In a landmark conservation effort, the U.S. Department of the Interior has acquired a 640-acre tract known as the Kelly Parcel within Grand Teton National Park for $100 million. This purchase, finalized on December 30, 2024, aims to protect the land from potential development and preserve its ecological integrity.
Significance of the Kelly Parcel
The Kelly Parcel, encompassing one square mile, is situated in the southeastern region of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This area is characterized by rolling hills, aspen groves, and sagebrush plains, offering unobstructed views of the iconic Teton Range. The land serves as a crucial habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, moose, bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves. Notably, it lies along the Path of the Pronghorn, the longest land migration route in the contiguous United States, utilized by pronghorn antelope.
Funding and Collaboration
The acquisition was made possible through a collaborative effort between federal agencies and private organizations. Approximately $62.4 million of the funding originated from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program that allocates revenues from offshore oil and gas leases to support conservation projects. The remaining $37.6 million was raised by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Historical Context and Negotiations
The Kelly Parcel had been owned by the state of Wyoming since its statehood in 1890, predating the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929. As one of the largest remaining state-owned inholdings within the park, its status had been a subject of prolonged negotiations. In previous years, Wyoming officials had considered auctioning the land to private developers, raising concerns about potential luxury housing projects that could disrupt the area’s ecological balance.
The decision to sell the land to the federal government was influenced by both conservation goals and financial considerations. Under state ownership, the parcel generated minimal revenue through grazing leases, approximately $2,800 annually. The sale’s proceeds are earmarked for Wyoming’s Common School Permanent Fund, benefiting public education statewide.
Legislative and Administrative Actions
The Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners, comprising the state’s top elected officials, approved the sale in November 2024. Governor Mark Gordon finalized the agreement on December 27, 2024, after ensuring that a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plan for southwestern Wyoming would not impose excessive restrictions on development, including oil and gas drilling. This stipulation was a condition set by the state legislature earlier in the year.
Conservation Impact
The integration of the Kelly Parcel into Grand Teton National Park represents a significant conservation victory. By securing this land, the National Park Service aims to maintain the integrity of vital wildlife migration corridors and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations. The acquisition also reflects a broader commitment to protecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the world’s largest nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems.
Community and Stakeholder Reactions
The purchase has garnered widespread support from conservationists, local communities, and national stakeholders. Chip Jenkins, Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park, expressed gratitude towards Wyoming’s leadership for their role in preserving the land, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to this outcome.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s successful fundraising campaign underscores the public’s dedication to preserving natural landscapes. Nearly 400 donors from 46 states contributed amounts ranging from $10 to $15 million, reflecting a broad base of support for the initiative.
Future Outlook
With the Kelly Parcel now under federal protection, Grand Teton National Park can ensure the preservation of its ecological and scenic values. The land will be managed to support wildlife habitats, maintain migration routes, and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. This acquisition serves as a model for public-private partnerships in conservation, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can lead to substantial environmental preservation achievements.
In conclusion, the $100 million purchase of the Kelly Parcel within Grand Teton National Park represents a milestone in conservation efforts, safeguarding critical habitats and ensuring the land remains undeveloped for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
