A significant conservation milestone was achieved as Wyoming’s 640-acre Kelly Parcel within Grand Teton National Park was sold to the federal government for $100 million, ensuring it remains free from private development. Funded through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Interior and private donors, the purchase will preserve the parcel’s natural beauty and its critical role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon emphasized plans to use the sale proceeds to acquire other federal lands and minerals within the state, balancing conservation with Wyoming’s economic interests. Private funding, led by anonymous donors and organizations like the National Park Foundation, contributed nearly $38 million to the effort. This sale not only protects an iconic area but also supports Wyoming’s public education through the Common School Permanent Fund, demonstrating the impact of collaborative conservation efforts.