Associate Robert Hartman Ellen Karpf Scott Spector Lisa Wan Sarah Duggan Cathy Wikoff Debbie Hechinger Jim Kitendaugh Lisa Steele Gregg Ward Database & Director, Foundations Tom Holland Alison Lee Susie Temple Systems Administrator & Special Gifts Molly Kelly Phil Leeds Jim Waldrop Maddy Johnson Gretchen Long Kevin Warsh Communications Manager Max Ludington Bill Waterman & Development Officer Shawn Whitman

Grand Teton National Park Foundation Photo: Brad Schwarm– Alpenglowtours.com Post Office Box 249 Moose, Wyoming 83012 Printed by: Paragon Press t (307) 732-0629 f (307) 732-0639 Salt Lake City, Utah Design: Laura Quinlivan www.gtnpf.org short dog design–Jackson, WY