High water this year obliterated the popular swimming hole known as the “Wilson Beach,” sending bathers and dog walkers upstream to the boat ramp eddy. Commercial use of this facility has increased exponentially, and Grand Teton National Park has approved two more fishing permits for outfitters to launch at Moose at take out at Wilson.

With parking in short supply and commercial floaters vying for space with the public, the Snake River Fund aims to create an ambassador program like Friends of Pathways and the U.S. Forest Service have done with Jay Pistono on Teton Pass. The ambassador would help direct traffic, avoid user conflicts and promote stewardship by explaining issues like invasive species and the importance of cleaning boats, for example.

Long term, the Snake River Fund is committed to creating a better boat ramp and public park in the vicinity of the Wilson Bridge. Complicating this effort is the ever-changing hydrology as well as the ongoing transfer of BLM parcels along the river. The Fund is part of a task force of federal, state and local agencies coordinating this transfer and subsequent management of the parcels.

Planning is underway for a new pathway bridge over the Snake paralleling Highway 22. Teton County voters approved $6 million for the bridge and path connecting Wilson to town last summer. The bridge, which also could be used by emergency vehicles, likely will be located upstream of the highway in the vicinity of the boat ramp. The Snake River Fund is working with Pathways Coordinator Brian Schilling to ensure that the design benefits river users as well as cyclists and pedestrians. Stay tuned for more exciting news on this project in 2010!

Filed under: Snake River Fund News on December 17th, 2009