WHALES of Teton Valley • Entered by Liz McCane on November 21, 2023
Comments about creek damage
October 30, 2023 – November 21, 2023
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 1 |
| Post Admin hours | 1 |
| Activity Hours | 1 |
| Participants | 10 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Valley Advocates for Responsible Development; Friends of the Teton River
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (30 comments)
Short Description of Activity
Two private property owners in Teton County, ID, hired heavy equipment operators to rip out vegetation and the creek bed in riparian areas of two creeks. The creeks are important tributaries to the Teton River and spawning streams for native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. The work was done, quickly, without applying for the permits necessary to do such work in riparian areas. Spring flooding will be exacerbated, important wildlife corridors are destroyed and increased sediment will impact prime recreational fishing habitat in the Teton River. WHALES members were asked to submit comments to each of the three Teton County Commissioners debating the issue.
Reflection/Evaluation
Although less than 2% of our members indicated that they had submitted comments, advocacy is new to us and I am somewhat encouraged by the response. There has been a large public outcry, and the commissioners intend to enact a quick-response ordinance to turn to the next time this happens. Time will tell what the consequences will be for the landowners, and what remedial steps will happen. Whales will be asked to comment, again, when we have the chance.