Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group
In 2022, a task force developed around concerns regarding issues facing the watershed including flows from Jackson Lake dam, water quality, habitat degradation, drought, and climate change. With the help of LegacyWorks Group, this small group spiraled into the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group (SRHWG) in the fall of 2023. The Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group brings a broad coalition of partners together to ensure a resilient and healthy Snake River Headwaters ecosystem with clean and ample water to meet the needs of current and future generations.
Since its inception, the SRHWG has attracted over 90 organizations and 200 individual members representing government agencies, nonprofits, private businesses, local ranches, Idaho irrigators, and universities. The collaborative watershed network is led by a steering committee of 15 diverse representatives. As part of the design phase conducted by LegacyWorks Group, focus areas emerged and informed the development of four working groups:
Water Management & Flow
Data & Monitoring
Ecosystems
Outreach & Community Engagement
These working groups are identifying priorities and projects where collaboration can further their impact. The group has also organized two convenings with a strong speaker series to build shared understanding and trust, and engage the 70+ members in attendance.
In summer 2024, the SRHWG was awarded $299,189 via the Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Cooperate Watershed Management Program. A portion of this funding, distributed across 3 years, will go towards LegacyWorks Group’s continued facilitation and coordination of group meetings, expanding public outreach, and laying the groundwork for future watershed restoration planning efforts.
Partners of the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group include:
Grand Teton National Park
Snake River Fund
Teton Conservation District
Teton County, WY
Trout Unlimited
WYAct
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Grand Teton National Park Foundation