Friends of the Teton River Inc

Based in Teton Valley, Idaho, Friends of the Teton River (FTR) was started in 2001 by a diverse group of local folks--from farmers and ranchers to fishing guides and biologists--who were concerned about the sharply declining health of the waterways and fishery in the Teton Watershed.

At that time, not much was known about the watershed, in general, including the status of our water quality and trout populations. Since then, FTR has worked with State and Federal agency partners to establish sound scientific data in order to address the biggest threats to this beautiful and ecologically significant watershed.

Based on our findings, Friends of the Teton River has been able to implement miles of stream restoration projects, fish passage and spawning habitat improvements, water quality testing programs, and improved water management. As a part of our core mission work, we offer watershed education programs for K-12 students (in the classroom and out in the field) and have regular offerings for community members to actively learn about pertinent issues concerning their water resources and participate in our work.

We strongly believe that collaborating with our community helps to form creative solutions that can benefit the watershed and a variety of needs. We have been successful at forging win-win solutions for humans and fish through building strong and diverse partnerships.

While we have made tangible progress over the past decade toward cleaner water and healthier streams, the Teton River  needs Idaho’s attention and help.

This watershed is one of the last remaining strongholds for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—and anywhere. In our quiet little valley, a battle is being waged to help this and other sensitive species maintain a foothold (and a home) here.

Our efforts are being challenged by proposals to re-build the failed Teton Dam (or other water storage options) that would decimate cutthroat trout populations and a free-flowing Teton River. A new dam also threatens to inundate the Teton River Canyon—a truly wild and remote river canyon that represents the best of the Sate of Idaho spirit and legacy.

Please help us protect and restore this important Idaho watershed and leave a vibrant legacy for the next generation of fly fishers, farmers, boaters, floaters, river stewards and your fellow Idahoans.