The Montana Experience: The Polebridge Mercantile

Nestled in a remote mountain valley at the foot of Glacier National Park, the historic Polebridge Mercantile dutifully endures as one of the last outposts of its kind in the American West. The Mercantile, a short film by Brian Bolster, steps into the working lives of Flannery Coats and Stuart Reiswig, the young couple whose search for the ideal marriage location yielded them the most unforeseen and rewarding challenges of their lives - proprietorship and preservation of a century-old, unchanged business enterprise in a modern and ever-changing world.

Although most park visitors never make it up to Polebridge, this film will give them a good idea of what they're missing when they visit the Glacier area. Boy, those pastries sure look awesome!



Maybe now Polebridge will be on your itinerary for next year! If you do plan to visit Glacier next summer, now's a good time to begin your planning. In addition to detailed hiking trail information for Glacier National Park, our website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.






Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Yellowstone Extends Comment Period On Proposed Fee Changes

Yellowstone National Park is extending the length of time the public can comment on a proposal to increase the park’s entrance fees and institute a backcountry overnight permit fee.

In response to public requests, the park will also open up the opportunity for interested individuals to submit comments online.

Yellowstone is proposing several changes to park entrance fees, which have remained the same since 2006. The park is proposing to offer a 3-day Yellowstone only pass for $30. A 7-day pass good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks would be available for $50. An annual pass to Yellowstone only will be $60.

Additionally, the park is proposing to institute a fee for overnight backcountry permits to help recover costs associated with operating the park’s backcountry program.

The park recently held public open houses in Cody, Jackson, and Bozeman help individuals learn more about the proposed fee changes.

The public comment period has now been extended to midnight MST on December 20, 2014.

More information on the fee proposals and an electronic form to submit comments on the proposal are available on the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website.

Comments may also be hand-delivered during normal business hours to the mailroom in the park’s Administration Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, or mailed to: Management Assistant Office, Attn: Entrance Fee Proposal, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190.

Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified above.






Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Video of the Day: the Alaska Basin Trail

If you ever get the chance you should jump at the opportunity to hike the Alaska Basin Trail. The trail takes hikers up to the Alaska Basin in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area, located just west of Grand Teton National Park. Below is a video, published by Kenneth Vanderstoep a few years ago, that highlights the breathtaking views, wildflowers and meadows you'll see on this epic hike. The song playing during the video is "Consider the Lilies" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

For more information on this hike, please click here to visit our new hiking website for the Grand Tetons. Enjoy:





Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Inspiring Journeys: Improving Grand Teton’s Most Visited Destination (Part 3)

The Spring 1939 issue of Grand Teton Nature Notes reported that “By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls.” More than 75 years later that statement still holds true. As a result of overuse through the years the park, in conjunction with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, launched a multi-year project in the spring of 2014 to improve the area surrounding Jenny Lake.

Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake is a $16.4 million public-private collaboration that will transform Jenny Lake’s trails, bridges, key destinations, and visitor complex. The much needed upgrades will improve the experience of hikers heading to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon, as well as the loop trail around Jenny Lake. Additionally, the project will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and create an inviting trail system and captivating experience for the 21st century visitor.

This summer, Grand Teton trail crews accomplished major improvements on the trails around North Cascade Creek, including the horse trail. Below is the final part in a series of short videos that helps to explain the process of this major project:



Work on the backcountry trail system from the west shore of Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point will continue during the summer of 2015. For more information on the project you can visit the Grand Teton National Park Foundation website.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Glacier Park Seeks Comments on Proposed Fee Increases

Glacier National Park is requesting public comment on a proposal to increase the park’s entrance fees for the first time in nine years, implement a motorized boat launch fee, and increase the camping fee at the Many Glacier Campground.

The proposal includes increasing the summer vehicle 7-day entrance fee from $25 to $30, with the winter fee changing from $15 to $20. The individual hiker/biker summer 7-day entrance fee would change from $12 to $15, and the winter fee would remain at $10. The 7-day entrance fee for a motorcycle would increase from $12 per person to $25 per motorcycle in the summer and from $10 per person to $15 per motorcycle in the winter. Summer season fees are charged from May 1-October 31, and winter fees are charged November 1-April 30 of each year.

The annual park pass would change from $35 to $60. This pass allows for unlimited access to the park for one year from first time of use.

The proposed fees are consistent with other larger national parks.

If approved, all changes in entrance fees at Glacier National Park would be implemented in May, 2015. The last time park entrance fees at Glacier National Park were increased was in 2006. Prior to that, the summer vehicle fee was $20 and the annual park pass was $30.

The proposal does not affect other passes with the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program, including the $80 interagency and $10 senior passes, and the free access or military passes.

A new boat launch fee is being proposed that will support managing the boat launch facilities in the park. The fee would be for all motorized boats that access park waters. The proposed fee is $10 for a 7-day permit or $40 for an annual permit. Revenue would help with boater education, monitoring, and improvements to boat launch facilities. If approved, it is anticipated this fee would be implemented in May, 2015. Boat inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS) would still be required.

The park proposal also includes increasing the camping fee at the Many Glacier Campground from $20 to $23, and utilizing the federal reservation system for approximately half of the camp sites. The remaining sites not included on the reservation system would be first-come first-serve. This fee change would be consistent with the other reservation campgrounds in the park, Fish Creek and St. Mary Campgrounds. If approved, this fee and the reservation system would begin summer of 2016.

Another fee change would be for group campsites in the park. The proposed fee is $65 per group reservation site and $60 for first-come first-serve group sites. The current fee structure is $53 per site for the first nine individuals and $5 for each additional person for a reserved site, and $50 for a first-come first-serve group site. Group camping sites are located at St. Mary, Apgar, Many Glacier and Two Medicine. Some are available by reservation and some are first-come first-serve. If approved the proposed fee change would begin May, 2015.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation that allows the park to collect entrance and camping fees, and retain 80 percent of the collected revenue. The remaining 20 percent is distributed throughout the National Park System. Basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress.

It is anticipated that the proposed fee changes could potentially generate approximately an additional $500,000 annually for Glacier National Park, depending on the number and type of entrance passes and camping permits sold. The funds generated by fees would be used for projects that enhance visitor services and facilities, including interpretive programs at campgrounds, the backcountry campsite reservation program, repair and restoration of trails, restoration of wildlife habitat, improvement and replacement of restroom facilities, preservation and maintenance of roads, and shuttle bus operation and maintenance.

Glacier National Park is an economic driver in the state of Montana and surrounding region. A National Park Service report shows that approximately 2.2 million visitors to Glacier National Park in 2013 spent $179 million in communities near the park supporting 2,824 jobs in the local area.

Public feedback on the proposed fee changes should be submitted to the park by December 19, 2014. Comments can be emailed or written comments may be mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Fee Proposal, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, Montana 59936. Following receipt and analysis of public feedback, a decision will be made on fee changes and timing of implementation. For more information, contact the park at 406-888-7800.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
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Yellowstone Seeks Comments on the Mist Creek Pass Trail Project

Yellowstone National Park is soliciting comments on a proposed project to complete routine trail work on portions of the Mist Creek Pass Trail. The project will focus on the area around Mist Creek Meadows in the Lamar River drainage.

The main intent of the project will be to harden sections of trail that are regularly wet and boggy by adding rock to the trail subsurface at strategic locations. Work will also focus on routine but essential erosion control. The project will be completed by National Park Service staff in partnership with the Montana Conservation Corps, and will be funded through the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Recreational Trails Program.

Comments may be hand-delivered during normal business hours to the mailroom in the park’s Administration Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, or mailed to: Bill Hopkins, Backcountry Trails Office, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190, or emailed.

Comments will not be accepted by fax or in any other way than those specified above. All comments must be received by midnight MST on Friday, November 28, 2014.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Inspiring Journeys: Improving Grand Teton’s Most Visited Destination (Part 2)

The Spring 1939 issue of Grand Teton Nature Notes reported that “By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls.” More than 75 years later that statement still holds true. As a result of overuse through the years the park, in conjunction with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, launched a multi-year project in the spring of 2014 to improve the area surrounding Jenny Lake.

Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake is a $16.4 million public-private collaboration that will transform Jenny Lake’s trails, bridges, key destinations, and visitor complex. The much needed upgrades will improve the experience of hikers heading to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon, as well as the loop trail around Jenny Lake. Additionally, the project will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and create an inviting trail system and captivating experience for the 21st century visitor.

In May 2014, helicopters dropped 260 tons of material near the mouth of Cascade Canyon at Jenny Lake. Since then, Grand Teton trail crews have been hard at work restoring the area’s degraded trail system. Below is part 2 in a series of short videos that explain the process of this major project:



Work on the backcountry trail system from the west shore of Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point will continue during the summer of 2015. For more information on the project you can visit the Grand Teton National Park Foundation website.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Nine Rivers: A Canadian Adventure

Nine rivers, four men and two canoes. This excellent film follows four adventurers on a month-long, one-thousand kilometre (621 miles) canoe journey through the Canadian shield. The group shares the hardships and splendor of the North on this journey to Hudson Bay.

This film is fairly long compared to most I post on this blog, but it's very well done, and takes you through an area of North America that most people will never see. Although this was a major expedition, it's something a common person could accomplish (as opposed to having to be a super-fit athlete). Actually, I would love to do something like this some day...

Hope you enjoy:


Nine Rivers from Matt Perpick on Vimeo.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Veterans Day is Fee-Free Day in Glacier

Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, in honor of those that serve and have served in the United States Military.

Glacier National Park, as well as the other 400 sites of the National Park Service, offers a free annual pass to active duty military members and their dependents. The annual pass allows free entrance to national parks and other federal recreation sites.

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can obtain their pass at Glacier National Park’s headquarters building or any staffed park entrance station. A current and valid military identification card must be presented to obtain the pass. More information is available here, or by calling the park at 406-888-7800.

Winter entrance fees to the park are in effect November 1 - April 30 each year. The park’s winter entrance fee is $15 per vehicle and is valid for seven days. The per-person winter entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot or bicycle is $10 and is valid for seven days. An annual Glacier National Park pass for unlimited access to the park for one year is available for $35.

Other passes with America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program are also available. United States citizens 62 years of age and older may purchase a lifetime pass for $10, and citizens with a permanent disability may obtain a free lifetime pass. An annual pass available for $80 allows free entrance to federally operated recreation sites across the county, including many National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Land Management sites.

Backcountry permits are required for any backcountry overnight visit in the park. Permits for the winter season are available by calling the park up to seven days in advance, or by visiting the park headquarters office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or the Apgar Visitor Center on weekends, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For backcountry campers desiring to obtain their permit on the east side of the park, please call ahead to arrange a meeting place. Winter backcountry campers need to view the park’s two Winter Backcountry Camping Videos prior to arriving in the park. The videos are available on the park’s YouTube site.

Visitors planning to boat within the park are reminded that all motorized watercraft require inspection and a permit before launching within the park. During the winter, boaters are encouraged to contact the park prior to their visit and schedule an inspection by calling 406-888-7800, extension 6.

Winter camping is available at the Apgar Picnic Area and the St. Mary Campground. There is no charge for camping at these locations in the winter, and no services are provided.

The park headquarters office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Apgar Visitor Center is open weekends, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
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Have craft brewers jumped the shark?

I have a question for beer lovers and common sewers, I mean connoisseurs: Has the whole craft beer industry jumped the shark?

In recent years there's been a growing trend towards extreme levels of hops and flavors not normally associated with beer. Some of the flavors I've seen or heard about - that have gone way out on the limb - include chile peppers, avocados, coconut curry, oysters, pine needles and even smoked ham and bacon! Hey, I'm all for experimentation, but I think we've reached the point where brewmasters have become self-indulgent to a certain extent. To use a pop music analogy, it feels like the craft brewing industry is nearing the end of the disco era, or the "hair metal" band era of the late 80s.

To continue with the music analogy, I think we're approaching the point where we're going to have to take all those albums (funky beer recipes) up to Comiskey Park and burn them after a White Sox game to make my (our?) point. It's time to get back to the roots of great beers.

While sipping on a German pilsner last weekend I came to the realization that the Germans, English, Irish and the Belgian Monks perfected the art of beer making several centuries ago. The reason these traditional beer makers have survived all these years is because they have focused on flavor. Sadly, many American craft brewers seem to have abandoned this fundamental reason for drinking beer. I'm certainly not bashing all American craft brewers. There are many who are making some absolutely great beers, such as Anderson Valley's Boont Amber Ale and Brother David’s Double Abbey Style Ale, or Big Sky's Moose Drool, or Deschutes Brewery's Black Butte Porter, or Highland Brewing Company's Gaelic Ale, or Mt. Carmel Brewing Company's Amber Ale - to name just a few. Unfortunately, very few places sell these brews on tap, opting instead to sell the outrageous flavors of the month.

All I'm saying, is give taste a chance! Am I the only one going "against the grain"?



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Inspiring Journeys: Improving Grand Teton’s Most Visited Destination (Part 1)

The Spring 1939 issue of Grand Teton Nature Notes reported that “By far the most popular trail in the park is the lower portion of the Cascade Canyon Trail which leaves Jenny Lake and climbs above Hidden Falls.” More than 75 years later that statement still holds true. As a result of overuse through the years the park, in conjunction with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, launched a multi-year project in the spring of 2014 to improve the area surrounding Jenny Lake.

Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake is a $16.4 million public-private collaboration that will transform Jenny Lake’s trails, bridges, key destinations, and visitor complex. The much needed upgrades will improve the experience of hikers heading to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon, as well as the loop trail around Jenny Lake. Additionally, the project will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and create an inviting trail system and captivating experience for the 21st century visitor.

In late May, as Jenny Lake's shores began to see significant snow melt, park staff, project engineers, and a helicopter team descended on the area to kick off 2014's construction season. Below is part 1 in a series of short videos that helps to explain the process of this major project:



Work on the backcountry trail system from the west shore of Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point will continue during the summer of 2015. For more information on the project you can visit the Grand Teton National Park Foundation website.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Yellowstone National Park Proposes Entrance and Backcountry Fee Restructuring

Yellowstone National Park is seeking public input on a proposal to increase the park’s entrance fees for the first time since 2006, and institute a backcountry overnight permit fee.

Under current legislation, 80 percent of the revenue from entrance fees is allowed to remain in the park and used on projects which benefit park visitors. In Yellowstone, revenue from entrance fees has allowed the park to spend approximately $4 million per year on a variety of projects including road repairs, campground upgrades, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, rehabilitation of park structures, and utility systems repairs.

Yellowstone is proposing several changes to park entrance fees.

Currently, visitors pay $25 for a 7-day pass for a single, non-commercial vehicle entry into both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, with the current cost of an annual two-park pass at $50.

The park is proposing to offer a 3-day Yellowstone only pass for $30. A 7-day pass good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks would be available for $50. An annual pass to Yellowstone only will be $60.

Those entering the park by motorcycle or snowmobile are currently charged $20 for a 7-day pass honored at both parks. The proposal is to offer a 3-day Yellowstone only pass valid for $25 and a 7-day pass for $40 honored at both parks.

Individuals who enter the park on foot, bicycle, skis, or as snowcoach passengers currently pay $12 for a 7-day pass. That would be increased to $15 for 1-3 days in Yellowstone, or $25 for 7 days at both parks.

The Interagency Pass rates will remain the same: Annual ($80), Senior ($10), Access and Military ($0).

These proposed changes would result in additional annual revenue of approximately $3 million dollars for Yellowstone National Park, which would be used to continue or enhance projects such as Yellowstone cutthroat trout restoration, maintenance for the park’s 7 campgrounds, preservation maintenance on park roads, improved restroom facilities, reconstruction and rehabilitation of trails including Tower Falls, and a new North Entrance Station facility.

Additionally, the park is proposing to institute a fee for overnight backcountry permits to help recover costs associated with operating the park’s backcountry program. In the past, Yellowstone has not charged an overnight backcountry permit fee, but a reservation fee has been charged since 1996.

The proposed backcountry camping permit fee would be $3 per person (age 9 and older) per night with a maximum party limit of $15 per night for backpackers. Stock groups would be charged $5 per person per night with no maximum fee limit. The current $25 fee for trips reserved more than 48 hours in advance would remain the same.

Users would be able to purchase an Annual Backcountry Pass for $25 which would exempt that individual from the per-person per-night fee.

Additional revenue from overnight backcountry permit fees would be used to help to sustain the current level of service that visitors expect and ensure that Yellowstone can continue to provide service at multiple locations throughout the park.

The current revenue stream from advance reservations covers 17% of the cost to operate all backcountry offices, while the proposed fee is expected to raise backcountry fee revenue to approximately 43% of the cost to operate backcountry offices.

The public is encouraged to attend one of the following public meetings to learn more about the proposed fee changes:

- Tuesday, November 11 in Cody, Wyo.: Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village 6:30-8:00 pm

- Wednesday, November 12 in Jackson, Wyo.: The Lexington 6:30-8:00 pm

- Tuesday, November 18 in Bozeman, Mont.: Hilton Garden Inn 6:30-8:00 pm

Comments may also be hand-delivered during normal business hours to the mailroom in the park’s Administration Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, at one of the public scoping meetings, or mailed to: Management Assistant Office, Attn: Entrance Fee Proposal, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190.

Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified above. All comments must be received by midnight MST on Friday, December 5th, 2014.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
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Grand Teton National Park Considers Changes to Entrance Fees

Grand Teton National Park is proposing to update its entrance fees and invites public input on this prospect. The proposed fee changes are part of a larger National Park Service initiative to update entry fees that have been in place since 2006 in national parks across the country. As a first step toward potential fee changes, Yellowstone and Grand Teton will conduct a public open house on Wednesday, November 12, at the Lexington Inn on North Cache in Jackson, Wyoming from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Public comments will help determine how, or if, a fee changes would be implemented at Grand Teton. The comment period will be open for 30 days from November 5 through midnight December 5, 2014.

The current fee structure, in place since 2006, includes:

• $25 for 7-day pass to enter both Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks by private vehicle
• $50 for a Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass for one-year entry into both national parks
• $80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all fee areas on federal lands
• $12 for a 7-day pass to enter both Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park by foot/bicycle
• $20 for a 7-day pass to both Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park by motorcycle

Proposed fee changes would include:

• $30 for a 7-day pass to enter only Grand Teton National Park by private vehicle
• $50 for a 7-day pass to enter both Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park by vehicle
• $60 for an Annual Pass valid for one-year entry into Grand Teton only
• $80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all fee areas on federal lands
• $15 for a 7-day pass to enter only Grand Teton National Park by foot/bicycle
• $25 for a 7-day pass to enter only Grand Teton National Park by motorcycle

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age, or to holders of the following interagency passes: Interagency Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10), Access Pass or Military Pass ($0).

"National parks have historically provided an affordable and memorable vacation experience for individuals and families.When compared to other vacation or recreation areas, national parks offer a bargain for many travelers," said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela."National parks have also struggled to keep pace with increasing costs of providing the best possible visitor experience and therefore, we are looking at a modest fee change that will address the expense of providing important visitor services while keeping pace with the cost of doing business," added Superintendent Vela. "Revenues from entrance fees are used for a variety of critical needs at Grand Teton, including trail improvement, road and pathway resurfacing, restoration of wildlife habitat, and stabilization of historic buildings."

In the past, entrance fee revenues have supported the multi-phase restoration of the Kelly hayfields to improve wildlife habitat for bison and elk, the printing and distribution of park brochures for visitor information and education, road improvement and trail renewal projects.

Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway play an important role in the economic strength of the local and regional communities. For example, a 2013 National Park Service report determined that over 3.9 million visitors to Grand Teton and the JDR Parkway spent over $502 million in gateway communities across northwestern Wyoming.In turn, that spending supported 6,996 jobs in the communities of Jackson, Teton Village, and Dubois, Wyoming, and nearby towns of Driggs and Victor, Idaho.

Anyone wishing to provide public comment about the proposed restructure of park entrance fees should send written comments to: Superintendent, Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Box 170, Moose, Wyoming 83012, or submit comments online. Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified.

Changes to the fee structure are proposed to become effective May 1, 2015.



Jeff
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Nearly Half of All Americans Participate in Outdoor Recreation

Almost 143 million Americans, or 49.2 percent of the US population, participated in an outdoor activity at least once in 2013. Although the actual number of outdoor participants increased since 2012, the participation rate fell slightly, due to population growth. The findings are part of The Outdoor Foundation’s 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, the leading report tracking American participation trends in outdoor recreation with a focus on youth and diversity.

The Outdoor Foundation’s eighth annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Report helps the outdoor industry, public agencies and community organizations better understand the trends in outdoor recreation participation, enabling groups to address America’s inactivity crisis and the disconnect between children and the outdoors. The report is based on an online survey of more than 19,000 Americans ages six and older and covers 114 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its kind.

The study, which provides an in-depth look at youth, shows mixed results about the youngest generations’ participation in outdoor activities. Participation among teenage girls made up for some of the losses seen in 2012 by adding three percentage points. Meanwhile, participation rates among girls and young women increased by two percentage points — bringing young women’s participation to the highest rate since 2006. Participation among male youth, on the other hand, either fell or remained steady.

“The Outdoor Participation Report shows that the percentage of female youth who are inspired to enjoy the outdoors is on the rise,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “Although encouraged by the report’s findings, we also recognize that the importance of continuing efforts to engage all young people in outdoor recreation so that we may foster a new generation of passionate outdoor enthusiasts and committed stewards.”

The insights detailed in the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report are critical to national efforts seeking to understand outdoor participation and continuing to reverse America’s inactivity crisis. Some of the additional findings include:

OUTDOOR PARTICIPATION

• While 8.1 million Americans started participating in one or more of the outdoor activities measured, 7.4 million stopped. There was net gain of 700,000 total participants and a low churn rate of 5.2 percent.

• Participants went on a total of 12.1 billion outdoor outings in 2013, a minor decrease from 12.4 billion in 2012.

• Almost one-quarter of all outdoor enthusiasts participated in outdoor activities at least twice per week.

• Running, including jogging and trail running, was the most popular activity among Americans when measured by number of participants and by number of total annual outings.

• Fifty-five percent of people living in the West North Central region of the US participated in outdoor activities last year, making its population the most active in outdoor participation.

• Walking for fitness is the most popular crossover activity.

• The biggest motivator for outdoor participation was getting exercise.

YOUTH

• Among children and young adults, participation rose one percentage point, while the rates among the two older age groups lost one percentage point. Teenagers maintained the same participation rate.

• Youth who did not participate in outdoor activities said they were simply not interested in the outdoors.

• Among adults who are current outdoor participants, 74 percent had physical education and 41 percent enjoyed outdoor activities in elementary school.

DIVERSITY

• As seen in previous reports, outdoor participation is highest among Caucasians and lowest among African Americans.

• Although Hispanics Americans made up a small percentage of total outdoor participants, those who did participate averaged the most annual outdoor outings per person.

• Running was the most popular outdoor activity for all Americans regardless of ethnic or racial affiliation.

Download a complete copy of the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
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National Park Foundation CEO Steps Down - Yellowstone Superintendent Fills Spot in Interim

Neil Mulholland has announced that he will step down as president and CEO for the National Park Foundation, bringing to a close his five-year tenure with the organization that serves as the official charity of America's national parks.

The change in leadership comes at a strategic moment as preparations for the National Park Service's 2016 centennial move from the planning phase to implementation.

Since 2009, Mulholland led the National Park Foundation in achieving record-level donations and substantial growth in the reach of its work to connect more Americans to their national parks. Under Mulholland's leadership, the foundation successfully raised over $40 million to build the Flight 93 National Memorial, and this year the Foundation will conclude its most successful fundraising year in its history.

"Neil is a visionary leader who brought professionalism and dedication to the shared efforts of the National Park Service and National Park Foundation to protect, preserve and share our national parks with the American people," said Director Jarvis. "I thank him for his commitment to our work and wish him well in his future endeavors."

During his tenure, Mulholland also helped lay a foundation for the upcoming campaign to promote and celebrate the National Park Service's centennial in 2016, as well as provided valuable expertise in improving the financial accounting and investment portfolio of the National Park Foundation.

The National Park Foundation's board of directors will begin a national search to identify a successor. Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk has agreed to serve as interim president and CEO of the National Park Foundation while the Foundation’s board of directors conducts the search for a successor. Mr. Wenk will begin his interim position today, November 3rd, and will return to work at Yellowstone once a permanent successor is named. During Mr. Wenk’s absence from Yellowstone, Deputy Superintendent Steve Iobst will be acting superintendent.



Jeff
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115 Years and Counting: Volunteers Get Ready for Audubon Christmas Bird Count

The National Audubon Society invites volunteers across the western hemisphere to participate in the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Between December 14, 2014 and January 5, 2015 tens of thousands of participants will brave inclement weather to help scientists assess and guide significant conservation efforts at a scale they could not accomplish alone.

Each year, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count mobilizes over 70,000 volunteer observers in more than 2,400 locations. It produces the most comprehensive data set depicting the fluctuation, range and movement of bird populations across the continent. Scientists rely on this trend data to better understand how birds and the environment are faring and what needs to be done to protect them. Every local count is part of this vast volunteer network and continues a holiday tradition that stretches back over 100 years.

“The Audubon Christmas Bird Count harnesses volunteer power to gather knowledge that shapes conservation policy at enormous scales in this country. I couldn’t be prouder of the volunteers who contribute each year,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold.

Many decades of data not only helps identify birds in need of conservation action, it also reveals success stories. The CBC helped document the comeback of the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and significant increases in waterfowl populations, all promising results of conservation efforts.

Last year’s count shattered records. A total of 2,408 counts and 71,659 observers tallied over 66 million birds of 2,403 different species. Counts took place in all 50 states, all Canadian provinces and over 100 count circles in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.

One of the most significant avian incursions recorded during last year’s CBC included the record flight of Snowy Owls in the East Coast and Great Lakes. It was the biggest influx ever documented on the CBC and continued through the winter season. Traditional counting of birds together with high-tech modeling and mapping data enabled researchers to make surprising discoveries that would not have been possible in earlier decades.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman, founder of Bird-Lore – which evolved into Audubon magazine – suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt,” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds. While the ultimate goal of participating in a count is tallying a representative sample of the birds on a count day, the natural competitive spirit of birders is what drives them to do the most thorough job possible. The CBC has become a treasured holiday tradition, a reunion with birding friends and a way for anyone to play a small part in a big conservation picture. The growing combined pool of contributed sightings helps researchers understand birds in a way that Chapman could never have conceived back in 1900.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a citizen science project organized by the National Audubon Society. There is no fee to participate and the quarterly report, American Birds, will be available online. Audubon Christmas Bird Count information is also available online in Spanish. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. For more information and to find a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.



Jeff
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