Shoshone National Forest PROJECT BRIEF

In northwest Wyoming, the Shoshone National Forest provides core habitat for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with popular campgrounds located in key travel corridors. Proper food storage and garbage management are essential to preventing bears from becoming food-conditioned and reducing risks to both wildlife and visitors. With support from Vital Ground, the Forest Service secured garbage removal services at high-conflict campgrounds along the Clarks Fork and Wapiti ranger districts during the 2025 visitor season.

Vital Ground’s funding helped cover garbage collection at five campgrounds with a history of bear activity, ensuring consistent waste removal during peak months. Forest Service staff, interns and volunteers also conducted weekly patrols and education efforts, reaching hundreds of campers with guidance on food storage, bear spray and safe behavior in bear country. By maintaining reliable garbage services and strengthening public education, this project reduced attractants and helped keep both bears and visitors safer in the northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.