Dr. Butterfield Honored with Conservation Vision Award

Teton Conservation District proudly honors Dr. Chuck Butterfield with the Conservation Vision Award. Chuck has an exceptional ability to unite local vegetation management professionals to implement effective on-the-ground land management strategies. Through his visionary approach, Chuck embodies Teton Conservation District’s vision to inspire a forward-looking community dedicated to practicing natural resource stewardship.

A Lifelong Commitment to Conservation

Originally from Ten Sleep, Wyoming, Chuck's academic journey led him through Northwest College, University of Wyoming, Texas A & M, South Dakota State University and the University of Nebraska. His career culminated with 14 years at Chadron State College, where he developed one of the nation's largest range management programs. Now residing in Alpine with his wife Dorrene, Chuck is a semi-retired Senior Ecologist at Y2 Consultants and continues to dedicate time to environmental initiatives.

Partnering for Sustainable Land Management

Over the last few years, Chuck has partnered with the Teton Conservation District on a project studying the health of public grazing lands in Teton County, primarily within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Monitoring these lands is essential for sustainable livestock management—establishing optimal stocking rates and grazing rotations—and for ensuring the preservation of healthy soils, plants, and watersheds.

"Chuck’s ability to engage diverse stakeholders and prioritize both people and natural resources is unparalleled," remarks Robb Sgroi, Land Resources Specialist at Teton Conservation District.

Chuck’s dedication and over three decades of expertise in plant identification, vegetation monitoring, data analysis, soil science, fire ecology, and wildlife management brought a heightened level of quality and credibility to the project. He innovated the selection criteria for monitoring sites and refined methods for gathering precise data on vegetation and soil conditions. His mentorship of range conservationists was also an integral component of the project’s success.

Legacy of Stewardship

Beyond his direct contributions to range management, Chuck volunteers on the team writing Ecological Site Descriptions for vegetation communities in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, shaping tools for future land management. Additionally, as Chairman of the Alpine Area Wildfire Protection Coalition, and a member of the Teton Area Wildfire Coalition, Chuck enhances stakeholder coordination to mitigate wildfire risks. He is also coordinator of the Greys River Forest Collaborative and serving as a director to the Society for Range Management.

"He embodies the spirit of conservation," concludes Sgroi. Chuck Butterfield’s work has left an indelible mark on the field of natural resource management. His ability to unite professionals, innovate methodologies, and mentor the next generation of conservationists ensures his legacy will endure. Teton Conservation District is proud to work alongside Chuck, and honor his dedication with this award.

Water Conservation in the Heat of Summer

By Carlin Girard, Executive Director

According to local meteorologist Jim Woodmency, July 2024 “…has been warm and dry” but “far from the hottest we’ve seen.” Woodmency speaks to the severity of heat and drought from the Dust Bowl Era in the 1930s, which was literally the reason Conservation Districts were established. (See more about TCD’s history here). We can summarize by saying that the Dust Bowl was characterized by multiple years of extremely hot and dry weather across the West and Midwest. According to Woodmency, the Town of Jackson recorded its highest ever temperature in July 1934, hitting 101 degrees.

In the world of natural resource conservation, however, there is another layer on top of the meteorological condition, and that is ‘Consumptive Use!’

According to the US Census, the Town of Jackson population during the Dust Bowl was 533. And while our residential population has obviously climbed, get this, Grand Teton National Park had 3,400,000 visitors in 2023! Are you getting my point? The amount of water we are using in Teton County, WY, has increased significantly, impacting our groundwater, which supplies all our drinking water. Even with all of our new residents and visitors, keeping lawns green in summer is a huge part of our consumptive groundwater use.

This essay is intended to make a pitch that due to growth, conservation is needed to protect our water resources. Consider these simple, but not commonly known tricks, that I use to greatly reduce water use while maintaining a healthy lawn.

1)       Mow just before cooler, wetter, cloudy periods!

a.       Mowing beats up your lawn, and the hotter and drier it is, the more damage it does. The more you damage your lawn, the more water it takes to heal it and keep it green. Mowing at dusk right before forecasted rain is ideal.

2)       Water your lawn the day before you mow your grass!

a.       If you are like me and water your lawn as infrequently as possible, giving it a good soak before mowing ensures the grass stays healthy and prepares the soil to provide the necessary hydration for recovery after mowing.

3)       Don’t mow your grass too short!

a.       Leave your mow height high! Short grass loves to bake and die in the heat of summer. Longer grass is far more resilient as a plant, and shades the soil, reducing evaporative loss. I hate how often I see grass mowed as short as a putting green, completely brown, with a sprinkler running 24 hours a day to try and bring it back to life. Totally unnecessary.

b.       Also, intentionally un-mowed areas are a nice aesthetic feature that require very little water, if any.

A lawn that is healthy but surviving on minimal water grows slower and requires less mowing, which in turn requires less water to heal after mowing. And my final plug, our native vegetation requires NO supplemental water, so minimize your lawn to what you really need as lawn.

For more standard recommendations about reducing water use and limiting other negative impacts from landscaping, check out the Trout Friendly Lawns program at JHCleanWater.org.

Burcher Road: A Neighborhood’s Path to Wildfire Preparedness

Tucked away in the wooded hills with stunning mountain views, Burcher Road —west of Fall Creek Road in Wilson, Wyoming— offers tranquility but also faces a significant wildfire risk due to its steep slopes, dense vegetation, and limited access routes.

For the residents of Burcher Road, preparing for a wildfire isn’t a matter of “if” but “when.”

The neighborhood’s journey toward wildfire resilience accelerated in 2018, when Teton Conservation District (TCD) stepped in to provide free Wildfire Risk Overviews. Robb Sgroi, TCD’s Land Resources Specialist, guided homeowners on crucial steps like installing rated fire-resistive roofing materials, clearing vegetation near their home, and relocating firewood and combustible materials away from their homes.

These guidelines are all pieces of maintaining a “home ignition zone”—a 100- to 200-foot area surrounding a home— which reduces the risk of losing structures to wildfires, protects homes nearby, and helps create safer conditions for firefighters.

Maintaining the “home ignition zone.” Click the image to enlarge. (Source: Page 37, Mountain Neighbor Handbook.)

Knowing that individual efforts alone weren’t enough, Ben Henkes and Bob Weiss mobilized their neighbors. Without a homeowners' association (HOA) to enforce maintenance, they rallied neighbors to address the overgrown road corridors, together. By 2021, they had cleared vegetation along a major road section, making it easier for residents to evacuate and emergency vehicles to get in and out.

Building on this progress, TCD developed a detailed Neighborhood Road Corridor Management Plan in 2023. The plan focused on removing standing dead trees and ground fuels within 20 feet of the road edge—a substantial job requiring hundreds of hours of skilled labor.

Enter Team Rubicon: This veteran-led humanitarian group, known for its disaster response efforts, brought in over 20 volunteers, both veterans and civilians, from as far away as Denver. Equipped with high-quality chainsaws and pole saws, the team tackled the project over three days in June 2024. They cleared trees, built firewood stacks, and removed lower limbs and shrubs.

Their professionalism and camaraderie were evident, from early morning starts to enduring afternoon heat. And their hard work showed in the project’s success; the main road corridor was significantly improved.

In the images above, flagged trees were removed, conifer lower limbs were trimmed, and ground vegetation was cleared. This opens up the road corridor, making it more accessible for residents and emergency responders.

In this section of road, standing dead trees and ladder fuels were cleared. This reduces the opportunity for ground fires to spread upwards and reach the canopy.

The collaborative efforts of Burcher Road’s residents, TCD’s expertise, and Team Rubicon’s support showcase the power of community action. Devastation of homes and communities and even loss of life are realities of large-scale wildfires, especially in high-risk locations. Proactive initiatives are crucial for enhancing wildfire preparedness and reducing negative consequences from wildfire in our community.

If you're looking to create a safer, more resilient property or neighborhood, reach out to Robb Sgroi: Land Resources Specialist at robb@tetonconservation.org, or call Teton Conservation District at (307) 733-2110.

In-Office Food Waste Composting Program

By Holly Shuss, Administrative Manager

Here at the Teton Conservation District (TCD), our mission is to work with the community to conserve natural resources for the health and benefit of people and the environment. We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new internal program that embodies our mission with direct action and is easily replicable for businesses throughout Teton County. Allow us to introduce our in-office food waste composting program, in partnership with Teton County Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling (ISWR).

Let’s take a moment to talk about the benefits of food waste composting:

1) Reducing greenhouse gases: Food-waste left to decompose in landfills releases methane gas, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

2) Conserving land: By diverting organic waste, we extend the lifespan of municipal landfills, conserving valuable space and land.

3) Recycling nutrients: Composting recycles nutrient rich organic matter back into the soil, enhancing the soil’s water holding capacity and increasing soil microbes that nourish and foster plant growth.

4) Using fewer chemicals: Nutrient-rich compost can be used in local food production and landscaping. This allows individuals to reduce their reliance on chemical applications that pollute water, soil, air, and can harm living organisms.

This collection bin is where residents deposit their food waste for composting at ISWR's recycling center located at 3270 S Adams Canyon Road.

TCD has long been a supporter of ISWR and its composting programs. Over a decade ago, TCD helped purchase a woodchipper to process wood waste into compost. We then funded a pilot program to begin hauling food waste from commercial vendors to ISWR for composting. In 2022, we provided funding to kickstart the Residential Composting Food-Waste Program at ISWR, which has gained momentum and has already diverted thousands of pounds of food waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.  

The ISWR Residential Food-Waste Composting program currently accepts food-waste only, allowing residents to dispose of 5-gallons or less for $2 per bucket. Compost must be brought to the recycling center between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Recently, ISWR introduced a punch card program. After 10 punches, residents receive a free bag of compost from Terra Firma Organics, the company managing ISWR’s compost program, serving as both an incentive and a way to give back to residents participating in the program. Visit here for more details on both residential and commercial food-waste composting through ISWR.

Now, back to TCD’s in-office composting program.

We have a 5-gallon bucket for collecting our office’s food scraps, and we also encourage staff to bring in their food waste from home to add to the bucket on collection day. Once a week, we transport the full bucket to ISWR. (Pro-tip: We use compostable bags to line the bucket, making transferring food waste tidy and odor free). This program benefits our employees by reducing individual trips to the recycling center. We take pride in providing a convenient avenue for our team to divert food waste, which strongly aligns with our mission.

5-gallon buckets full of food waste from multiple locations across Teton County, on their way to ISWR.

This month, we have teamed up with Teton County’s Sustainability Coordinator, Erik Kimball, and his notable efforts to expand composting in the community. Erik strategically places 5-gallon buckets at various Teton County offices and 15 other partner locations, collecting them weekly. In the last six months, Erik’s weekly trips have already diverted over 1100 lbs. of food waste! We are very grateful to be a part of Erik’s pickup route and want to highlight the significant impact of his vision to make composting more accessible.

ISWR supports this group pick-up model because it increases participation in the Residential Self-Haul Compost Program. Plans are underway to establish more community compost drop-off sites. We're excited to witness the continued evolution and growth of this program and invite more residents to participate. Join us in our efforts to enhance our ecosystem's health for the benefit of our community by composting!

Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District

What is the Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District?

The Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District (FCWID) exists to protect private property and public infrastructure from winter flooding in the area between Karns Meadow and High School Road, where most winter flooding issues are concentrated. The FCWID is a special district that is run by a five-member elected Board of Directors. The FCWID works closely with, and as a sub-board of, the Teton Conservation District.

Why did I get a ballot in the mail?

Election day for the FCWID Board of Directors occurs every two years in November. Those who own property and those who live within FCWID boundaries are qualified to vote. This year (2023) electors will choose two directors for four-year terms.

What are current FCWID projects?

Excavators: One of the primary challenges faced by the FCWID is the threat of winter flooding. A specific type of ice, called frazil ice, forms in Flat Creek. It’s made up of tiny loose crystals and forms in very cold and turbulent water. This ice can accumulate quickly, forming dams that completely block the channel, and in Flat Creek, flood neighboring yards, streets, and buildings. Excavators are utilized as a critical tool to remove these large and challenging ice dams. When excavators are used, the FCWID works closely with the Town of Jackson and affected property owners, to ensure safety and natural resource protection.  

Thaw Wells: The work of the FCWID also includes diligent efforts to implement long-term, low-impact solutions. The FCWID and Town of Jackson Public Works operate three thaw wells along Flat Creek. The thaw wells draw ground water (that is much warmer at 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit) and discharge it into Flat Creek. Even this small amount of water has been shown to prevent ice dam formation in the region below the thaw wells. By partnering with the Teton Conservation District, FCWID applied for a FEMA grant to install two new thaw wells. With a total of five thaw wells in operation, it's expected that even during exceptionally cold years, like the winter of 2022/2023, the impact of flooding can be significantly reduced.

A big thanks to FCWID, the Town of Jackson, and Teton Conservation District for their efforts in mitigating emergency flooding on Flat Creek.

FCWID Mission Statement: The mission of the Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District is to explore and implement ways to prevent damage to private property and public infrastructure due to winter flooding of Flat Creek while simultaneously respecting water rights, representing the best interests of the district’s property owners and residents, and maintaining and improving water and habitat quality within the stream corridor.

Visit FCWID website here

 Thaw well locations and boundary outline of Flat Creek Watershed Improvement District

An ice dam forms along Flat Creek near Smith’s in February 2023

Flat Creek in Russ Garaman Park in January 2022

Vision Award Celebrates Sam Jewison and Sophie Lamb

The Teton Conservation District is proud to announce Sam Jewison and Sophie Lamb as the recipients of the second annual Teton Conservation Vision Award. Despite their different life stages and roles, these individuals share a commitment to local conservation and have actively worked to make an impact in our community. The Teton Conservation Vision Award serves to recognize local leaders for their outstanding efforts in natural resource stewardship.

Sam Jewison, the dedicated Street Division Manager for the Town of Jackson, began his tenure with the Town working as an operator in the Water Division for a decade. His progression into leadership was a natural result of his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team mindset, as affirmed by Floren Poliseo, the Public Works Director. Poliseo notes that, “Jewison epitomizes the essence of a public servant, prioritizing the community and its citizens while consistently going the extra mile to ensure a job well done.”

One of Jewison’s most notable conservation contributions lies in his invaluable input towards improving the Town’s stormwater runoff conveyance system. By implementing increased inspections, regular cleaning of catchments, continuous evaluation and experimentation with street sanding and sweeping practices, and thoughtfully planning for snow storage and sediment protection, Jewison has no doubt made a profound impact on local water quality. It’s also worth mentioning that Sam has a knack for repurposing and recycling signs, nuts and bolts, wood planks, and various other materials for future use.

Teton Conservation District Executive Director, Carlin Girard, says of working with Sam, “Even with a workload most people couldn’t carry, I have consistently been impressed with the way Sam approaches new ideas and initiatives. He is always looking towards how something can be done efficiently but also well. He is a model public servant, and I am proud that the TCD Board has chosen to recognize his efforts.”

Sophie Lamb, a recent graduate of Jackson Hole High School, created the first native plant pollinator garden at Jackson Hole High School. Supported by a grant from Teton Conservation District, Lamb’s project focuses on determining the plants that thrive at that location, with the potential for expanding native plant installations throughout school grounds and across the county. This initiative reduces water, fertilizer, and maintenance requirements while offering a flourishing habitat for pollinators, birds, and other species. 

Deanna Harger, Facilities Department Director for Teton County School District, applauds Lamb as the driving force behind this project and confirms it as a “total success.” Harger is inspired by Lamb's passion and is excited to work with Teton Conservation District in the future to expand native landscapes throughout school district properties. Harger hopes to have the same level of energy as Lamb for the project, saying that she will be missed.

Morgan Graham, GIS and Wildlife Habitat Specialist at Teton Conservation District, commends Sophie's extraordinary vision and effort in creating a model pollinator garden. “Sophie demonstrated vision and initiative well beyond her years throughout this project. Witnessing her turn an ambitious idea into reality was truly inspiring.” The flourishing garden stands as a growing testament to Sophie’s passion for conservation and dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. Sophie has also served as an intern at TCD, volunteering her time and her skills to the benefit of our community and natural resources.

As compensation for their significant contributions, Sam will receive a credit for Slow Food of the Tetons’ Online Marketplace, and Sophie will be awarded a scholarship for her upcoming studies in the Fall.

Why Should I Care About Winter Range?

By Morgan Graham, GIS & Wildlife Specialist

This blog post was originally published on the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation’s blog.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was not familiar with the concept of winter range. I remember seasonal changes marked by hundreds of Canada geese feeding on leftover corn and soybeans. However, as more geese became yearlong residents, they displaced other waterfowl and left slippery green hazards on sports fields…but that’s a different story.

Winter range came into focus for me during my first winter in Jackson in 2006. As a field technician, I counted mule deer on winter range from 27 fixed locations around the valley twice a week. Over the following three winters, I observed 3,230 animals across 417 locations and gained a greater appreciation for winter range. Monitoring conservation easements, conducting habitat inventories, and exploring public lands over 17 seasons deepened my understanding of why winter range is vital.

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Winter range mule deer observations above Broadway Avenue, symbolized by deer group size.

But what exactly is winter range and why is it essential?

Winter range is the topography and habitat that mule deer require to survive deep snow, frigid temperatures, predation threats, and human-caused stress. The lack of winter range is recognized as one of the most significant limiting factors to mule deer populations. The winter range we see animals using most frequently are the steep south-, east-, and west-facing buttes that receive enough sun and wind to keep snow depths low and natural high-fiber forage accessible. These include plants like mountain big sagebrush, Rocky Mountain juniper, antelope bitterbrush, rubber rabbitbrush, Wood’s rose, mountain snowberry, and curl-leaf mountain mahogany. It also includes older, closed-canopy stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine that shield against heavy snow and cold wind.

When I was a young buck, my body mass could fluctuate by 15% over the year (mule deer bucks can lose 15% of their body mass during the rut alone!). A steady winter diet of beer, pizza, and Netflix transitioning to a summer diet of sunshine, water, and plants would typically put me at my heaviest in April and lightest in October. Mule deer are the opposite. They increase their fat levels from around 9% in June to 25% in December and rely on those fat stores until May when the landscape begins to green up again. If they run out of fat stores, their body will shift to burning protein/muscle (not good). A dog chasing a deer through deep snow has negative consequences―simply walking through deep snow can require 6x more energy than on flat ground. What’s harder to reckon with are the cumulative impacts of more frequent alertness, standing, and walking in response to humans and pets. Each act of avoidance is a debit on a deer’s fat stores. The best thing you can do is keep your dog under control and observe seasonal wildlife closures. Even if there isn’t snow on the ground, the deer appreciate the space to chill.

So, why don’t we just feed deer the same way we feed elk? There are plenty of biological, social, and behavioral reasons, but the simplest is that it can kill them. Mule deer have evolved to “stomach” our long winters. They are heavily reliant on rumen bacteria that adjust seasonally to the foods available on the landscape. By the time winter rolls around, a deer’s rumen has acclimated to handle high-fiber, low-protein food. Suddenly dumping high-protein or high-carb fuel like hay, corn, or apples in the tank is equivalent to putting gasoline in a diesel engine (also not good). If you want to provide food for wildlife, consider maintaining or restoring some of the native plants listed above in areas away from buildings and roads.

Winter 2022 – 2023 has been particularly hard on our deer population. In early March, Wyoming Game and Fish Department reported over 50% of tracked fawns had succumbed to severe winter conditions. The average for that time is closer to 25%. Even as the snow recedes mule deer and other critters still aren’t out of the woods. Often the first areas to green up are directly adjacent to roads. Nothing is worse than seeing an animal that made it through the depths of winter fall victim to a vehicle collision a couple weeks or days before the flush of spring forage. Be vigilant and patient to help animals make it through the last leg of the winter marathon.

Minimizing Wildlife Conflict in Teton County

While people mean well, feeding wildlife—and ungulates in particular—does more harm than good. Here are three reasons (among others!) that people should stop feeding wildlife:

1. Deer, elk, and moose have microorganisms in their digestive system that gradually change with the seasons, allowing them to eat different naturally occurring foods throughout the year. A rapid transition from high-fiber woody browse to high-carb/protein human-provided foods, can lead to a condition called acidosis (carb overload), which can kill an animal in 24-72 hours.

2. Feeding wildlife is against Teton County regulations and you can get fined up to $750 a day. You can report violations to Teton County’s Code Compliance Office at (307) 733-3959.

3. Feeding can disrupt natural behavior. It concentrates animals, increasing the risk of predation and disease. If an animal is conditioned to remain near a feeding site, it might not migrate. Over the long-term, this can disrupt longstanding seasonal movements and compromise the population as a whole. Fed animals also tend to lose their fear of people, which can negatively affect survival.

Many thanks to our partners at Teton County for producing the video above on how we can all work together to minimize wildlife conflict. And thanks to Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, and Town of Jackson for contributing to this project. Teton Conservation District supported this effort with a Partners in Conservation grant.

Meet the Board: Roby Hurley

Roby volunteering on a fence removal project with Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and Jackson Hole Land Trust. Photo by Shivyon Mitchell.

Roby Hurley joined Teton Conservation District’s board in 2019 and was elected as board chair in December 2022. As the urban representative on the board, Roby brings decades of experience in municipal planning and natural resource management. His background in local and state government, wildlife conservation, agriculture, water quality, and watershed best practices are invaluable to Teton Conservation District. Want to get to know Roby? Read on…

How did you become interested in conservation?

It all started from farm life, direction from my parents, and Boy Scouts. While my work in planning and growth management has been largely urban-related, I grew up on rural farms. Part of my childhood was on a dairy farm. We had sheep, chickens, cows, a horse, and a pony. My affinity for the water began with the spring creek running through our farm, where I learned to trap muskrats as a kid. I also grew up fly fishing on the iconic central Pennsylvania limestone streams.

Roby pushing snow with his 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee tractor.

While I love learning, soccer and the natural world were always more important to me than school. I made the Virginia All-Star Team twice and was team captain my senior year. After graduating from Roanoke College with a degree in business and economics, I spent some time traveling and then started a career in sales and marketing. Although I was successful, it was not in my heart. My love for the water and nature drew me back to conservation and I went back to school for education in wetland protection, water quality management, and forest management.

How did your career in conservation lead you to Jackson?

Around the time I finished advanced education, the State of Maryland was starting to regulate water quality and wildlife habitat through the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act (CBCA). I got in on the ground floor of that legislation and started my own consulting business. One of my clients was the Maryland Department of Planning. I assisted small waterfront towns with local CBCA regulation implementation. Eventually I accepted an offer I could not refuse and went to work for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for 25 years. Over those years, I assisted more than 20 towns and five counties with local planning, growth management, and natural resources regulations. I reviewed development plans ranging from small residential projects to a destination resort and a natural gas exporting port. After retiring from the DNR, I started up my consulting business again but was presented with another offer I couldn't refuse—working for Teton County Planning and Building. I worked as a Principal Planner for Teton County before retiring in 2019.

Why do you like being on the Teton Conservation District Board? 

What impresses me most about TCD is their common-sense natural resource and land use approach and programs, coupled with their pragmatic outreach and funding efforts. The six program areas—Water, Land, Vegetation, Wildlife, GIS, and Sustainability—are very meaningful to me, each of which I strive to support through my role on the board. I continue to be impressed by TCD Staff and the people, government, and nonprofits geared toward natural resources protection in Jackson Hole.

What’s on the horizon for Teton Conservation District? What are your priorities for the next few years?

While I feel that TCD is in a good place right now, there are always opportunities to improve and address emerging issues while being mindful of fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers. Certainly, water quality issues are at the forefront now. I see TCD working hard to reverse our impaired waterbodies, return safe drinking water to Hoback, and streamline sewer hook processes. Addressing human wildlife interaction and conflicts should also be a priority, especially with increasing traffic on the roads and in the backcountry. We have a strong groundswell of small local agriculture operations advancing, so I would like to see that continue, as well as supporting improvements to our ranching community.

Generally, I feel it is more important than ever to support local government by taking a leadership role on issues that the Town and County are unable to address due to staffing and financial constraints. And finally, I believe in making a plan and sticking with it, so I support the TCD 2020-2025 Strategic and Long-range Plan, which can be found at www.tetonconservation.org/about.

What are your favorite pastimes?

Hiking, reading history, home improvement, gardening and of course fishing are my favorite pastimes. I used to sail, logging nautical miles on the great lakes, Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast coast, but I traded in the sailboat for waders and a drift boat. Water-oriented recreation is my lifeblood. But doing any of those activities is best when accompanied by my wife, Nancy.

In addition to volunteering my time on the Teton Conservation District board, I also volunteer for Trout Unlimited and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. I also donate a three-day fly-fishing course to the Animal Adoption Center auction every year. While I really enjoy my volunteer work, I like fishing more!

The Mountain Neighbor Handbook: A Peek Behind the Scenes

This post originally appeared on Utah State University’s Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative Blog.

Moose photo by Mark Gocke

Almost every winter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a moose drowns in an artificial pond in someone’s backyard when it breaks through a soft spot in the ice above an aerator. If the moose is lucky, Wyoming Game & Fish Department arrives in time to lasso it around the neck and winch it out. Throughout, those witnessing this spectacle are traumatized, as is the moose. Add a calf moose to this equation, and the hysteria, regret, and blame are compounded. 

While county regulations exist that stipulate how aerators can be used in ponds, the new owner of a dream home in Jackson is not going to predict this scenario until it literally falls into their backyard.

Teton County is surrounded by some of the most remote and intact wilderness in the lower 48 states, but conservation is at risk of being outpaced by development. Drowning moose are not the only challenge we face. Wildlife conflict, invasive species, stormwater runoff, busy trailheads, energy use, and more—all present similar, sometimes daunting challenges in our community.  And, like many rural communities, demands on natural resources intensified during the pandemic with an influx of new residents and increased visitation on public lands.

“Most people mean well and want to lighten their impact on the environment,” says Phoebe Coburn, Communications Specialist for Teton Conservation District, “but there’s a lack of accessible information and many just aren’t aware of regulations and common practices that protect wildlife and the ecosystem.”

The need for engaging and action-oriented information about natural resource conservation practices specific to the area—especially on private land—inspired the creation of The Mountain Neighbor Handbook: A Local’s Guide to Stewardship in Teton County. The 52-page booklet covers everything from wildlife and habitat to energy and waste. It helps readers navigate the realities of living in this wild place and invites them to become local environmental stewards.

A recent article in Mountain Journal highlights The Mountain Neighbor Handbook as one idea to help conserve the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—author Todd Wilkinson writes, “There ought to be one of these in every rural valley.”

Teton Conservation District has received requests for the handbook almost daily since its release in October 2022. Nearly 4,000 print copies have been distributed and the digital version has been viewed more than 3,200 times. A new print run is already underway to keep up with demand.

For other communities interested in exploring a similar project, Teton Conservation District offers the following suggestions and lessons learned:

• Leadership: Teton Conservation District spearheaded the project and served as project administrator, but engaged Teton County, the Jackson Hole Land Trust, and the Town of Jackson through a formal agreement that identified them as ‘lead partners.’ Obtaining local government partnership through county commission and town council approval helped ensure that regulatory statements were accurate. The commitment by all the lead partners continues to be integral to product distribution.

• Partner Engagement: The project received widespread community support because of 40+ ‘contributing partners’ (see list at bottom of page) who authored written content. It may have been less time consuming to have a smaller number of authors write the content, but the diversity of voices and community-wide ownership of the project were key to the project’s success.

• Editorial Control: The four lead partners retained editorial control over all content submitted by contributing partners. This meant that partners didn’t necessarily get to review the final written content before publication, but this sacrifice for efficiency likely saved weeks or months of work. Partners understood and agreed to these terms through a simple one-page contributing partner agreement, acquiescing editorial control to the lead partners. Partners were given a predefined section to contribute, a word limit, and all content was managed within Google Docs.

• Timeline: Lead partners agreed on an overarching project plan and established agreements prior to the project start date in January 2022. Written content creation spanned from January through April 2022 and coincided with editing. Graphic design began in May 2022 and wrapped up in early October 2022. With so many partners involved, strict timelines and an organized framework for partner management were necessary. The relatively rapid pace helped maintain momentum and prevented the project from languishing.

• Target Audience: Engaging the Teton Board of Realtors and inviting the real estate community to be conduits for distribution has been key to reaching our target audience of new property owners in Teton County. The product also provides a service to real estate agents by easing the burden of introducing new residents to community practices. Seven hundred copies are being distributed to new residents through real estate agents. Roughly 2,800 hardcopies were also mailed to all those who purchased property in Teton County after 2018.

• Print vs. Digital: The decision to prioritize a print format was difficult, but we consciously chose to have print at the heart of the project to help it stand out amidst the proliferation of digital media. Mailing hardcopies and personal handoffs by real estate agents was also the most direct way to reach new residents. We chose a thicker paper stock (but still economical, with the highest percentage of recycled paper available) because we didn’t want the product to feel disposable, but rather something we hope people will share with friends and neighbors and use as a tool to strike up meaningful conversations. Content was carefully worded so that hardcopies will remain relevant for many years to come. But, the digital version has also served an important role, especially following printing delays at the time of release. In the long term, we have plans to build out the Mountain Neighbor website with more information and resources.

• Graphic Design: Much of the project budget was dedicated to hiring a talented graphic designer to ensure the content was attractive and user-friendly. Hiring a professional copy editor also helped polish the handbook.

• Release Timing: The release coincided with the lead up to the 2022 general election. Heightened community engagement during this time helped build interest in the project and provided local government entities and candidates with helpful talking points leading up to the election. Release timing should be an intentional decision that builds engagement opportunities.

• Positive Attitude: We chose to create a document that welcomes people into our community’s shared vision for conservation, even though cynicism on this topic is pervasive. Given the overwhelming positive feedback from new and old residents, it’s clear that this was the right choice.

For more information on The Mountain Neighbor Handbook, reach out to Teton Conservation District at info@tetonconservation.org or call us at 307-733-2110.

Bird flu: What can you do?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, is wiping out chickens across the country and driving egg shortages and rises in prices. The virus is also infecting wild birds and a handful of mammals, including racoons, red foxes, harbor seals, and bears.

Like covid, there are different strains of avian influenza that affect species differently. For example, with the current strain, it seems as though waterfowl are transmitting the virus, but are rarely dying. Raptors are more susceptible among wild birds. Domestic poultry are the most sensitive; the mortality rate in affected flocks can be 90%-100%. Over the last year, more than 50 million chickens across the country have either died from the disease or have been culled at commercial facilities to prevent further spread. Although more difficult to detect, approximately 5,657 cases have been identified in wild birds—14 of those right here in Teton County. In previous bird flu outbreaks, the virus spikes during colder months and dies down during summer. But, the current outbreak carried through last summer and into this winter—making it the largest outbreak of avian flu in US history.

What can you do?

A gray-crowned rosy finch, a common visitor to backyard feeders in Jackson at this time of year. Photo by Tom Koerner/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     

For wild birds:

• If you have a bird feeder, consider taking it down. If you must have a bird feeder or bird bath, disinfect it at least once a week.

• If you like birds in your yard, consider planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses that attract birds.

• Never handle wild birds. If you find an injured, ill, or orphaned bird, call the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Keep pets away from sick or dead wild birds.

For backyard chickens and pet birds:

• Thoroughly clean any boots, clothes, and equipment used to tend to your birds.

• Make sure your birds’ food and water are inaccessible to wild birds.

• Keep chickens and pet birds indoors or otherwise physically separated from wild birds.

• Don’t borrow tools or supplies from other bird owners. If you have been near other birds or bird owners, clean clothing and equipment before going home.

• If you have a wild bird feeder AND chickens, take down your wild bird feeder.

• Know the warning signs (sudden increase in deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, drop in egg production, or swelling or discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs).

• Report sick birds to your veterinarian or USDA at 866-536-7593.

Meet the Staff: Phoebe

Phoebe helping with a snow water equivalent (SWE) measurement as part of snowpack chemistry monitoring with USGS.

As Communications Specialist, Phoebe works to promote Teton Conservation District’s programs, projects, and grant opportunities. She loves connecting people to the natural world and working with the community to conserve natural resources. She has been with Teton Conservation District since 2018.

Phoebe was raised in Jackson, Wyoming and Kathmandu, Nepal. She holds degrees in Geography and International Studies from the University of Denver and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, where her capstone project focused on project evaluation and community outreach. In her free time Phoebe serves on the board of the Teton Raptor Center and enjoys backpacking and gardening.

What has been your biggest accomplishment at Teton Conservation District to date?  

I’ve loved working on The Mountain Neighbor Handbook because of the community effort behind it. Jackson has been my home for most of my life, so collaborating with the 40+ people that contributed to the project has been especially meaningful to me.

I’ve also enjoyed working on Morgan’s Nature Notebook with my coworker Morgan Graham. The educational video series came about during covid quarantine times as a way to connect with the community and schools. But, as the pandemic waned, it continued to be popular, so we just kept making episodes whenever we had time. The latest episode – Micro-Habitat – is my favorite!  

Why did you decide to pursue a career in conservation?

I was lucky to spend my childhood hiking through mountains and exploring wild landscapes. I’ve always felt driven to protect wild places and share my curiosity for the natural world with others.

Phoebe helping with macroinvertebrate sampling in Flat Creek.

If you could make everyone in the world take one conservation action, what would it be?

Recently, I’ve been inspired by two books by Douglas Tallamy called 1) Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard and 2) Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife With Native Plants (both available as books and audiobooks through Teton County Library). I think the most important thing we can do for conservation is protect and restore native habitat at all scales—from backyards to entire landscapes. Check out our new Conservation Planting Program to learn about how you can get funding from Teton Conservation District to plant more native species in your yard.

Do you have a favorite native flora or fauna?

There are too many to count…in my own backyard, I love seeing moose and hearing great horned owls. On the trail, I’m always on the lookout for pikas. Recently, some of my favorite wildlife memories have been watching/hearing shorebirds like soras, plovers, and willets. And I love frogs and toads.

My favorite flora include aspen, redwood, Douglas fir, and whitebark pine. I feel most at peace when walking through a forest.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I wish I could speak every language in the world.

Phoebe on Jenny Lake in 1993.

Phoebe still loves paddling on Jenny Lake.

Winter '23: Snowpack and Water Update

By David Lee, Water Resources Specialist

Though we might not be out boating or watering the garden, we are all connected to the watershed in the winter. Arguably more connected—winter snowfall is what fills the streams and rivers in our watershed in the spring and summer.

Teton Conservation District staff tracks and shares snowpack and water supply metrics to help the community stay connected to our watershed. Tracking this data also helps water managers, recreationists, and others predict river flows and drought conditions. To sign up for regular watershed updates, email david@tetonconservation.org.

With the early part of the snowpack-building season underway, here are some metrics to understand and keep an eye on as winter progresses.

Where is our watershed?

Teton Conservation District monitors snowpack in the Snake River Headwaters, a watershed that includes all of the Upper Snake River watershed to below Palisades Dam, as well as the Hoback, Greys, and Salt River basins. See the watershed map below.

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The Snake River Headwaters (HUC 170401). Click the image to expand.

Snow Water Equivalent

A major element of the water supply picture is snow water equivalent (SWE), or the amount of liquid water in the snowpack. As of January 10, 2023, our snow water equivalent in the Snake River Headwaters is measured at 120% of normal.

We recently revamped the snowpack page on our website with a SWE plot that is updated weekdays so you can easily track how our snowpack is shaping up throughout the season.

The SWE measurement in mid-April, our typical peak snowpack date, is typically the strongest predictor we have of the amount of water that can run off into streams and rivers. Last year, our peak snowpack occurred on April 24th, with 17.0 inches of snow water equivalent, which was 91% of normal. That means we missed out on almost two inches of water from our snowpack last year, compared to a normal year. 

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Snow Water Equivalent in the Snake River Headwaters. Click the image to expand.

Streamflows

As expected, a below-average snowpack last year resulted in below average natural stream flows overall. But, despite low flows in the spring and late summer, the timing and volume of peak runoff last summer were near normal. Cold temperatures in the spring kept the snowpack up in the mountains for longer, but when it finally warmed up, it warmed up quickly. Late season stream flows would have been lower, if not for the cold spring and record-breaking August rainfall.

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Streamflows in the Snake River and its tributaries, 2022. Click on image to expand.

Water Storage Capacity

A healthy snowpack this winter could improve the water supply substantially. However, it will take multiple above-average snow years to completely refill Jackson Lake. Perhaps the best visual representation of the complex water storage system in the Upper Snake River is the Bureau of Reclamation’s “teacup” diagram, which shows the capacity and storage levels of major reservoirs within the watershed and the stream flow between those reservoirs. As of January 10, 2023, Jackson Lake is currently at 20% full, or 171,214/847,000 acre-feet, and Palisades reservoir is 22% full, or 262,190/1,200,000 acre-feet.

Jackson Lake’s average peak capacity is 700,000 acre-feet (83% full). Last year, Jackson Lake filled to just over 400,000 acre-feet (47% full), from a minimum of 127,000 acre-feet (15% full) in October of 2021. This year, Jackson Lake bottomed out at 140,000 acre-feet (16% full) in October 2022.

Some of the smaller reservoirs in the Upper Snake River system may be relatively full, but the large reservoirs are not. An overall water deficit in the system and previous years of drought means that water managers will be watching how our snowpack develops to make the best possible decisions on reservoir outflows next irrigation season.

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“Teacup” Diagram of streamflows and reservoir storage in the Upper Snake River, provided by the Bureau of Reclamation. Click the image to expand.

Seasonal Forecasts

It is refreshing to see an above-average start to winter here in the Snake River Headwaters. Skiing has been excellent, and it puts us in a better position to not rely on end-of-season storms to bring us to normal water supply. However, a lot can change in several months, so we will be keeping an eye on the long-term forecast as winter continues. We are expected to see near equal chances for above and below average temperatures and a possible lean towards above-average precipitation for the rest of the winter. Until then, have a happy winter, and don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss water supply in the Upper Snake River Watershed!

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3-month seasonal outlook, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click the images to expand.

Septic System Effluent Study Completed

Monitoring well installation. Photo courtesy of Nelson Engineering.

After roughly a year and a half of data collection and analysis, the Teton County Septic System Effluent Monitoring Study is complete. Prompted by a community concern that wastewater is a source of contamination in groundwater and surface water, this is the most rigorous study of septic system function performed in the cold temperatures and coarse soils of Teton County.

Teton Conservation District and Teton County contracted Nelson Engineering and Alder Environmental to measure the composition and treatment of wastewater in four residential septic systems and leachfields in Teton County. Funding support was also provided by Protect Our Water Jackson Hole.

The four sites were selected based on age, design records, groundwater depths, and other criteria.  “If it sounds like sites were cherry picked to be high-functioning, that is because they were,” says Carlin Girard, Executive Director of Teton Conservation District. “We needed to find systems that were working correctly to assess the function of a standard septic system. We also wanted to have four sites that could be compared as replicates, instead of four different types of systems.”

The four sites were sampled for a range of chemical parameters and pathogens using the same approach every month for two winters and one summer. The results of the study suggest that a properly functioning and well-maintained septic system in Teton County is providing adequate treatment of residential wastewater during the warmer months, while treatment capacity is reduced in the colder months. Each site is unique though and it’s important to have your septic system regularly inspected and pumped to ensure it functions properly.

Removal of nitrogen was of particular interest due to local groundwater contamination concerns. David Lee, Water Resources Specialist at Teton Conservation District, explained that “Across all sites, nitrogen treatment and conversion to nitrogen gas decreased during the cold winter months. We expected this to some extent, but now we have measured it.”

The results of the study were also compared to published results from other peer-reviewed studies. The Teton County sites performed differently from each other, but in general were comparable to published results, and often performed better than published results.

The study can help inform how to build and maintain septic systems in our environment, and the results are informing Teton County’s ongoing Water Quality Master Plan effort. The study also builds upon Teton Conservation District’s previous Septic and Sewer Mapping Project and Drinking Water Quality Mapping Project.  

Winter well monitoring. Photo courtesy of Alder Environmental.

The study recommends owners of septic systems consider these practices or modifications:

Monitoring well installation. Photo courtesy of Nelson Engineering.

• Insulate the septic tank and pump chamber to retain heat from household wastewater and reduce the cooling effect of frozen ground.

• Don’t place the septic tank and pump chamber under plowed surfaces without additional insulation.

• Use infiltrators or chambered designs over gravel pit designs and increase soil cover above the leachfield to 1.5 to 2 feet, if possible.

• Leak test septic tank and pump chamber after construction.

• Pump and inspect the septic tank every 3-5 years.

• Close leachfield vents in winter.

Click here to read more and download the full report.

Morgan's Nature Notebook - Episode 13 - Micro-Habitat

Globally, more than 40 percent of bee species are vulnerable to extinction. There are 700-800 bee species in Wyoming, most of which are solitary, and overwinter in ground cavities, hollow stems, or leaf litter.

What you do in your backyard matters! As you’re putting your garden to bed this fall, you can create micro-habitat in your backyard for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators:

1. Don’t cut back tall stems! Standing stems shelter cocoons and chrysalises and hollow stems are home for small bees and bugs.

2. #leavetheleaves Piles of leaves create shelter and food for birds and bugs. If you have to rake your yard, consider leaving some small piles of leaves overwinter in out-of-the-way parts of your yard.

3. Use lighter compost. Heavy mulch can make it difficult (or impossible) for ground nesting bees and other insects to emerge in spring. Light mulch or screened leaves can do wonders for your beneficial pollinator community.

High School Student Plants Native Pollinator Garden

By Sophie Lamb, Teton Conservation District Intern

Jackson Hole High School is home to six acres of Kentucky bluegrass. High school senior Sophie Lamb is working to change that. 

Western yarrow, one of the flowers in the High School Pollinator Garden.

Despite its distinctly American name, Kentucky bluegrass is a non-native grass species from Europe and North Africa that was initially brought to North America by early settlers to supplement grasslands for cows, sheep, and other grazers. Though the plant itself does not directly harm ecosystems or waterways, the way in which it is managed—through excessive watering, overfertilization, and mowing—coupled with its role in replacing biodiverse native ecosystems with monocultures, has caused concern in recent years.

Because Kentucky bluegrass is not native, it does not offer a natural habitat for native pollinators, nor does it naturally grow and remain healthy in drier, more basic, Wyoming soil. Furthermore, Kentucky bluegrass's shallow root system makes it especially vulnerable to dry seasons, meaning it requires more watering and fertilizing than native species to survive. As wildfire risk increases and droughts lengthen, the species is becoming increasingly impractical at the scale it’s currently used. 

Observing these issues inspired Sophie to seek out a small grant from Teton Conservation District to construct a native plant pilot plot at the high school. The plot is intended to test which species are more successful in the school’s microclimate and potentially be used to supplement the bluegrass surrounding the school. This would decrease the amount of water, fertilizer, and maintenance necessary for the school's landscaping while offering a thriving environment for pollinators, birds, and other species. 

June 8, 2022

June 16, 2022

June 30, 2022

July 26, 2022

August 16, 2022

September 19, 2022

The 550 sq. ft. plot is currently located on the southern side of the high school and contains blanket flower, Rocky Mountain penstemon, western yarrow, wild bergamot, and smooth aster from Piney Island Native Plants, as well as Rocky Mountain fescue, sheep fescue, creeping red fescue, Idaho fescue, thickspike wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, Snake River wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass, showy milkweed, fringed sage, aspen daisy and basin wildrye from plugs germinated by Vertical Harvest.

To learn more about ways you can make your lawn more environmentally friendly, check out the Trout Friendly Lawns program, or reach out to Teton Conservation District’s native plant specialist Morgan Graham (morgan@tetonconservation.org or 307-733-2110)

Spread Creek Project Protects Cutthroat Trout

Trout Unlimited, Grand Teton National Park, Bridger Teton National Forest, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently announced the completion of the final phase of the collaborative Spread Creek Fish Passage Project.

Teton Conservation District is proud to have been part of Spread Creek’s story for the past 10+ years. We’ve provided funding and support for design, implementation, installation of the fish screen, and more. This year, we’re also working with the irrigators downstream to make the most out of the water being delivered from Spread Creek.

About the Spread Creek Fish Passage Project

A large irrigation diversion dam that spanned the entire width of Spread Creek, just outside of Grand Teton National Park on Bridger-Teton National Forest, was removed in 2010 through a partnership effort led by Trout Unlimited. Removing it opened up well over 50 miles of the watershed to migratory Snake River cutthroat trout.

The dam was replaced with a fish passage-friendly diversion structure and new water delivery system. Partners documented fish successfully moving throughout the stream’s headwaters and Snake River for the first time in more than 50 years. However, they also found that some native fish were trapped in the irrigation system as they migrated downstream.

Partners once again teamed up for the project’s $1.6M second phase, which installed a fish screen on the Spread Creek irrigation system to prevent fish entrapment through the water intake system. It also improved the existing diversion structure and stabilized nearby banks and channels.

This Spread Creek Fish Passage Project’s second phase was led by Trout Unlimited’s Snake River Headwaters Initiative in close collaboration with Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Funding and additional support has been provided by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Desert Fish Habitat Partnership, Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited, Jackson Hole One Fly, Moosehead Ranch, National Forest Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Bring Back the Natives, Pinto Ranch, Snake River Fund, Teton Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, Triangle X Ranch, US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Passage, US Geological Survey, Vail Resorts Epic Promise, Western Native Trout Initiative, Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow via The WYldlife Fund,  WorldCast Anglers, WY Department of Environmental Quality, WY Game and Fish Department, WY Water Development Commission, WY Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, local businesses, and private donors.

A Prickly Affliction

By Morgan Graham, GIS & Wildlife Specialist

Morgan with other TCD staff, Phoebe and Emily, pulling musk thistle along the Game Creek Trail. Join the weed warrior team at www.tetonconservation.org/invasive-species

A confession…on these azure blue August days, I sometimes imagine myself as a moose browsing an endless buffet of thistle blossoms. For the past 10 or so years I devote about 40 late summer hours to mechanically removing millions of musk thistle (and other) seeds from otherwise high-quality habitat.

Now if you are a rational human being, you might be thinking “you’re wasting your time…they’ll just come back next year?” -or- “What’s the big deal?…the bees and butterflies love them” -maybe even- “I like thistles, they’re on my family coat of arms and are prickly just like me.”

Love them or hate them, the goal of this thread is to serve up some timely tidbits on one of our most prolific non-native plants. Let’s start with some context.

As a teenager in southeastern Pennsylvania, I used to religiously refill our backyard feeder with “thistle seed.” The reward was a local flock of chittering American goldfinches who would perform aerial acrobatics all summer long. Turns out that the Nyjer thistle seed sold as bird food is Guizotia abyssinica aka ramtilla or African yellow daisy. Not a thistle at all. Bird seed is traditionally heat-treated to render it sterile. For at least a couple reasons, the chances of a musk thistle growing along your favorite forest service trail originating from a bird feeder are less than your chances of cultivating a jar of sesame seeds from a Big Mac bun.

So where did musk thistle come from? Geographically it is native to Western and Central Europe. The USDA cites an initial observation in central Pennsylvania in 1852. Ship ballast was the suspected travel agent. It now grows in all US states except Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, and Vermont.

But musk thistle is beautiful; how could it be bad? You’re right. Musk thistle blossoms on a desiccated landscape are striking. Chirag Mehta made a cool 'Name that Color' tool. It says musk thistle flower is some combination of 'Heliotrope,' 'Flirt,' and 'Razzle Dazzle Rose.' Unfortunately, musk thistle degrades pastures and wildlife habitat by competing with desirable forage and native vegetation. Sharp spines make dense patches impassable. I've seen elk and mule deer eat a few old seed heads but they ultimately get more nutrition from displaced native bunchgrasses and shrubs. Bees and butterflies will mob the magenta in August but are left with reduced housing and dining options to sustain them the rest of the year. Still not convinced? You are in luck. Musk thistle is firmly established and continues to expand in Teton County. If you are interested in maintaining diverse native plant communities for the benefit of wildlife big and small, read on.

Whether you have five musk thistle at the end of your driveway or 5,000 along your favorite forest service trail, the treatment is the same. Musk thistle is a biennial plant, meaning it lives for two years, flowers, and dies. In year one it grows as a flat rosette, storing energy into a tap root. In year two, it puts up the familiar spiny stalk and anywhere from one to 100 seedheads. Herbicide is effective when applied properly to rosettes or to second year plants before flowering begins. Once a plant flowers, herbicide is ineffective at reducing viability of the seed. So even if a flowering thistle droops after spraying, if the flower goes to fluff, the plant wins. Herbicide is a tool, but has cost, limitations, and potentially negative consequences to beneficial plants and pollinators. It is not uncommon to observe an area nuked by herbicide one or two years prior with the only regrowth comprised of musk thistle or other invasive plants. My personal preference is to keep it simple with slow and boring mechanical control. You can end rosettes and pre-flower second year plants by digging when soil conditions allow. Removing blossoms with thick gloves, adding them to a trash bag, then pulling and leaving the remaining plant to decompose will starve the soil of seed when repeated each year. This method requires returning to the same area for multiple years (as does herbicide), but the results are steady and the negative impacts to native plants and pollinators are minimized.

I fully understand there are strong and diverse opinions on how to best approach non-native species. This is what has worked for me. Feel free to share your perspectives by sending a note to morgan@tetonconservation.org

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We partnered with Bridger-Teton National Forest and passionate volunteers over three ‘Thistle Thursdays’ to complete our fourth and most successful year of mechanical thistle control in Game Creek. Seventeen people and 89 combined hours = ~655 pounds of seedheads pulled. Check out the before and after pictures above to see how much of a difference you can make!

The Coolest Cacti in the West

By Sophie Lamb, Teton Conservation District Intern

Plains pricklypear by Matt Lavin

Did you know Jackson Hole is home to two native cacti species? Brittle prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) and plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha). These species grow all across the Mountain West and Southwest and have been used by Indigenous Tribal nations for centuries as a source of food, medicine, needles, and water. They also perform a variety of important and groundbreaking functions integral to continued sustainability in native ecosystems.

Brittle prickly pear by Morgan Graham

Unlike other plants that release carbon dioxide when they die and decompose, these cacti sequester the CO2 they absorb into the soil around them in the form of solid calcium carbonate. Studies of other pricklypear species, like the Opuntia ficus-indica known to grow in the Southwest, found that pricklypear is capable of sequestering over 400 million pounds of CO2 annually–which equates to the annual emissions of 33 thousand cars. In an era of longer dry seasons and worsening droughts, water-efficient prickly pears are also being used to study ways to make human and animal crops more efficient and resilient. They are even viable as a more sustainable biofuel, requiring 80% less water than the typical maize and sugarcane. 

Keep an eye out for these cool plants the next time you go for a hike! They tend to grow on rocky hillsides, around boulders, and in areas where the soil is sandy or gravelly. For plains pricklypear (first photo by Matt Lavin), look out for flattened leaves that are not easily detached and straight spines all over the pad. In June and July, they grow small yellow and gold flowers. Brittle prickly pear leaves are barrel or ball-shaped and easily detach from the plant (second phot by Morgan Graham).

The Jackson Hole Connection Episode 204 with Carlin Girard

In Episode 204 on The Jackson Hole Connection, our Executive Director, Carlin Girard, shares what it was like growing up near the Appalachian Trail and why he eventually headed west. He talks about how a college thesis landed him in the oil fields near Big Piney and some of Teton Conservation District’s programs including native plants, wildfire risk mitigation, well water test kits, wildlife monitoring, alternative energy, and more.

Listen in Apple Podcasts or wherever get your podcasts. You can also listen at TheJacksonHoleConnection.com