In a significant conservation victory, the federal government has finalized the purchase of the Kelly Parcel within Grand Teton National Park for $100 million, ensuring the protection of this vital wildlife habitat from private development.

The Kelly Parcel, a 640-acre area characterized by rolling hills and aspen groves, serves as a crucial habitat for various species, including elk, moose, and pronghorn antelope, as noted in reports by the SFGate.

On Monday, the Department of the Interior confirmed the transaction, with Secretary Deb Haaland stating, "Today marks an incredible milestone, decades in the making, to permanently protect an essential wildlife migration corridor." The total funding was sourced from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, contributing $62.4 million, while the remaining $37.6 million came from private donations orchestrated by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon indicated that proceeds from the sale would support the state’s public education system but expressed intentions to utilize some funds for acquiring federal land and minerals. Notably, this transaction prevents a previous proposal to auction the parcel to the highest bidder—a decision that could have jeopardized the area’s ecological integrity.

Discussions surrounding the Kelly Parcel acquisition have been ongoing for several years. Governor Gordon acknowledged criticisms about the pace of the federal negotiations but emphasized the importance of retaining land within the national park. "It has been my goal to utilize the proceeds of this sale to expand the state’s portfolio of lands and minerals," he mentioned.

The Kelly Parcel harbors significant ecological value and has long been part of discussions about land usage within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The area plays a critical role in wildlife migration and has been deemed "essential" for the local ecosystem. The recent increase in visitation to Grand Teton National Park, which welcomed 3.4 million visitors in the past year, underscores the area's importance for recreation and conservation efforts.

This purchase is considered a crucial step toward protecting the ecological integrity of Grand Teton National Park, marking a successful collaboration between federal and state governments as well as conservation organizations. It represents a significant win for environmental advocates who have tirelessly campaigned for the preservation of this unique landscape following decades of potential turmoil from developmental pressures.

As the conversation around land use in Wyoming continues, the purchase of the Kelly Parcel provides a foundation for future conservation initiatives aimed at maintaining the health and biodiversity of one of America’s most treasured natural environments.

Learn more about this landmark purchase by visiting SFGate or USA Today.