Winter backcountry recreationists are venturing farther afield into the Teton high country. Many frequented areas are habitat for a population of threatened bighorn sheep, and recent research, linked here, indicates that the sheep are likely avoiding areas where there is high backcountry skiing activity.
To help mitigate pressures on bighorn sheep in the Tetons TBCA’s efforts have included:
- Raising awareness (Ongoing): TBCA is working with Teton winter mountain guides and bighorn sheep advocates to raise awareness on the issue, establish a set of best practices, and share bighorn sheep observations.
- Denizens of the Steep film (February 16, 2021): TBCA supported production of the short film Denizens of the Steep, which won the 2021 Conservation Media Award. The film is produced by Josh Metten and features ski mountaineer Kim Havell, both of whom are TBCA Steering Committee members. Watch here:
- Community workshops (February 13th, 20th and March 5th, 2020): TBCA was a financial sponsor which helped the Teton Sheep Working Group host a series of three collaborative community workshops. The workshops developed community-based recommendations for protecting sheep while preserving opportunities for backcountry skiing. Biologist presentation recordings and the brainstormed management recommendations can be found here. TBCA looks forward to working with the Teton Sheep Working Group in the future.
- Public gathering (November 15, 2019): TBCA hosted a public gathering including ~45 Teton backcountry skiers & boarders, and non-profit and agency staffers. Presentations by agency biologists summarized the status of the Teton Bighorn Sheep herd and what is known about the effects of human disturbance on the population. TBCA Steering Committee members Jay Pistono and Tom Turiano shared their experiences and perspectives on the topic. Formal presentations were followed by a constructive open discussion about how to best balance backcountry recreation and bighorn sheep conservation in the Tetons.
