The BTNF is special for as many different reasons as users who enjoy it. But there are Four Ws—Water (and snow), Wildlife, Wildlands, and Cultural Wisdom—that make it truly extraordinary among the country’s 154 national forests.
The Four Ws: Water
#1: Water and Snow
While many Rocky Mountain national forests provide headwaters for important water uses, the Bridger-Teton is especially important. It is located at the top of the watershed that gives rise to the headwaters of three major rivers: the Snake River, which flows west to the Columbia River; Green River, which flows south to the Colorado River; and Yellowstone River, which flows east to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
And then there are thousands of named creeks and lakes, which provide habitats for fish and wildlife, memorable recreation opportunities, and even essential community municipal and agricultural use (Fremont Lake provides Pinedale with its drinking water). Some water resources are nationally recognized through congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Snake Rivers. The unique “Parting of the Waters” at Two Ocean Pass is recognized as a National Natural Landmark; there, waters divide into Atlantic Creek flowing east and Pacific Creek flowing west.
On the south end of the BTNF, the Tri Basin Divide splits the Columbia Basin, the Colorado River Basin, and the arid, no-outlet Great Basin—all three of which provide habitat for multiple cutthroat trout species. Finally, many scenic subalpine lakes, waterfalls, and springs are located on the Bridger-Teton, including Periodic Spring near Afton, a geological feature that is one of a handful of springs in the world that regularly cycle on and off.
And where does this water come from? Abundant snowfall and numerous glaciers sustain these rivers and lakes. The BTNF’s snow coverage is gaining increased attention, as climate projections suggest it will remain here longer than elsewhere. What does this mean? At a large scale, habitat for boreal species is anticipated to shrink and become less connected, which heightens the value of existing areas of intact habitat. Compared to almost any other place in the lower 48 states, the Bridger-Teton is considered the most intact and probable refugium for boreal species and could contribute to their persistence. Climate refugees include fish species seeking cold water; wolverines that depend on deep snowpack; mountaintop plant and animal species seeking cold temperatures; and humans seeking respite from hot temperatures or simply a place to continue their favored water- or winter-recreation activities
