Take the PlayCleanGo Pledge to Stop Invasive Species
PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week is June 3-10, 2023
It is a call to action to be aware and accountable for helping to stop the spread of invasive species.
Here in Teton County we treasure our outdoor spaces whether it’s Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger Teton National Forest, the National Elk Refuge, the Snake River, BLM areas, town parks, or even our own backyards. Anyone who spends time here understands that this place is special. The landscapes and wildlife are unmatched. We want to keep it this way and we hope you do too.
The Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® campaign works to prevent invasive species into North America’s lands and waters. Through partnerships with recreational organizations and environmental agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management are educating the public of all invasive species that pose a threat to ecosystem health.
PlayCleanGo provides educational resources to help instill a sense of stewardship across communities and landscapes in North America to work together to protect our valuable natural resources while enjoying the great outdoors by changing public and worker behaviors at risk of spreading harmful pests living on land or in our waterways.
What can you do to keep invasive species out of our beautiful native Wyoming landscape?
- REMOVE plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles
- CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site
- STAY on designated roads and trails
- USE CERTIFIED or local firewood and hay
- DON’T BRING firewood across state lines
Unfortunately, invasive species of all kinds threaten native wildlife populations. Non-native invasive species can cause harm to Teton County’s environment, people, and economy.
It’s not all doom and gloom though—you can help keep our outdoor spaces free of invasive species with a few simple actions. A pledge to “arrive clean and leave clean” is a step in the right direction. Imagine if everyone in Teton County took this pledge. Imagine how many new invasive species infestations we could stop. Imagine how we could prevent the spread of existing ones. Each person can make a difference.
Take the Pledge and Join us Now!
Everyone
I will clean my outdoor belongings before and after use. I will stay on designated trails and abide by the rules and regulations of Teton County’s outdoor spaces.
Anglers and Boaters
I will Clean, Drain, and Dry my watercraft, angling equipment, and other aquatic gear after every use. I will inspect my belongings and properly dispose of unwanted bait to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.
Hikers
I will arrive at hiking trails with clean shoes, clothing, and equipment. After my hike I will inspect everything I brought and clean it to ensure that I don’t transport invasive species to another trail.
Bikers
I will arrive at biking trails and parks with clean shoes, clothing, and bikes. After my ride I will inspect everything I brought and clean it to ensure that I don’t transport invasive species to another trail.
Campers
I will inspect and clean my tent, poles, hammock, chair, dishes, coolers, stove, and other camping essentials after each use. If I use firewood I will buy it where I burn it. I will not spread invasive species to another campsite.
Horseback Riders
I will remove plants, mud, and other organic debris from my horse’s shoes and coat. I will feed my horses weed-free certified hay before and after my ride. If I use a horse trailer I will clean it. If possible, I will control invasives on my horse pastures to minimize invasive species contact before a ride. I will keep our horse trails pristine.
Off-Roaders
I will inspect and clean my four-wheelers, side by side, dirt bike, or other motorized off-roading vehicle. I will not contribute to the spreading of invasive species.
Repeat these Steps After Every Outdoor Adventure
When this pledge becomes a summer time habit in our community, we can make considerable headway in our fight against invasive species. After you make the pledge, share it with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and visitors.
Your pledge demonstrates your commitment to protect Teton County.