Protecting Wildlife in Teton County, Idaho and Wyoming
Blurred Boundaries between Teton County Idaho and Wyoming
Migrating wildlife do not recognize human-imposed boundaries.
lDid you know Teton County, Idaho, has a Wildlife Advisory Committee appointed by the County Commission? Their role is to recommend policies that protect and restore fish and wildlife populations, along with their habitats. Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, experts in wildlife conservation, serves on this committee.
But here’s something else you might not know: Teton County, Idaho, and Teton County, Wyoming, share more than just borders – they share wildlife. Idaho’s wintering mule deer head to Wyoming in the summer, and Wyoming’s elusive wolverines roam the mountains and valleys of eastern Idaho. Moose frequently cross our state lines, oblivious to human-imposed boundaries, and birds call both states home. The connection between our ecosystems is critical to potect and enhance wildife populations in the Greater Yellowstone.
Why does this matter?
Why does this matter? Because what Idaho does to protect wildlife has a direct impact on Wyoming. In 2022, one of the Wildlife Advisory Committee’s key tasks was reviewing the Natural Resources Overlay, a tool designed to conserve wildlife habitat by guiding development away from critical areas on private land.
A WIN for Wildlife
On October 18th, the Teton County Idaho Commissioners took a huge step forward for conservation by unanimously approving the Wildlife Advisory Committee’s recommended NRO (Natural Resource Overlay) update. This decision ensures that historical migration corridors remain protected from the impacts of development along our shared Teton County border between Idaho and Wyoming.
With the valley’s agricultural history and substantial private land, development in Teton County, Idaho, is on the rise. Unfortunately, wildlife populations are concomitantly decreasing, and unplanned growth risks further loss. Some community members have voiced concerns about how development rights may be impacted by these updates, but these changes simply help guide development away from the most critical wildlife areas, without affecting zoning of land.
Be a Voice for Wildlife
The Teton County Idaho Commissioners’ unanimous approval of the Wildlife Advisory Committee’s recommended Natural Resource Overlay (NRO) update marks a pivotal step in preserving vital wildlife migration paths. Protecting these corridors allows animals to move, feed, and reproduce without disruption. Prioritizing sustainable growth now builds a stronger, healthier ecosystem for both wildlife and our communities.
For more information on the Wildlife Advisory Committee, local wildlife or updates to the Natural Resources Overlay and development code, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. Resources on this topic can be found here, in the county’s “Natural Resource Overlay (NRO) Revision” dropdown menu.
