JACKSON, Wyo. — This summer, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole (POWJH) reflected on 10 years of dedicated efforts to restore and protect the surface waters and groundwater of Teton County, WY.
POWJH began under the name Friends of Fish Creek (FOFC) in 2014. The organization was established to address concerns about the changing water quality in Fish Creek, where excessive algal growth was significantly altering the habitat in this vital native cutthroat trout fishery. FOFC formed the Fish Creek Stakeholders Group and focused on a collaborative watershed stewardship approach. Over four years, they funded research projects and promoted science-based best management practices.
In 2019, FOFC underwent a pivotal transformation. Numerous studies revealed that the issues in Fish Creek were not isolated. In Teton County, where the surface waters and groundwater are interconnected within a gravel-bed river floodplain ecosystem, human activities have widespread impacts on water quality across the valley. This realization prompted FOFC to rebrand as POWJH, to reflect the need for expanding its mission to encompass all of Teton County. FOFC’s work also contributed to the launch of Teton County’s Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). POWJH raised $250,000 and gathered nearly 2,000 public signatures as a catalyst to start the planning process.
Even with the WQMP underway, POWJH continued to expand its efforts to educate the community, advocate for water resources, and provide solutions for water-related issues. In 2020, POWJH led the initiative to amend the Joint Town and County Comprehensive Land Use Plan to prioritize water quality protection. In 2022, the organization successfully campaigned for a $10 million Water Quality Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) measure, which passed with the highest approval rating in history. That same year, we launched the Hoback Clean Water Initiative to address the immediate and long-term needs of Hoback Junction residents dealing with unsafe drinking water, including funding the delivery of clean water and contributing seed funding for the Hoback Water and Sewer District. In 2023, POWJH initiated a bacteriological monitoring program for Fish Creek and Flat Creek, both impaired due to elevated E. coli levels since 2020.
June 2024 marked a significant milestone for water quality action: the Teton County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved and adopted the WQMP. This marks the beginning of a crucial period where the community will define the future of public health, environmental conservation, and the legacy of clean water. While the development and adoption of the WQMP involved considerable effort, the most critical work—its implementation and adaptive management—lies ahead. POWJH is committed to working with public and private partners to ensure that this plan is put into action, achieving the vision of clean water now and for future generations. With a proven track record in communication, facilitation, advocacy, and the successful application of science for the public good, POWJH remains dedicated to the health of our watershed and the preservation of our beautiful home in the Tetons.
Our progress as an organization is a testament to the generosity of those who care deeply about water quality. We cannot do this work without the community’s support. Join POWJH in making a difference! Please consider donating to Protect Our Water Jackson Hole through Old Bill’s Fun Run Giving Season to support local water quality initiatives. Together, we can create a lasting impact on water quality for generations to come. To learn more visit: powjh.org.
