NPS - National Park Service

03/04/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/04/2021 14:59

Grand Teton Boat Permits Move to Online System

News Release Date:
March 4, 2021

Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393

Contact: C.J. Adams, 307.739.3431

MOOSE, WY-Boaters to Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway will have the option to purchase their park boating permits online via Recreation.gov beginning Tuesday, April 6.

The new online mail-order system will improve the visitor experience by allowing boaters to plan ahead and have their permit mailed directly to them within two weeks. The system allows for contactless ordering and will provide an opportunity for the park to share educational materials with visitors prior to their arrival.

The park will continue to issue boating permits during summer operations at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and Colter Bay Visitor Center permit desks. Permits are required for all boats including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, and canoes.

The cost for a 2021 Grand Teton National Park boat permit increases to $17 for non-motorized boats and $56 for motorized boats. Boat permit fees help offset the costs associated with waterway patrols, aquatic invasive species inspections, and transition to online services.

Boating in Grand Teton National Park is a popular activity, whether floating the Snake River, paddling scenic lakes or using power boats on Jackson Lake. Before launching in the park, ensure that you have:

  1. A Grand Teton National Park boat permit sticker.
  2. All boats, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), must stop for an inspection if they pass an open inspection station, even if they have been inspected previously. Inspection stations are located at Moose and Moran entrance areas during summer operations in Grand Teton.
  3. Boats last launched out of state or in a mussel infested waterbody in the last 30 days are required to undergo an inspection. Before launching in the park, the vessel must be inspected or have valid proof of inspection since last launched.
  4. A Wyoming State Aquatic Invasive Species decal, which can be purchased online at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention/AIS-Decal or from a variety of local vendors.
Everyone is reminded to do their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Those who recreate on park waters have a responsibility to clean, drain, and dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as boats and wading and fishing gear, before recreating in the park. Please visit www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/ans.htm for more information about preventing aquatic invasive species.

All vessels must carry USCG approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) of the appropriate size for each person on board. Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a PFD.

For more information about boating and floating in Grand Teton National Park, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/boat.htm.

FAQs

Why increase the cost of the boat permits? Increasing the cost of the Grand Teton National Park boat permits helps offset park costs for the boat program, including the costs to issue the permits, staff who patrol park waterways and inspect the vessels for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) at park inspection stations in Moose and Moran, and the use of Recreation.gov for the online mail order of the permits.

When was the last increase?
Grand Teton boat permit prices have been relatively static for approximately 15 years.In 2006, prices were $10 for weekly non-motorized, $20 for weekly motorized, $20 for seasonal non-motorized and $40 for seasonal motorized. In 2017, park staff simplified the rate structure and sales process by removing the weekly rates and instituting a $12 price for seasonal non-motorized and maintaining the $40 price for seasonal motorized.

Why Recreation.gov?
Recreation.gov allows for ordering online for an enhanced visitor experience through:

  • Convenience - Visitors can order and pay for their boat permit online from anywhere and have their permit mailed to them.
  • Improved Experience - Visitors will no longer be required to go to a visitor center to pick up and then drive to an AIS station for inspection.
  • Improved Safety - Allows for contactless ordering and obtaining of the boat permit which supports the continued need for social distancing during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
  • Trip Planning - Allows for completing a trip planning task ahead of time.
  • Increased Awareness - Allows for including in the mail order information on Boating in Grand Teton, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program and required boat inspections.

When can I start purchasing the boat permits online? April 6, 2021.

When can I expect to receive my boat permit sticker?
Within approximately two weeks of placing your order online.

What happens if I want to go boating and have not received my sticker in the mail?
All purchasers will receive a digital pass via e-mail which will serve as proof of purchase and can be used in place of a boat sticker. This will only be valid until the boat sticker is received, at which time stickers must be placed on the boat.

Can I still purchase the boat permit in person?
Yes, boat permits will still be available in person, as in the past, at the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center permits desks. You will need to have your state registration number and description for motorized boats, and boat type and color for non-motorized.

What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), such as whirling disease and zebra or quagga mussels, are a serious ecological and economic threat to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Boats, waders, and anything else that comes in contact with a body of water has the potential to spread non-native plants, pathogens, and other invasive species among water bodies.

What is an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection?
All boats entering Grand Teton National Park are required to stop for an AIS inspection. By Wyoming state law boats coming from out of state must be inspected or have valid proof of inspection before they launch on waters in the state, including waters in the park. This includes motorized boats, rafts, drift boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and all watercraft 10 feet and longer. Boaters must also purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Learn more about preventing the spread of AIS.

Do I still need a WY AIS state fishing decal and inspection?
Yes. Vessels must be inspected for invasive species before launch, and have a Wyoming State Aquatic Invasive Species decal, which can be purchased here: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boaing/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention/AIS-Decal or from a variety of local vendors (within the park this includes Signal Mountain, Flagg Ranch and Colter Bay Marina).