The Kelly parcel, a 640-acre tract in Grand Teton National Park, has officially been acquired by the National Park Service for $100 million. This ensures the preservation of critical wildlife migration corridors and prevents development on ecologically valuable land. The deal, funded by $62.4 million from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and $37.6 million from philanthropic contributions, marks a significant conservation milestone.
The parcel’s transfer was complicated, involving legislative hurdles and debates over its sale price, initially appraised at $62.5 million. Public outcry against potential development played a key role, with nearly 10,000 comments urging its sale to the park. Wyoming legislators ultimately approved the $100 million deal, tying it to oil and gas development opportunities in the state.
Funds from the sale will support Wyoming’s education system, with projections estimating over $1 billion in potential returns for schools. Additionally, $162 million from the sale and other land transactions will be reinvested to acquire land in the Powder River Basin for oil and gas development.
The acquisition reflects a blend of federal, state, and private efforts to protect Grand Teton’s iconic landscapes while supporting Wyoming’s economic and educational priorities. It underscores the enduring impact of conservation philanthropy in the region.
Read more on Jackson Hole News & Guide here: https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/this_just_in/grand-teton-national-park-closes-on-kelly-parcel/article_ce6c1d3a-c665-11ef-bd3f-d3112080bca6.html
