GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK – The Department of the Interior finalized its purchase of the 640-acre Kelly parcel within Grand Teton National Park from the State of Wyoming on Dec. 30, 2024. The $100 million deal ensures the area will be fully protected by the park.
The ecologically critical square mile was the last remaining piece of unprotected land within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park, serving as part of a key migration corridor for pronghorn, elk and mule deer.
There were concerns that the state of Wyoming would sell the land to the highest bidder, which could have triggered development within the national park itself. But ultimately, and after some controversy, the decision was made to sell the land to the federal government so it could become part of the national park. Proceeds from the sale will fund Wyoming’s school system for decades to come.
The purchase was made possible thanks to a year-long campaign by Grand Teton National Park Foundation that raised $37.6 million. Nearly 400 donors from 46 states contributed to the purchase.
“Thank you to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation for their extraordinary support in this huge conservation achievement,” Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said. “We simply would not be here today without them and the thousands of people who raised their voice in support of conserving this important part of the park.”
