Jackson Hole is an integral part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). Covering an area roughly the size of West Virginia, the 18 million-acre GYE is considered the largest intact ecosystem lower 48. The conservation importance of this area was recognized first in 1872 with the formation of Yellowstone National Park and again in 1950 with the expansion of Grand Teton National Park to its present-day boundaries.

Private lands in Jackson are critical to the survival of many species. Many of the developable parcels in the area are located within important habitat for large ungulates like moose, elk and mule deer. Similarly, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, without the protection of key nesting sites on private lands in Jackson Hole, the region's bald eagle population could not sustain itself. Open private lands also facilitate animal migration. For instance, the pronghorn antelope that winter in Wyoming’s Green River basin and summer in Grand Teton National Park make the longest known terrestrial animal migration in the 48 contiguous states—round trip distances range from 175 to 330 miles.

Jackson Hole is experiencing unprecedented development pressure. Increasing real estate values have made conservation more difficult and more important than ever. Land conservation work has become expensive. The needs are urgent and the time is short. Quietly, yet persistently, the Land Trust has offered equitable alternatives for families who choose to keep their properties open by working with them to create strategies to preserve their land while meeting challenges that can force family land into development.