In a move celebrated by conservationists, Wyoming officials voted Thursday to sell a stunning 640-acre parcel of state-owned land within Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for $100 million. This decision ends decades of threats to sell the pristine property to the highest-bidding private developer, ensuring its permanent protection within the park.

The land, known as the “Kelly Parcel,” boasts breathtaking views of the Teton Range and provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. Its fate has been a subject of intense debate for years, with conservation groups and many Wyoming residents urging the state to prioritize conservation over potential financial gains from a private sale.

“This is a historic victory for Grand Teton National Park and for the people of Wyoming,” said a spokesperson for the Wyoming Conservation Alliance. “This land is an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage, and now it will be preserved for generations to come.”

The $100 million purchase price will be funded through a combination of federal funds and private donations. The federal government will contribute $62 million, representing the appraised value of the land, while the remaining $38 million will be raised through private philanthropy.

The decision to sell to the federal government was not without its critics. Some state officials argued that auctioning the land to a private buyer could generate significantly more revenue for Wyoming. However, Governor Mark Gordon and other members of the State Board of Land Commissioners ultimately decided that the long-term benefits of conservation outweighed the potential short-term financial gains.

“This is about more than just dollars and cents,” Governor Gordon stated after the vote. “It’s about preserving the integrity of one of our nation’s most iconic national parks.”

The sale marks the culmination of years of negotiations between the state and federal government. It also represents a significant shift in Wyoming’s approach to managing its state lands within national parks. For decades, the state had used the threat of private sale as leverage to secure concessions from the federal government. This latest decision signals a growing recognition of the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting Wyoming’s natural treasures.

With the sale finalized, the National Park Service will now begin the process of integrating the Kelly Parcel into Grand Teton National Park, ensuring its long-term conservation and providing enhanced opportunities for public access and enjoyment.

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