Funding
As a young nonprofit organization, we are grateful for grants, private donations, and significant financial support from the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Bureau (JHTTB). Since 2022, the JHTTB, which is funded by a Teton County lodging tax, has granted us a total of more than $2 million. These funds educate visitors and manage visitor impact—primarily through our flagship Ambassadors for Responsible Recreation Program—on the areas of the BTNF in Teton County (the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts). These two districts account for a small percentage of the entire BTNF.
It's Up to Us
Private donations are especially important to us because they can be used forest-wide. (There are four BTNF districts outside of Teton County on which we are not allowed to use the JHTTB funds: the Greys River, Big Pines, Pinedale, and Kemmerer Districts.)
As much as we’ve achieved, we can—and need—to do more: increase the number of bear boxes and fire rings at campsites; bring the number of Ambassadors for Responsible Recreation on the four districts outside Teton County in line with the number on the Jackson and Blackrock Districts; help with road engineering projects; connect
Private philanthropy is vital to sustaining Friends of the Bridger-Teton’s mission. While the U.S. Forest Service faces capacity constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, FBT can efficiently tackle essential but often invisible tasks—from fixing fences and clearing trails to maintaining roads and facilities. Our nonprofit structure allows us to move quickly and respond to immediate needs, complementing and enhancing the Forest Service’s work. As one of only three “Friends” organizations supporting national forests nationwide, we envision a model where every forest has a dedicated philanthropic partner. Through private support, we ensure that our forest remains healthy and accessible for all users, setting an example for forest stewardship across America.
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