Grand Teton National Park
JY Ranch Fish Screen Survey
PROJECT NUMBER 2002-0311-010.3
NFWF & JHOF Partnership: $5,000
Local Match: $8,000
Grand Teton National Park was established to protect the area’s native
plant and animal life and its spectacular scenic values, as
characterized by the geologic features of the Teton Range and Jackson
Hole. The park's Strategic Plan highlights the significance of the Snake
River as habitat for cutthroat trout and as a recreational resource,
along with the abundant mammal, plant and bird species that reside in
the park. The park's 1997 Snake River Management Plan emphasizes the
desire to maintain the river’s natural character in order to protect
wildlife and scenic values.
The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation - National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation Conservation Partnership Program is funding this project
because data from a 2001 study conducted by the Grand Teton National
Park, that investigated the effects of irrigation ditches on water
quality and
 cutthroat
trout habitat, indicated that a large diversion located near the JY
Ranch is removing a significant cutthroat trout population from the
Snake River. While many of the diverted trout are providing a supply of
fish to creeks located further down the watershed, Wyoming Game and Fish
feel that many fish are also lost (trapped) when the ditch is shut down
in the fall. This project also provides funding for a consultant to
survey the diversion and design and install a system of fish screens
(self-cleaning) to redirect the cutthroats back into the Snake River.
Project Status:
The project of implementing a fish screen for a large irrigation
diversion near the south boundary is in the design phase. The cost of
construction could exceed available funds and may need to be
re-evaluated.
For more information, contact: Susan O’Ney,
Susan_O’Ney@nps.gov,
307-739-3666.
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