In 1998, the Forest Service, in response to increasing user pressure and decreasing funds, proposed to implement a mandatory fee program on the Snake River. In an effort to keep the Snake ‘fee free’, local citizens and businesses approached the local forest office with an unprecedented proposal. With the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) staff’s endorsement the Snake River Fund was formed. Since that time, this voluntary, donation-based, grass-roots organization has supplied funding to support river personnel, facilities upkeep, river volunteers, safety training, law enforcement, guide education, and other river user services. The continuing partnership between the BTNF and the Fund remains unique in this country and serves as a model to other river systems struggling with management challenges.
As the Fund has matured and grown, it has also become, increasingly, the voice of the Snake River. The Snake River watershed is extraordinary. It is one of the few remaining intact riparian ecosystems in the US, supporting a rare native fishery, undiluted by introduced or exotic species. It supports an abundant wildlife community. Its riparian corridor is an example of bio-diversity. It is one of the jewels of Jackson Hole. It is a fragile place, worthy of our protection. The Snake River Fund has responded to community pressure to become more active in the role as a river steward. As such, the Fund has recently committed to participate in seeking opportunities to formalize protective measures, participate in restoration projects, and educate and inform the general public through outreach programs.
Today, the Fund serves the river and its community in two ways– with direct impact projects and advocacy work. Direct impact projects such as the Kahuna/Blind Canyon Trail, the Elbow Boat Ramp project and the Wilson Boat Ramp project are examples of work that the Fund has funded and facilitiated. The Fund is a sponsoring organization for the Campaign for the Snake Headwaters, a regional effort to protect over 500 river miles under the federal Wild and Scenic Act. The Fund is also driving a collaborative planning process for the management and transfer of critical riverfront lands that the BLM owns.
It is the Fund’s vision that the Snake River Watershed will remain a vibrant and diverse ecosystem for many generations to come to enjoy in a responsible manner. It is the Fund’s goal to insure that happen.
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