Department of Interior purchased 640 acres of Wyoming State Educational Trust lands known as the Antelope Flats parcel. The wildlife-rich lands were transferred to the National Park Service and are an important addition to Grand Teton National Park.
Background: Today, the Department of Interior confirmed the purchase of 640 acres of Wyoming State Educational Trust lands known as the Antelope Flats parcel. The wildlife-rich lands were transferred to the National Park Service and are an important addition to Grand Teton National Park.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for fiscal year 2017 and additional Park Service funds provided $23 million towards the purchase of Antelope Flats. Philanthropic groups including the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and National Park Foundation raised the remaining $23 million needed to complete the purchase.
Jackson Hole residents welcomed the announcement, which also benefits the millions of people who travel to Wyoming each year to experience Grand Teton National Park’s scenery and wildlife. A significant federal investment and private philanthropy was critical to preserve these state-owned lands within Grand Teton. The purchase and transfer demonstrates the tremendous value of public and private collaborations to preserve our parks.
Below is a statement by Sharon Mader, Grand Teton Program Manager for National Parks Conservation Association
“Protecting these lands in perpetuity represents a victory for landscape conservation, for scenery and wildlife habitat preservation and for the continued enjoyment of Grand Teton National Park’s visitors. These important state-owned lands within Grand Teton are home to bear, elk, moose, wolves and pronghorn.
“The purchase and protection of these lands has been a big lift and NPCA applauds Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Governor Matt Mead, the National Park Service, Wyoming Congressional delegation and State of Wyoming officials for their contributions, perseverance and efforts. We also recognize and thank our partners at the National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park Foundation, and the many individuals who supported and contributed to this effort. Work will continue to preserve the remaining state lands known as the Kelly parcel, to complete this wildlife-rich and scenic landscape within Grand Teton National Park.
“The historic purchase of the Antelope Flats parcel is particularly timely during the National Park Service’s 100th birthday celebration.”
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About National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
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