May 12, 2010
A Drencher in Dubois
For those who have been keeping track of snowpack percentages in the winter of 2009-2010, things had been looking bleak in most major Wyoming watersheds. The recent precipitation events, both rain and snow, in northwest Wyoming have boosted the prospects for a more normal spring runoff. This is to the delight of many who look at spring and summer runoff and moisture regimes for many different reasons like recreation, agriculture, wildfire risk, or wildlife opportunity.

But I’m hear to relay good news – the story of our soggy Board of Directors trip over Togwotee Pass to visit and learn more about the recent conservation successes by the Wind River Program of the Jackson Hole Land Trust. While there is a strong link between residents of Teton and Fremont Counties, this was the first Board trip to see and experience the amazing places that have recently been protected in the Torrey Creek drainage. And as is almost always the case, weather factored in to the mix.

Snow was forecasted and for a time it seemed as if the trip was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Spinning our wheels, literally, through seven inches of new wet snow to reach Ring Lake Ranch was greatly rewarded. Upon arrival, the board and staff members were treated to a solid meal, and a biology talk by Game and Fish personnel. Board members were able to see and hear about the significance of the work that is being done in the Dubois area and its impacts on wildlife that move throughout the region, not to mention the opportunity to view some of the cultural resources that the ranch is home to.

The spring snow fall made the trip more eventful, and did prevent the board for seeing some of the other areas of Fremont County that possess superb conservation potential. But rest assured, when the bus driver called for weight over the rear axel and help pushing the bus free from the snow, Jackson Hole Land Trust board members were more than happy to oblige. They know, as do we land stewards who visit the easements, a wet drenching snow following a dry winter is a wonderful thing that will hopefully help satiate northwest Wyoming’s wildlife, plant, and human inhabitants as we move toward summer.
- Steffan Freeman