A message from the National Parks Conservation Association:
JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County, Wyoming, is unlike anywhere else in the country. With nearly 97% of our land base made up of national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands, the very identity of this place — from our wildlife to our local economy — is inseparable from the wild landscapes that surround us.
Many people choose to live here, and millions more choose to visit each year, because of these public lands. We hike, ski, hunt, fish, ride, and find peace in the same mountains and valleys that support iconic big game migrations, grizzly bears, native trout, and so many more species. Grand Teton National Park alone generates nearly $740 million annually in local spending and supports thousands of jobs for hardworking Wyomingites.
This is our shared heritage and our shared responsibility. But right now, it’s under attack.
A dangerous provision proposed by Senator Mike Lee of Utah in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” sought to sell off up to 3 million acres of national public lands — including some of our most beloved places in Teton County — with no public input or environmental review. Thanks to overwhelming public opposition, that provision was pulled from the bill. That’s a huge victory — but the fact that it got as far as it did is a clear warning.
Despite this victory, as recently passed and signed by the President, the bill cuts $267 million of previously committed funding for national park staffing in their moment of greatest need. Since the Trump administration took office less than six months ago, the National Park Service has lost 24% of its permanent staff, affecting every park unit in the country. And this is piling onto the fact that since 2010, staffing to operate national parks has declined by 20% while during the same time there’s been a 16% increase in visitation.
These cuts to National Park Service staffing will directly harm Grand Teton National Park, resulting in shut down projects and programs, stopped scientific research, and weakened conservation protections.
And the push to privatize or transfer our shared lands is still alive. Without adequate funding, even lands that remain public risk becoming inaccessible, unsafe, or degraded beyond recognition.
The good news is, people across Wyoming and the West overwhelmingly support public lands. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a Wyoming issue.
Now, we need our elected officials to match our commitment by fully funding the National Park Service and our land management agencies, and standing firm against future public lands selloff schemes. Because once these lands are gone, they’re gone forever. And our wildlife, economy, and outdoor heritage depend on it.
Click here to tell your members of Congress to protect our national parks and public lands.
