CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN EPA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANT CANDIDATE FORUM

In December 2022, POWJH received a nearly $100,000 EPA Environmental Education grant. We also received a $26,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.

This community education program will educate students and adults in Teton County. We will educate 810 students in Teton County over 2 years on the importance of maintaining clean drinking water. 6th-grade students at Jackson Hole Middle School will complete a Water Awareness Program, including in-class lessons and outdoor field trip activities. Workbooks will include Spanish translation. 9th-grade Integrated Science and AP Environmental Science students at Jackson Hole High School will learn about water quality and how to take field water quality measurements – specifically how to test for nitrates. Students will organize and advertise one drinking water testing event per year at the high school where they provide free well testing kits and instruct adult community members on how to complete the test.

In October 2022, POWJH held the only candidate forum focused on conservation in partnership with the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. Candidates for Town Council and County Commission were invited to share their perspectives on how they would address the changes and challenges that face Jackson Hole residents, the water, the wildlife, and the wild places we cherish. Spanish translation was provided.

THE ROAD AHEAD: 2023 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Teton County residents have made it clear that water quality is one of the highest priorities for our community. With 80% of voters supporting the Water Quality SPET Measure – the most supported SPET measure in history – POWJH is now mandated to ensure that Teton County achieves the highest water quality for our community.

With that in mind, the Water Quality Master Plan (WQMP) Project Team is working diligently to develop a comprehensive implementation plan, and the progress to date heartens POWJH. Although the WQMP is progressing well, population growth and the pace of development have not halted during this planning process and continue to exacerbate our water quality issues.

Therefore, while some actions will need to wait for the completion of the WQMP, POWJH is pressing for specific measures that can and should be implemented now. POWJH is advocating to implement governance, regulatory, and critical infrastructure measures to curb further water quality degradation in Teton County.

POWJH understands the value of education. Our education on water quality issues has certainly moved voters. This year we are also focusing on our younger generation. With a significant grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, POWJH has created a water quality awareness curriculum for 6th and 9th graders. We will take it one step further by teaching the Advanced Placement Environmental Science class how to advocate and educate our community on water quality. This class will do community outreach and host a drinking water well testing program.

Lastly, we are thrilled to not only be hosting our 2nd Rally for Clean Water on September 21, 2023, but also a Jackson Hole Water Symposium to educate influential leaders in our community about water quality issues and how they can help protect and restore our vital water resources.

WHERE IS MY DONATION GOING?

FUNDRAISING: 5%

ADMINISTRATION:

10% PROGRAM EXPENSES:

85%

In addition, The WQMP team has acknowledged the lack of water quality monitoring data in Teton County. Being one to take action, POWJH is taking a lead role in a Snake River watershed monitoring program to better understand pollutants in the Snake River and its tributaries. This is a significant undertaking involving many partners, but we are excited to be the catalyst in establishing this critical monitoring program for Teton County.

We hope you will consider continuing to support POWJH as we move full-speed ahead! To make a tax-deductible contribution, visit our website: POWJH.ORG/DONATE or mail to: P.O. Box 1014, Wilson, WY 83014