What is it that makes Jackson Hole special? A lot of things as it turns out. Our rugged mountains and abundant public lands, our free flowing rivers and thriving wildlife have inspired a community who seeks to live in harmony with nature. But as our community grows we are reminded of the harsh reality that we also have impacts on our wild neighbors. Wildlife vehicle collisions in Teton County alone account for around 500 animal deaths and millions of dollars of damage each year.
As a business and residents who depend upon the natural world around us it only makes sense to invest in our wild places, which is why the EcoTour Adventures team is excited to endorse the Wildlife Crossings Special Purpose Excise Tax Ballot Initiative. By funding the creation of science based wildlife crossings in Teton County we can make our community safer, save money on costly collisions, and preserve and protect the wildlife whom are a critical part of the ecosystem we call home.
Earlier this year EcoTour Adventures became the first business in Jackson to help fund wildlife crossings by purchasing Wildlife Connectivity License Plates (LINK) for all of our vehicles. We’re happy to support additional funding for critical projects in Teton County via the SPET election.
Why Fund Wildlife Crossings: Safety
We’ve all seen dead deer on the side of the road. Just this weekend I drove past one south of Jackson. A hundred yards down the road, a sedan sat idle, flagged with orange tape which flickered in the wind blowing through it’s smashed windows. I hope the occupants of the vehicle were ok.
We have over two decades of data on collisions in Teton County, showing exactly where the majority of collisions are occuring. By using these data to design highway improvements such as fencing and wildlife crossings we can make the roads safer for people and wildlife alike, a win-win for our community.
Why Fund Wildlife Crossings: Cost Savings to our Community
The same data which tell us where wildlife vehicle collisions occur enable us to leverage funds from the SPET Ballot to maximize their effectiveness. The $10 million in funding proposed will go directly towards projects like HWY 22/390, where multiple collisions with moose occur each year. Our friends at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation estimate that projects at this site and four other key areas could save over $46 million by eliminating over 1500 collisions over the next 60 years. The investment could pay off in as little as 20 years. (SEE MORE HERE)
Why Fund Wildlife Crossings: Preserve and Protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
What else do we get beyond safer roads and cost savings in the long run from investing in wildlife crossings? Effective action to help preserve and protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, our home.
- Wildlife Crossings at the intersection of HWY 22 and 390 mean that moose can use critical winter habitat without the risk of collisions from motorists commuting to work or heading to ski at Teton Village.
- Crossings at Camp Creek, south of Jackson will protect migrating elk, including pregnant females, allowing them to move safely from summer habitat in the Wyoming Range to the winter range they depend upon on the south facing slopes across HWY89.
- Crossings on Broadway in the town Jackson will allow mule deer to move more freely between the willow habitat of Karns Meadow and the snow free slopes of the East Gros Ventre Butte, all while allowing motorists to travel more safely around our town.
Support SPET Wildlife Crossings
This year’s SPET election offers Teton County residents an abundance of great choices which can benefit our community. By supporting the Wildlife Crossings SPET initiative we can wisely invest in the future of wildlife and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem while making the roads safer for our community. We hope that you join EcoTour Adventures, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, JHAlliance, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Center for Large Landscape Conservation, The Cougar Fund, National Parks Conservation Association, Wyoming Outdoor Council, Yellowstone to Yukon, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers – Wyoming Chapter, and other members of our community in supporting the Wildlife Crossings SPET initiative.
UPDATE: In November 2019 the Jackson Hole community voted overwelmingly in support of the wildlife Crossings SPET initiative. We're thrilled to see this critical investment in our wildlife moving forward.
Josh Metten is a senior Naturalist with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures, an authorized concessionare of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. To learn more about our Year Round Wildlife Tours, Winter Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Tours, and upcoming Expedition to Patagonia please email us info@jhecotouradventures.com or call 307-690-9533
