Making Our Splash in 2018
Thanks to your generosity, the Snake River Fund continues to provide educational programming for kids and adults, advocates for sustainable public access to the river, and fights to protect our Wild and Scenic waters.
We are grateful to have supporters like you making our work possible. As we close out the year and look toward future opportunities, we want to highlight a few items from 2018:
JARED BAECKER: TAKES THE REINS AS SNAKE RIVER FUND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jared was offered the Executive Director reins in May 2018. Previously, Jared supported the Snake River Fund in the capacity of Program Director, leading educational efforts and field based operations.
Under Jared’s leadership the Fund plans to continue to advocate for safe and responsible access to the Snake River watershed. We will work with our partners to identify and raise funds supporting stewardship needs for fisheries, wildlife and public access. Additionally, Jared seeks to help build a culture of responsible river recreation, treating the Snake and its tributaries like pristine backcountry environments even when they are close to home.
Jared can be reached at jared@snakeriverfund.org or by calling with questions, concerns or need for help anytime.
JESSICA SHEEHY: JOINS SNAKE RIVER FUND AS COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Jessica joined Snake River Fund in August of 2018. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she graduated from University of Alabama in 2009, and following graduation, she moved to Jackson Hole to experience mountain life. Jessica brings over seven years of marketing and communications experience to the Snake River Fund. When she is not working, she is running her marketing business or you will find her on an adventure with her husband and dogs either fly fishing, camping, hiking or enjoying this beautiful place we call home.
Jessica can be reached at jessica@snakeriverfund.org.
WILD AND SCENIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY
On October 2nd, across the nation, river enthusiasts, communities and government agencies celebrated wild rivers with the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
Congress passed this landmark legislation on Oct. 2, 1968, to preserve selected rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Of the approximately 3.6 million miles of streams in the U.S., less than one quarter of one percent – 12,734 miles – are protected by the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and this includes the Snake River headwaters.
The permanently protected Snake River headwaters are free-flowing ensuring some of the purest waters and healthiest native cutthroat trout strongholds in the lower 48 states remains intact for present and future generations.
The Snake River and its tributaries – 414 miles – flow through much of Jackson Hole’s spectacular country providing endless recreational value to visitors and residents. In addition, the headwaters provides crucial habitat for an incredible array of wildlife species.
Like our wilderness areas and many other public lands, free-flowing rivers embody independence and wildness. A river that determines its own trajectory is truly self-willed, a foundational element that not only defines America, but our Jackson Hole landscape.
BLM PARCEL TRANSFERS ARE MAKING PROGRESS
EMILY’S Pond (BLM Parcel 9/10) – If you are familiar with Emily’s Pond and the dike, then you are familiar with BLM Parcels 9 and 10. You most likely visit this area to take a stroll with your dog, fish the river bank, bike and/or nordic ski. These BLM parcels are an easy, convenient and popular recreation spot centrally located in our community.
Do you know a transfer for this public land is underway to Teton County? Do you know the public owns more than just the access along the levee? You own access to approximately 2.5 miles of Snake River frontage, 320 total acres of public land, and over 200 acres of cottonwood forest. You should be part of this discussion. This is your land. Your vision for its use is important.
Currently Teton County-Jackson Parks and Recreation is developing a community vision for this public land. The Snake River Fund remains an active stakeholder in the process. We are collaborating with many interested parties seeking the best possible outcome for many diverse interests.
BLM Parcel 21 – Located approximately 4 miles downstream of the Wilson boat ramp on river right. It is a 60-acre parcel of mid-river islands, mature Cottonwood forest, a bald eagle nest, and two spring creeks. The Snake River Fund is in support of transferring the ownership and management of this parcel to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Fund will continue to work within the Snake River stakeholder group to maintain public access to this parcel and seek a conservation easement held by the Jackson Hole Land Trust ensuring access, open space and wildlife habitat as its primary uses.
NEW AED INSTALLED IN THE CANYON
The Snake River Fund with the support of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the fishing outfitting community and rafting community banded together to support the purchase of a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The device is deployed at the Astoria Boat Ramp during the summer season. Over the last decade the South Park to Elbow reaches of the Snake have seen consistent growth in private and commercial floating. This new device brings the number of emergency response stations in the Snake River Canyon to 6.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH OLD BILL’S
Thank you for supporting Snake River Fund in your Old Bill’s giving season. Another wildly successful year! We are incredibly grateful for your support and appreciation of Snake River Fund’s efforts to preserve and protect our local rivers.
Your donation to the Snake River Fund during the Old Bill’s giving season made it possible for us to better balance the needs of the river and our community as well as protect the Snake River for future generations. We couldn’t make this all possible without the support of our dedicated donors!
Never do the opportunities to cherish, protect and recreate on the waters and banks of the Snake River end. Your gift to the Snake River Fund makes it possible for us to better balance the needs of the river and our community. Protect the Snake River for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Please include Snake River Fund in your end of year give. To Give >>
