How to #PlayCleanGo this Winter Season!

Winter recreation in Teton County is a way of life. From backcountry skiing and snowmobiling to fat biking and snowshoeing. But even when the landscape looks frozen and pristine, invasive species can still hitch a ride. Seeds and plant fragments from invasive weeds often cling to boots, skis, and snowmobile tracks, dogs, and vehicles. When snow melts and mud season begins, those seeds are deposited into vulnerable trailheads, parking areas, and wildlife habitat. Practicing PlayCleanGo year-round helps protect the places we love before damage takes root.

Increase of Tourism since the ‘90s

Since the 1990s, outdoor recreation and tourism in the Greater Yellowstone and Teton region have grown dramatically. More visitors mean more trail use, more vehicles traveling between ecosystems, and more opportunities for invasive species to spread. Winter access to once-remote areas—especially via snowmobile use and groomed trails—increases the spread of invasive seeds into high-elevation areas and previously undisturbed landscapes. While recreation fuels our local economy, it also increases our shared responsibility to recreate responsibly. 

Impacts of Invasive Weed Spread

Three of the most concerning invasive plants in Teton County are cheatgrass, houndstongue, and Canada thistle. Cheatgrass dries early and increases wildfire risk. Houndstongue produces barbed seeds that stick easily to clothing, pets, and gear, spreading rapidly along trails. Canada thistle crowds out native plants and reduces forage for wildlife. Once established, these species degrade wildlife habitat, threaten agricultural lands, and require costly long-term management. Prevention is the most effective, and least expensive, solution. 

What You Can Do

The good news? You can make a difference in just a few minutes by following PlayCleanGo steps:

1. Clean mud, snow, and debris from boots, skis, snowshoes, sleds, bikes, and pets
2. Check your gear, vehicle floor mats, and clothing before leaving a recreation area
3. Go enjoy the outdoors knowing you’re helping protect it!

Brush off snow and debris at trailheads and parking areas, even during the winter and mud seasons. Small actions add up to big protection for Wyoming’s wild places. Learn more at PlayCleanGo’s website.