The Department of the Interior has announced the acquisition and permanent protection of a 640-acre parcel within Grand Teton National Park, known as the Kelly parcel. This land, previously state school trust land, was the largest unprotected area within the park's boundaries. Its conservation ensures crucial connectivity for wildlife in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
"Today marks an incredible milestone, decades in the making, to permanently protect an essential wildlife migration corridor and treasured landscape within Grand Teton National Park," stated Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. "This will benefit our public lands and Wyoming’s public school students for generations to come."
In 2023, more than 10,000 individuals from Wyoming and across the United States participated in a public comment process regarding this sale. They overwhelmingly supported its conservation for wildlife and public enjoyment while also recognizing its potential to bolster Wyoming's economy. That year, visitors to Grand Teton National Park contributed $936 million to local economies and supported 9,370 jobs.
"People from every state come to Grand Teton National Park each year to enjoy the stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife protected in the park," said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. "We are grateful for the support of countless stewards... who contributed their voices leading to this incredible conservation achievement that will benefit generations to come."
The $100 million purchase was facilitated through a partnership involving federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) combined with private donations raised by Grand Teton National Park Foundation. All proceeds from this transaction will directly support Wyoming’s public education system.
At no taxpayer expense, LWCF—created by Congress in 1964—supports increased access to federal lands and waters while providing grants for developing parks and recreation sites. The fund is fully financed under the Great American Outdoors Act.
The Kelly parcel lies within a vital migration corridor for pronghorns, elk, and mule deer. It connects Yellowstone National Park with nearby national forests like Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee.
This acquisition continues philanthropic efforts begun by John D. Rockefeller Jr., Laurance S. Rockefeller, and their family who played significant roles in establishing today's Grand Teton National Park back in 1950.
Today's closing on this property concludes decades-long efforts involving exchanges or sales aimed at compensating Wyoming’s common school trust income mandate established upon statehood back in 1890.
