Restoration Projects
Restoring Stream Habitat & Function
The Teton River is one of the West’s most sought-after fly fishing destinations, with an unparalleled backdrop as it meanders in the shadow of the Grand Tetons. Biologists have ranked the Teton Watershed as one of the highest priorities for conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as it boasts the last-best native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations, and provides refuge for elk, moose, migratory birds, and other ecologically important species.
Many sections of Teton River and its tributaries have been impacted by various natural and human forces that have created unhealthy and unstable conditions, including degraded water quality, floodplain and riparian forest reduction, erosion, and dewatered stream channels that negatively impact fish and wildlife habitat.
FTR began restoring streams in 2003 to improve trout populations, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality, and to reduce flooding risk and property loss. Our approach to stream restoration is based on years of science, and is a collaborative process involving project stakeholders. FTR uses a variety of innovative bio-engineering techniques to stabilize stream banks and channels, creating habitat for fish and wildlife. FTR has restored miles and miles of stream, which has brought over $7 million dollars to Teton Valley’s economy and measurable improvements to the fishery and watershed health.
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.