Number: 1979-38
WHEREAS, many valuable wildlife habitat areas across the Nation are increasingly threatened by developmental encroachment; and
WHEREAS, the greater Yellowstone region of Northwest Wyoming, Southern Montana, and Eastern Idaho is one of the largest, most diverse, intact ecosystems remaining in the lower 48 states; and
WHEREAS, the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, lying within the greater Yellowstone Region and surrounded by national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges, provides important wildlife habitat, migration routes and winter range for much of the region’s wildlife, and
WHEREAS, the largest elk herd in North America winters on federal, state, and private lands of Jackson Hole, using traditional migration routes which cross privately-held lands; and
WHEREAS, about 90 percent of the mule deer population of Grand Teton National Park winter on privately-owned lands of Jackson Hole; and
WHEREAS, the private lands of Jackson Hole are also home to moose, bald eagle, osprey, trumpeter swan, and other rare species, and
WHEREAS, development of Jackson Hole has already resulted in decreased numbers and relocation of species such as bighorn sheep, bison, and mountain lion; and
WHEREAS, the national recreation interest in Jackson Hole is well established and steadily increasing, with over four million visitors in 1978, leading to severe development and land speculation pressures on the valley’s privately-held lands; and
WHEREAS, subdivision and development of ranchlands is increasing at an alarming rate and is already infringing on wildlife habitat and migration routes; and
WHEREAS, the concept of federal protection of certain private lands in Jackson Hole with emphasis on purchase of conservation easements and use of other land management techniques can preserve the open space and wildlife values of critical areas, while retaining private ownership and permitting continuation of ranching and other traditional land uses; and
WHEREAS, similar developmental encroachment affecting wildlife habitat on privately-owned lands, particularly involving riparian habitats and winter ranges, in occurring throughout many of the western states, and a successful protective program for areas such as Jackson Hole could serve as a model for these other areas;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at the annual meeting assembled in Toronto, Ontario, on March 22-25, 1979, strongly endorses in principle, timely federal action to protect and preserve wildlife habitat and open space on privately-owned lands, such as Jackson Hole, primarily through federal acquisition of conservation easements, together with other land management techniques, as appropriate.