Watershed Research
Habitat & Stream Function
The needs and uses for water in Teton Valley are as varied as the habitats it supports. From sagebrush to wetlands, cottonwood-lined corridors to basalt canyons– these waterways and riparian corridors are the lifeblood of the valley, providing irrigation water for agricultural producers and connecting habitats for fish and wildlife species.
Much in Teton Valley has changed since permanent settlement in the late 1800’s, which has had numerous impacts on land and water. Despite the challenges of a changing landscape in Teton Valley and the West, the Teton Watershed remains one of the most intact ecosystems in the Greater Yellowstone Region.
FTR’s first habitat studies (2002-2004) focused on establishing baseline data for 25 miles on the Teton River, including stream channel geomorphology, fish habitat, riparian vegetation and stream bank stability. Habitat research helped us identify the most critical areas for restoration in the watershed, and now guides our project designs to restore functioning stream conditions that will have the most positive benefit fish, wildlife and people, infrastructure and ecosystems.
Betsy first visited Teton Valley as a 10-year-old from Atlanta, GA, on a family trip west (station wagon and pop-up camper in tow), and knew from that point that the Tetons were amazing and the Rockies were where she wanted to be when she grew up. With a B.A. in Biology and an M.A. in Geography, she enjoyed a career in natural resource management with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service, the last 20 years in Utah and Montana. In 2022, she and her husband Dan started building their home in Tetonia, moving here in 2023, and are enjoying the outdoor joys of the Tetons and getting to know Teton Valley. She enjoys all things outdoors, particularly hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and trying to dabble in bikepacking; loves traveling although finds leaving their senior tabby to be so hard.
Rafe owns and operates Canewater Farm in Victor, Idaho. Rafe studied business at The University of Georgia and organic agriculture at the University of California Santa Cruz. Rafe brings the unique perspective of the local agricultural community to Friends of the Teton River. He is a farmer and a fisherman who views the Teton River as the lifeblood of the community. He advocates for collaboration between agricultural and recreational stakeholders. He is a proud father of two children, Rowan and Emmalou. He and his family sneak away from the farm any chance they can to camp, fish, ski, bike and explore the beautiful mountains and rivers of the area.