Partners Celebrate Success of Wyoming Forest Legacy Project
Authored by Jonathan Sloan with the Wyoming State Forestry Division
On August 13, 2024, what turned out to be a rainy fall day in the Tetons south of Wilson, Wyoming, partners gathered to celebrate the closing of the Munger Mountain Phase III (MM3), also known as Chimney Draw, conservation easement. Although this project closed in November 2023, it did not detract from the excitement of those who attended this event at the Snake River Ranch.
This 259.5-acre conservation easement is the final phase of the Munger Mountain Corridor Project, which began in 2014. Each of these three projects was successful in garnering funding from the USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy Program. This critical funding source was able to make these projects a reality and leverage additional financial support.
For decades prior, the family that owns Snake River Ranch has shown a dedication to conservation and maintaining the legacy for the family. So high is their dedication, that the youngest member of the family attended this event, representing the fifth generation for the Snake River Ranch. This family has been the primary partner through this venture; however, many others have helped to see this project to the end.
Dan Schlager of The Conservation Fund said it well in that from the first phase to now, “at least 60 individuals have played a key role in making this a success”. The partnerships that formed around the MM3 project were what made it a success and included: Snake River Ranch, The Conservation Fund, USDA Forest Service, Wyoming State Forestry Division, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, and Jackson Hole Land Trust.
As these partners met to celebrate success and tour the property, the importance of this key parcel is evident, connecting an important elk migration corridor in the Jackson Hole valley along the Snake River while also providing habitat for the Great Grey Owl. Grizzly bear “399”, quite possibly the most famous grizzly bear in the world, frequents the property with her cubs and adds to the role this easement plays in conserving wildlife corridors and working forests.
Along with the scenic beauty of the property and Jackson Hole, there is also the backdrop of cattle in pastures and active forest management on the landscape. In an area experiencing high development and conversion pressure the Forest Legacy Program is able to greatly assist landowners in maintaining forest lands for generations, while also positively impacting agriculture operations that are vital for our economy and quality of living.