BTNF Impact Report 2025

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON made an Impact in 2025

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ENTS Message from our Executive Director

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Organizational Overview

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Achievements & Highlights

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Infrastructure Successes

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Financial Support

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JAY NEL-McINTOSH

ME S

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SAGE

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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

riends of the Bridger-Teton (FBT), celebrated its sixth anniversary as a nonprofit in 2025. We’re still a young and small organization, but we’ve always punched above our weight and 2025 was no exception. In 2025, this was imperative during an especially difficult year for our public lands.

The year was marked by instability and uncertainty around what was going to be done on public land and where and how FBT could be supportive. I’m really proud of how we were able to pivot and to be flexible so that we could work hand in hand with our nonprofit and business partners to maximize the support we could give the USFS staff on the BTNF and really provide tremendous benefit to our public lands.

From infrastructure projects like the roadside fuel reduction project on the Greys River District to community engagement at Chamber of Commerce mixers, creating a brand-new crew to tackle projects across the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and preventing human-caused wildfires, FBT’s work is essential. And we wouldn’t have had the impact we did in 2025 without the engagement of our fellow Friends—supporters, volunteers, and community partners. On behalf of myself, the FBT board, and FBT’s small-but-mighty staff, thank you for being a friend to FBT and to the national forest we all love so much.

—SCOTT KOSIBA

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ORGANIZATION Overview

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“I continue to be impressed with Friends’ creative problem solving, they are such an asset as one of our most critical partners. A huge thanks is due to the work they helped us to complete in 2025 and the customer service the American public received as a result. We look forward to continued efforts in 2026."

—KATE OLSEN, DISTRICT RANGER, PINEDALE DISTRICT

riends of the Bridger-Teton was founded in 2019 to work with and support the BTNF, and the Forest’s need for a nonprofit partner has only grown since then. Similar to many public lands, the Bridger-Teton is increasingly lacking adequate resources at the federal level to maintain and preserve its many uses and resources. Its unique wildlands, wildlife, and resources are vitally important to 18 communities in northwestern Wyoming and eastern Idaho and to the millions of users that spend time on the Forest annually. With staff in Sublette, Lincoln, and Teton Counties, Friends of the Bridger-Teton steps up to support the BTNF wherever and with whatever its dedicated staff needs while promoting responsible recreation and stewardship among the BTNF’s users. Three pillars guide our work:

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F R I E N D S O F T H E B R I D G E R -T E TO N 202 5 O R G A N I Z AT I O N OVE R VI EW

FUN FACT ABOUT 200 MILES OF THE 3,000ISHMILE-LONG CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL ARE ON THE BTNF. THE CDT SECTION THROUGH THE WINDS WAS VOTED “PRETTIEST” BY 85% OF THRU-HIKERS IN 2025 (AS REPORTED

BY HALFWAYANYWHERE.COM).

OVER 800 HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC SITES HAVE BEEN RECORDED ON THE BTNF.

BFFof t heBTNF

EDUCATE

“I’m a Best Friend of the BTNF when photographing in the winter by understanding and respecting winter wildlife closures and bringing enough layers (which means two pairs of gloves)—the cold is no joke!”

Through storytelling and education, we hope to inspire communities and individuals to join us in our mission to protect the BTNF.

—MADISON WEBB STANKO, WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 2014 @MS_MADISON

ARE YOU A BFF OF THE BTNF? CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM — @BRIDGERTETONFRIENDS — AND TELL US WHY.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: As an educational

extension of the BTNF, we create and disseminate messages on responsible recreation to improve engagement with the national forest.

Friends of the Bridger-Teton works to ensure everyone can enjoy the diversity and wealth of resources on the 3.4 million acre Bridger-Teton National Forest now and into the future.

COLLABORATE

We bring the right people and resources together to make things happen. Our close partnership with the BTNF makes it easier for NGOs, community partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to come together.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: FBT works with the BTNF to eliminate

bottlenecks and improve efficiency. We consider ourselves a convener or facilitator, not an authority.

ACT

We can collaborate and learn all we want, but it means nothing if we do nothing. We help make projects happen that contribute to visitor enjoyment and protection of the forest environment for generations to come.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Our ambassador programs keep

visitors, the forest, and wildlife safer.

OUR MISSION We bring community together to support the Bridger-Teton National Forest where it is most needed, ensuring it remains a land of many uses for us all.

Many people love the Bridger-Teton National Forest for many reasons.

But too much of a good thing can strain resources.

FBT nurtures that passion through education, collaboration, and action.

OUR VISION A thriving BridgerTeton National Forest that continues to be the cornerstone of our communities’ ways of life and local economies.

Through collaborative stewardship, we aim to ensure the BTNF flourishes as a harmonious, sustainable land of many uses, cherished by all for future generations.

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ACHIEVEMENTS & Highlights

“Our [campground ambassador] kept us from making the mistake of leaving a cooler sitting in our campground while we went hiking for the day.

We didn’t know coolers had to be left inside a hard-sided vehicle.

Thanks for saving our cooler, and maybe the life of a bear!”

— CAMPER IN A DESIGNATED DISPERSED AREA ON THE BTNF

“The continued success of FBT’s Ambassador Program greatly aided in our ability to provide presence in the field for visitor contacts focusing on safety and resource protection in an environment where we had less Forest personnel to perform those key duties.”

— JACKSON DISTRICT RANGER, TODD STILES

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

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AMBASSADORS FOR RESPONSIBLE RECREATION ur flagship program trains, installs, and supports volunteers at some of the most popular trailheads and dispersed camping areas on the BTNF to support both the forest and its many users.

The need for Ambassadors and the resources we have to support them are greatest in summer, but FBT does have a burgeoning winter Ambassador program.

Limited to the Jackson District for winter 24/25, nine winter Ambassadors donated a total of 631 hours doing 324 patrols at the four busiest trailheads. Over the course of the season, they interacted with 5,100 BTNF users (and also saw 22 moose, 45 elk, and 1,100 mule deer).

Summer 2025 had more Ambassadors (42) at more locations (23) on more BTNF districts (5) than ever before. It was the first summer we had ambassadors on the Greys River District and the first summer the number of Ambassadors on the Pinedale District was in the double digits (12). Read our full report about the 2025 summer Ambassador season here.

“Whatever the season, Ambassadors are our eyes and ears out in the field, and are a resource for both the BTNF and the forest’s many users,” said FBT Executive Director Scott Kosiba. “Their work is indispensable in promoting stewardship and in educating BTNF users about responsible recreation.” And, until every forest user extinguishes their campfire, stores their food so that wildlife can’t get to it, picks up their dog’s poop, follows leash laws, stays 25 or 100 yards from wildlife, and respects the forest and other users, Ambassadors are the first line of defense to help keep our cherished wildlife wild and against an escaped campfire becoming a wildfire. Ambassadors are critical to keeping the BTNF the amazing resource we all love.

SCAN FOR 2025 AMBASSADOR REPORT

❄  12,400+

HOURS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE GIVEN BY AMBASSADORS (DURING SUMMER AND WINTER )



❄

27❄

LOCATIONS WITH AMBASSADORS

 10,653

VISITOR CONTACTS

❄

5,100

VISITOR CONTACTS

 130

FOOD STORAGE WARNINGS ISSUED

 109

CITATIONS FOR CAMPING IN NON-DESIGNATED AREAS

 84

ABANDONED CAMPFIRES EXTINGUISHED

 0

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS

❄ 9

AMBASSADORS

 42

AMBASSADORS

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ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS THE BFFS OF THE BTNF CAMPAIGN EVOLVES FBT expanded its popular responsible recreation messaging campaign in the Jackson Hole Daily, “BFFs of the BTNF,” through 2025. Over the year, 17 BFFs, each a locally prominent user of the BTNF, shared why they loved the BTNF and how they recreated responsibly on it.

Reacting to the widespread and deep staffing and budget cuts across the U.S. Forest Service early in the year, FBT introduced “Faces of the BTNF” in 2025 and interspersed these with BFFs in the Jackson Hole Daily. These spotlighted individual BTNF staffers with the goals of educating the public about the responsibilities of a variety of BTNF jobs, how each of these jobs benefits the BTNF (and BTNF users), and what the public can do to help each position take care of the BTNF. The BFF of the BTNF and Faces of the BTNF campaigns were both funded by a grant from the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board.

BFFof t heBTNF “I’m a Best Friend of the BTNF by following the “Leave no Trace” principles, have a plan, and carry water, layers, a map, and doggie bags to pick up after my trusty mountain mutt, Juno. While the trails have become more crowded, when people recreate responsibly, it preserves our forest for all to enjoy including the next generation of nature lovers.”

“I’m a Best Friend of the BTNF because it feels like the possibilities of things to do and new places to explore are endless!

There is a lifetime of new trails to ride, peaks to hike, streams to fish, and lakes to swim. You could go to a new place every outing and yet I still return to many places because I love them so much.”

— KATE SOLLITT, FACILITATOR AND MARKETING CONSULTANT AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 1976

—LAURA GAYLORD, COOMBS OUTDOORS ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 2017

ARE YOU A BFF OF THE BTNF? CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM — @BRIDGERTETONFRIENDS — AND TELL US WHY.

ARE YOU A BFF OF THE BTNF? CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM — @BRIDGERTETONFRIENDS — AND TELL US WHY.

BFFof t heBTNF

CHARLOTTE PERCLE

Friends of the Bridger-Teton works to ensure everyone can enjoy the diversity and wealth of resources on the 3.4 million acre Bridger-Teton National Forest now and into the future.

We’re all public land owners. Friends of the Bridger-Teton promotes responsible recreation on the BTNF so that we can all enjoy the forest’s diversity and wealth of resources now and into the future.

“I’m a Best Friend of the BT NF when snowmobiling by following the rules, making sure I’m using the correct trailheads for parking, and accessing the backcountry without going across private property. I also respect the animals. If I come across deer or moose, I will turn around on my snowmobile and find an alternate route to give them the space that they need to survive.”

—ROB HOFF, PROFESSIONAL SNOWMOBILER AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 2001

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

Friends of the Bridge on the 3

“I’m a Best Friend of the BT NF by being kind to others and understanding that my form of recreation has no greater value or importance than the person I’m parking next to at a trailhead. I view diversity in user groups as a way to bolster a stronger ethic of public land stewardship. Be kind, smile, wave, and be stoked that others are getting out and recreating! I also try to leave the BT NF in better condition; it belongs to all of us, but most importantly it belongs to the next generation.”

ANNUALLY, THE BTNF IS THE SITE OF THE WYOMING STAGE-STOP DOG SLED RACE. MUSHERS AND THEIR TEAMS RACE 7 STAGES AROUND THE FOREST.

— WILL MOOK, DIRECTOR OF ADVOCATES FOR MULTI-USE OF PUBLIC LANDS AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 2010

FACES OF THE BTNF

BFFof t heBTNF

ARE YOU A BFF OF THE BTNF? CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM — @BRIDGERTETONFRIENDS — AND TELL US WHY.

FACES OF THE BTNF Growing up in Montana with a family immersed in the outdoors, Kasey Stewart knows public lands within the GYE and loves helping people connect with the outdoors. Her job as a support services specialist helps both BTNF visitors and employees. Kasey coordinates housing for seasonal staff and volunteers and keeps printers and copiers functioning. She helps some of the 20,000+ monthly summer visitors who contact the FS office or walk into the

WHAT DOES A DEVELOPED RECREATION TEAM MEMBER DO? The Developed Rec program maintains and improves campgrounds, trailheads, boat ramps, and interpretive sites. “My job duties are widespread, ranging from large-scale redesign projects to replacing kiosks, maintaining boat docks, and, in winter, installing beacon checkers on Teton Pass,” Mike says. “There’s never a shortage of repair work. And, of course, there’s the not-so-glamorous but very critical task of ensuring district vault toilets are pumped, cleaned, and supplied with TP!”

WHAT DOES A SUPPORT SERVICES SPECIALIST DO? “I moved here for the camaraderie of a trail crew position in the BTNF’s Gros Ventre Wilderness but stayed here for the communities—the community within the Forest Service and also the greater public community that we serve every day,” Kasey says. “Being a public servant is an honor and a role I take very seriously.”

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP? By leaving the BTNF’s recreation sites better than they find them: Pick up litter around your campsite or on the trail; If a sign blew over in a windstorm, stand it back up; In winter, if you see a trailhead bathroom buried by a weeklong storm cycle, help shovel it out. “You’d be surprised how just a few minutes of effort goes a long way,” Mike says.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP? Kasey encourages visitors to the area to stop into a visitor center.

“It’s a great way to get the lay of the land, and, if you’re not experienced camping, or backpacking, or wildlife watching, and aren’t sure about how to do something, we’re here to help.”

TIM FARRIS

er-Teton works to ensure everyone can enjoy the diversity and wealth of resources 3.4 million acre Bridger-Teton National Forest now and into the future.

MIKE PENTERSON HAS WORKED FOR THE BTNF SINCE 2007

KASEY STEWART HAS WORKED FOR THE BTNF SINCE 2007.

FACES OF THE BTNF Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Mike Greer first heard about firefighting for the Forest Service from a family friend. It sounded interesting, so he applied. Mike landed his first firefighting gig in 2006, for the Bridger-Teton National Forest based out of Big Piney, Wyoming. He is now a BTNF Fire Engine Captain and estimates he’s been on between 400-500 fires in nearly every state. “Every fire is different, each with its own obstacles, and I just enjoy dealing with it as boots on the ground,” he says.

WHAT DOES A FIRE ENGINE CAPTAIN DO? In his roll as 371 captain, Mike hires new seasonal employees and supports his team with everything they need to be successful in their job—from ensuring they get necessary training to procuring all of the gear they need. He also implements fuels reduction projects and staffs wildfires, whether locally or, in times of elevated fire danger, across the country where his team is most needed.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP? This is simple: Practice campfire safety. Make sure to check to see if there are any current fire restrictions on the BTNF. If you don’t know how to put out a fire, you should not have a campfire.

Have at least five gallons of water and a shovel to extinguish your campfire: First douse the campfire with water. Then, stir it. Put your hand over it to feel it. Repeat these steps until the all of the heat is gone.

MIKE GREER HAS WORKED FOR THE BTNF SINCE 2006 MARK GOCKE

—NICK DELMOLINO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GRAND TETON ASSOCIATION AND BFF OF THE BTNF SINCE 1999

Mike Penterson grew up in central Massachusetts, moved to western Wyoming in 2005, and started working for the BTNF in 2007 as a member of the backcountry trail crew. “I loved working outside and being in the mountains, so the job was a great fit,” says Mike, who transitioned to his current position in the BTNF Jackson District’s Developed Recreation program in 2023.

CAM GALT

“I’m a Best Friend of the BTNF by always thinking about ways in which I can teach my son to make sure we never forget to appreciate what a wonderful place the forest is, and how lucky we all are to have it so accessible, for so many different uses.”

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS WITH MEMBERS WHO WERE BFFS OF THE BTNF ADVOCATES FOR MULTI-USE OF PUBLIC LANDS (AMPL) BRIDGER-TETON AVALANCHE CENTER COOMBS OUTDOORS GRAND TETON ASSOCIATION IT TAKES A VALLEY SNAKE RIVER FUND TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST TETON CONSERVATION DISTRICT

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ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

BLACKROCK FIELD CAMP May 14 and 15, the Blackrock District hosted 271 fourth and fifth graders from the Wind River Reservation, plus teachers, chaperones, and Elders. Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho students learned about Arapaho symbolism and fish physiology; made their own medicine bags and also rose hip and mint tea bags; painted using earth paints; constructed teepees; and enjoyed storytelling from Elders, among other activities.

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

“FBT’s quick action in forming the Forest Corps assisted our trails program by providing a skilled crew that needed minimal supervision, including great work on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in the upper Gros Ventre that was affected by the 2024 Fish Creek and Pack Trail Fires."

FOREST CORPS Founded in 2025, the FBT Forest Corps is not a substitute for federal investment or staffing, but a community-driven response to an immediate need. As the BTNF, like many public lands across the country, faced serious staffing cuts, Friends of the Bridger-Teton saw the need for additional hands to help care for this vast, beloved landscape during the fast-approaching summer. “We worked in partnership with the forest to figure out how we could add capacity and make sure that users would have good, and safe, access,” said Scott Kosiba, FBT’s Executive Director. FBT Forest Corps was born.

—TODD STILES, DISTRICT RANGER, JACKSON

FOREST CORPS BY THE NUMBERS 134

Over the summer, a crew of five women with a combined 15 years of experience doing trail work on public lands did work on five of the BTNF’s six districts, clearing more than 1,100 trees from 130 miles of trails. “The scale and breadth of the work that Forest Corps got done was tremendous,” FBT Executive Director Scott Kosiba said. Read more about the Forest Corp’s achievements here.

MILES OF TRAILS CLEARED

1,179

DOWNED TREES LOGGED OUT

2,590

HOURS WORKED

5

BTNF DISTRICTS SUPPORTED

$123,500

COST OF PROGRAM

SCAN FOR 2025 FOREST CORPS REPORT

“The unwavering support of FBT continues to be instrumental to our success. Our collective efforts are enriching lives and building stewardship principles and skills in future generations and we continue to receive resounding feedback from Tribal Elders, Teachers, and Students."

—Blackrock District Ranger Jason Wilmot

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MILLION ACRES IN THE WIND RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION

3,900

POPULATION OF EASTERN SHOSHONE ON THE RESERVATION

8,600

POPULATION OF NORTHERN ARAPAHOE ON THE RESERVATION

131

YEARS BUFFALO WERE ABSENT FROM THE RESERVATION BEFORE BEING REINTRODUCED IN 2016

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ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TETON COUNTY

“FBT is wonderful to work with. They are an invaluable partner. Because of their help and support, we were able to host our first two Ambassadors at Ham’s Fork Campground. Our Ambassadors helped visit with the public, do general campground maintenance, and keep things clean for the public. I am grateful to FBT for their help and support.”

—ADAM CALKINS, DISTRICT RANGER, KEMMERER

In February, more than 200 people came to the JH Chamber Mixer dually hosted by FBT and the National Museum of Wildlife Art. In a nod to the mixer’s location at the museum, it included raffle prizes of original artworks donated by local creators who love the BTNF. Artists who donated work include new FBT board member Karla Bird; BTNF Pinedale District Ranger Kate Olsen; and FBT’s contract graphic designer Elise Mahaffie.

Mahaffie’s painting of horses (shown below) was won by a member of the BTNF Jackson District’s staff and hung in the BTNF’s Jackson bunkhouse.

In March, FBT was up at Turpin Meadow Ranch, in the BTNF’s Blackrock District, hosting a Meet & Greet that offered the public the chance to connect with FBT and BTNF staff. “This event allowed all of us to take a deep breath and learn from each other,” said FBT Partnership Manager Jennifer Ricupero. “The support shown by local businesses, the community, and visitors reminded us why the BTNF is so important to protect and how we can all take small steps to do so through recreating responsibly. Turpin Meadow Ranch is a true supporter of this concept and really stepped up in 2025 for our forest.”

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

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COMMUNITIES HAVE SIGNIFICANT TIES TO RESOURCES PROVIDED

BY THE BTNF: MORAN, KEMMERER, AFTON, DIAMONDVILLE, LABARGE, MARBLETON, BONDURANT, COKEVILLE, EVANSTON, PINEDALE, BIG PINEY, JACKSON, ROCK SPRINGS, STAR VALLEY RANCH, ALPINE, AND TETON VILLAGE, WYOMING AND VICTOR AND DRIGGS, IDAHO.

SNAKE RIVER PROGRAM 2025 was the first year Friends of the Bridger-Teton engaged in a meaningful way with the Snake River Corridor. Four FBTfunded river stewards were essential in maintaining safety at boat ramps, providing public safety information, and doing river patrols, boat ramp management, and site maintenance.

FBT also collaborated with Grand Teton Association to obtain and maintain automated fee kiosks to support the new river fee and supported the printing of season passes.

SUBLETTE COUNTY Through the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce, FBT Partnership Manager Jennifer Ricupero spearheaded two “Lattes and Learning” sessions in September. In Pinedale and Big Piney, these invited community members to learn more about the BTNF. In October, FBT hosted its first Sublette County Chamber Mixer. Partnering with local businesses, the mixer was at the Sublette County Library and drew more than 40 people. “These events created a safe space for collaborative and educated conversations about our community, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Friends of the Bridger-Teton,” Ricupero said. “Conversations that might only land on comments behind the scenes or social media became topics that could be discussed openly, transparently, and with kindness and compassion. We can’t wait to have more of these events in 2026.”

“The friendly smiling faces of river rangers and stewards at boat ramps and on the water played a huge role in a successful and safe season for all river users. It was especially awesome to see them out on the water more last summer. It helps with stewardship and best practices with recreationalists on the water and also demonstrates a commitment to safety from the BT NF.” —ORION HATCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SNAKE RIVER FUND

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INFRASTRUCTURE Successes

THE WEDDING TREE, WRAPPED Two years of infrastructure improvements to the Wedding Tree site are concluded. It remains rustic, but has been hardened in key locations to better withstand its current use. In 2024, work here replaced braided user trails from the parking lot to the site with a welldrained, single 4-foot-wide trail of compacted gravel and lined with native on-site rocks.

In 2025, work focused on the congregating area, marriage “pad,” and an adjacent area popular for group photos. Each of these were defined and hardened to prevent further site degradation. Another user-created trail, this one from the wedding site to an overlook popular for photos, was also formalized and hardened, while the overlook itself was flattened and built up with flat rocks for easier photography.

FEEDBACK FROM A WEDDING TREE BRIDE “The location and views were absolutely amazing,” says Emily, who got married at the Wedding Tree in May. “And the area was so nice and taken care of. We weren’t sure what to expect, but the path and stonework were impressive.”

A bonus? Permits are a breeze.

“The permit was so easy to get and communication was a breeze,” Emily says. Also, dogs are allowed.

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 INFRASTRUCTURE SUCCESSES

324

WEDDINGS HELD AT THE WEDDING TREE

$300

PROCESSING FEE TO GET MARRIED AT THE WEDDING TREE

54

PERCENT INCREASE IN 2025 WEDDING TREE WEDDINGS OVER 2024

$97,200

FEES COLLECTED

$97,200

FUNDS REINVESTED BACK INTO THE BTNF

400

YEARS APPROXIMATE AGE OF THE WEDDING TREE

0

FLOWER PETALS, RICE, CONFETTI, OR BALLOONS THAT CAN BE SCATTERED OR RELEASED AT THE SITE

30

DAYS PRIOR TO A WEDDING THAT AN EVENT REQUEST MUST BE FILED

—TODD STILES, DISTRICT RANGER, JACKSON DISTRICT

@ M EG S L AT T E RYPH OTO G R A PH Y

0

M EG S L AT T E RY

“2025 was a year of big change for the BridgerTeton National Forest. Friends of BridgerTeton was there to help with our staffing, budget, and logistical challenges as the year evolved. At every turn, they were providing ideas and flexibilities to help us maintain our key programs. If I had to sum it up in a few words, simply put they were there for the employees of BT NF when we needed them.”

BATHROOM FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE WEDDING TREE

FUN FACT ALTHOUGH CALLED THE WEDDING TREE, THE SITE IS ACTUALLY TWO TREES, A DOUGLAS FIR (PSEDUOTSUGA MENSIESII) AND A LIMBER PINE (PINUS FLEXILIS).

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INFRASTRUCTURE SUCCESSES

Greys River Roadside Fuel Reduction FBT partnered with the Greys River District to hire a contractor to proactively reduce hazardous fuels on 25 acres in a high-risk corridor (Greys River Road). Sixteen acres were done before weather halted the project. (The remaining 9 will be tackled this spring.) This project lowered the likelihood and potential severity of wildfire in the area and also protects nearby communities, campgrounds, infrastructure, and critical wildlife habitat. It also improved firefighter access and safety.

"In 2025 FBT was able to assist with the installation of an information sharing portal located at a key forest entry point and consisting of 3 separate kiosks (shown below left). Their assistance was able to make the project happen and has aided in ensuring information gets out to the recreating public in the area. Additionally, they have continued to provide assistance with growing the ambassador program in the area, allowing for onsite availability to the public for general questions, real time data collection, and the ability to have recreation and law enforcement staff address issues more effectively."

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— JUSTIN LAYCOCK, DISTRICT RANGER, GREYS RIVER DISTRICT

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 INFRASTRUCTURE SUCCESSES

“The Big Piney Ranger District appreciates the continued commitment from the FBT in providing ideas and avenues for work to be completed on the ground.

In 2025, the FBT was able to facilitate the work of a Forest Corps crew to provide valuable trail clearing and maintenance. The FBT also managed the vault toilet pumping contract for the district. With the continued effort and collaboration between the Forest Service and FBT, we continue moving forward with actions on the ground.”

— CARY SWAIN, DISTRICT RANGER, BIG PINEY DISTRICT

Toilet Talk PUMPING Perhaps the least sexy and among the most important things FBT did in 2025 was helping (for the fourth year) the Pinedale, Greys River, Big Piney, Jackson, Blackrock, and Kemmerer Districts with funding and logistics to have 100+ vault toilets and porta-potties pumped.

POO-POO PROJECT Thanks to significant donations this year from the Teton Raptor Center and an anonymous donor, FBT was able to facilitate almost all of the 148 vault toilets on the BridgerTeton National Forest having the newest version of screens to prevent wildlife entrapment in their ventilation pipes installed in 2025.

Part of the Raptor Center’s Poo-Poo Project, these specially designed screens safeguard birds and other animals naturally drawn to cavities while maintaining airflow. Find a vault toilet without a poopoo screen? Let the Teton Raptor Center know here.

The Poo-Poo Project started on the BT NF after sad photos of a boreal owl that had been trapped in one of the forest’s vault toilets and was covered in muck circulated on social media (shown above).The bird was rescued and the Raptor Center was inspired to fix the larger problem. Since 2013, 21,000+ screens have been distributed to over 650 partners in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. And now all of the BT NF’s vault toilets!

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FINANCIAL Support

I

JH TRAVEL & TOURISM BOARD GRANT In May 2025, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board (JHTTB) approved a grant of $525,000 to support FBT’s Ambassadors for Responsible Recreation programming and messaging. “We see this as the board’s ongoing belief in and support of the importance of these dedicated boots-onthe-ground volunteers,” said FBT Executive Director Scott Kosiba at the time. “While FBT works to grow other funding sources, our partnership with the JH Travel and Tourism Board over the last four years has allowed us to dramatically expand our Ambassador presence in Teton County to ensure that the many locals and visitors who enjoy the BTNF recreate responsibly.” Since the JHTTB has supported FBT, Ambassadors have extinguished more than 800 abandoned campfires and issued more than 200 citations for improper food storage, preventing any of these fires from becoming a wildfire and helping keep the BTNF’s beloved wildlife wild.

“Our Ambassador program in Teton County has become a model for similar programs across the country and would not exist at the level it does without the support of the JHTTB,” Kosiba said.

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F R I E N D S O F T H E B R I D G E R -T E T O N 2 0 2 5 I M PA C T R E P O R T

$1,897,844 TOTAL REVENUE

“2025 was the year we really showed an increased ability to find new and unique funding solutions to address specific issues—whether it was grants, state funds, or county or municipal lodging tax dollars. But, it is individual and small business donors who are our bedrock. It is not only their financial support that is essential, but also their willingness to volunteer, promote recreating responsibly on the forest, and general enthusiasm for being engaged with FBT. It is a fantastic reminder of how much people care about the Bridger-Teton and how important it is for so many people.”

— EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT KOSIBA

29%

11%

5%

25%

30%

FORESTWIDE LODGING TAX AMBASSADOR PROGRAM SUPPORT*

USFS GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS

EARNED REVENUE (WEDDING TREE PERMITS)

DONATIONS (INDIVIDUAL DONORS)

GRANTS/ RESTRICTED DONATIONS

Private philanthropy Whether in specific response to cuts in funding and staff across the U.S. Forest Service starting early in the year or a heightened awareness and appreciation of the importance of public lands, private donors stepped up as Friends in 2025.

Free of many of the constraints and much of the bureaucracy of the Forest Service itself, FBT’s nonprofit structure allows us to efficiently and quickly leverage private dollars to support the BTNF and its dedicated and hardworking staff, and its campgrounds, trailheads, and recreation areas. In an ideal world, a nonprofit like FBT would not need to exist to support a federal agency. But, over the past several decades, the Forest Service’s deferred maintenance backlog has grown to nearly $6 billion. It is not FBT’s job to replace the work that the Forest Service does, but it is also our mission to make sure that our public lands are maintained.

Through private support, FBT’s goal is to ensure the BTNF remains healthy, safe, and accessible for its many users, serving as a model for forest stewardship across the country. * Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, Sublette County Visitor Center Board, Alpine Travel & Tourism, and Star Valley Ranch Travel & Tourism

F R I E N D S O F T H E B R I D G E R -T E T O N 2 0 2 5 I M PA C T R E P O R T

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PO Box 1888 Jackson, WY 83001 | btfriends.org |

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FRIENDS OF THE BRIDGER-TETON 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

@bridgertetonfriends