On the beautiful, crisp morning of September 5, 2025, the Grand Teton National Park community welcomed the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources for a congressional hearing focused on future funding opportunities for public lands. Grand Teton National Park Foundation president Leslie Mattson testified before the the committee in support of the reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Four other community advocates and park leaders echoed the sentiment in their testimonies: Chip Jenkins, GTNP superintendent, Taylor Phillips, EcoTour Adventures owner, Julie Calder, Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism board member, and Kristen Brengal of the National Parks Conservation Association. Each emphasized the essential role GAOA plays in sustaining the park and a community reliant on tourism.
As Leslie emphasized in her testimony, when federal investment and philanthropy work together, ambitious goals become lasting realities. The Foundation has worked hand in hand with Grand Teton National Park for nearly three decades, raising more than $150 million to enhance visitor experiences, conserve wildlife and natural resources, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. From transformative projects at Jenny Lake to the purchase of the Kelly Parcel, this partnership demonstrates what is possible when philanthropy and federal investment align.
Reauthorizing GAOA would open the door to future initiatives that modernize and expand access to park infrastructure while staying true to the authentic character and iconic landscapes of Grand Teton National Park. This includes ensuring trails, facilities, and visitor services meet the needs of today’s audiences.
The Great American Outdoors Act is not only an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in our shared future, ensuring that places like Grand Teton remain vibrant, accessible, and protected for all. With continued partnership, we can preserve the park we love while inspiring the next generation of stewards. Public support at the hearing was a fundamental display of the critical intertwinement between our local community and the landscape, thank you to all who attended and continue to advocate for our national parks.