River Stewardship
Protecting Wild Rivers & Intact Ecosystems400 Miles of Wild – Snake River Headwaters
More Wild & Scenic River Miles than any county in the World- For over 30 years, Rendezvous River Sports has operated under a simple principle: those who use and profit from wild places have a profound responsibility to protect them. Our BEST (Business for the Environment and Sustainable Tourism) certification recognizes this commitment – decades of environmental stewardship, conservation advocacy, and sustainable business practices that minimize our impact while maximizing protection for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- We believe that connecting people authentically with rivers, lakes, and wilderness creates conservation advocates. Every trip becomes an opportunity to educate about ecosystem challenges, every rental conversation includes invasive species prevention, and every interaction reinforces that these incredible places exist because people fought to preserve them – and will only survive if we continue that fight.
- Below you’ll find information on our specific conservation initiatives, invasive species prevention protocols, sustainability practices, and how you can make a difference in protecting the waters we all cherish.
Invasive Species Prevention Information
Invasive Species Prevention Information
Stop Aquatic Invaders Before They Start
Aquatic invasive species represent one of the most serious threats to Greater Yellowstone’s pristine waters. Non-native species like New Zealand mud snails, whirling disease, and various aquatic plants can devastate native ecosystems, destroy fisheries, and fundamentally alter the character of rivers and lakes we’ve worked to protect.
Prevention is the only effective defense. Once established, aquatic invasives are nearly impossible to eradicate.
Our Prevention Protocols:
Clean, Drain, Dry
All rental equipment undergoes thorough cleaning, draining, and drying between uses. We inspect boats, remove all organic material, and ensure equipment is completely dry before it touches another water body. This industry-standard protocol prevents hitchhiking organisms from spreading between watersheds.
Education on Every Trip
Our guides educate guests about invasive species threats, prevention techniques, and why protocols matter. Understanding the “why” behind prevention makes people more likely to follow best practices on their own adventures.
Inspection Stations
We support and comply with Wyoming’s mandatory aquatic invasive species inspection stations. All watercraft entering Wyoming from out-of-state must stop for inspection – no exceptions.
Guest Responsibility
If you’re bringing your own equipment, we ask about recent use in other water bodies and may refuse rental service or trip participation if an invasive species risk exists. It’s not personal – it’s protecting waters that belong to everyone.
How You Can Help:
- CLEAN all equipment of plants, animals, and mud
- DRAIN all water from boats, gear, and equipment
- DRY everything completely before entering new waters
- Never release bait, fish, or plants into waters
- Report suspicious organisms to Wyoming Game & Fish
Learn More:
- Clean Drain Dry – Industry-standard prevention protocols
- Play Clean Go – Outdoor recreation without invasive species
- Wyoming Game & Fish – https://wgfd.wyo.gov/
- Wyoming Weed & Pest – https://wyoweed.org/
Your Role in Conservation
Shared Water ResponsibilityYou don’t need to be an outfitter or professional conservationist to make a difference. Every paddler can contribute to protecting Greater Yellowstone’s waters:
Practice Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you bring in. Use designated campsites. Maintain wildlife viewing distances. Minimize campfire impacts. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Prevent Invasive Species Spread
Clean, drain, and dry all equipment between water bodies. Comply with inspection stations. Never release organisms into waters.
Support Conservation Organizations
Join and contribute to groups protecting rivers, wildlife, and wilderness. Political advocacy matters – these places need voices.
Educate Others
Share knowledge about responsible recreation, ecosystem challenges, and conservation needs. Create more advocates.
Vote and Advocate
Support leaders and policies prioritizing environmental protection. Contact representatives about conservation issues. Speak up for wild places.
Choose Responsible Outfitters
Support businesses – like ours – committed to environmental stewardship. Your dollars vote for how outdoor recreation operates.
Questions About Our Stewardship Work?
Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471 to learn more about our conservation efforts and how you can get involved.