The successful acquisition of a 640-acre parcel on Antelope Flats was one of the highlights of the work the Grand Teton National Park Foundation accomplished during FY2017 for Grand Teton National Park/Ryan Sheets

Grand Teton National Park received $17 million worth of projects, programs, and even some infrastructure, in fiscal 2017 from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

That sum is the most the Foundation has given to the park in a single year to date. The total includes funds raised for the extraordinary purchase of a 640-acre parcel on Antelope Flats that was owned by the state of Wyoming and threatened with potential development.

The Foundation’s record year aligned with its 20th anniversary of partnering with Grand Teton, and is attributed to the generosity of the organization’s broad network of donors. It is through this private support that the Foundation is able to fund projects in the park that address challenges, provide meaningful experiences, and assure this world-class landscape continues to be one of the most fascinating outdoor destinations in America.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s focus areas in 2017 included a wide variety of infrastructure enhancements and education programs that connect visitors to Grand Teton:

* The Youth Engagement Initiative is comprised of 5 programs that provide outdoor education and work opportunities to diverse young people while introducing them to possible careers in the National Park Service.

* Hammer Corps volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours of skilled labor to preserve historic buildings in the park including structures at Mormon Row, the Murie Ranch, Luther Taylor homestead, and the Bar BC and Lucas-Fabian ranches.

* Construction continued at Jenny Lake as part of the Inspiring Journeys campaign; backcountry work focused on the new viewing area at Inspiration Point, construction of a new bridge spanning Cascade Creek, and the completion of the west shore boat dock. Scenic lake overlooks in the frontcountry were also completed.

* Fifty-five bear-resistant food storage lockers were purchased for installation at various frontcountry campsites throughout the park.

* Funding for the wildlife initiative supported grizzly bear research, native fish habitat improvements, and mule deer migration studies.

* Continued to provide bi-weekly grooming of the Nordic ski trail on Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain.

“Our team had an incredible year and we are very grateful to have so many generous supporters with such passion for Grand Teton National Park,” Foundation President Leslie Mattson said. “We cannot think of a better way to celebrate our organization’s 20th anniversary. We look forward to continuing to support our partner to help make Grand Teton the best that it can be.”

“The Foundation has been instrumental in helping us achieve several significant legacy accomplishments in the past year,” Grand Teton Superintendent David Vela said. “We are deeply humbled by the incredible generosity which enabled us to acquire and preserve forever the Antelope Flats parcel, continue the Jenny Lake Renewal Project, and pursue countless other youth and resource protection interests. The Foundation truly provides us with a margin of excellence to achieve operational outcomes.”