Dangerous Conditions on Snake River

Shifting channels and numerous logjams have created difficult and unpredictable conditions on some of the side channels on the Snake River between Pacific Creek and Deadman’s Bar Landing, specifically in the area directly downstream of Spread Creek.

Boaters must utilize situational awareness and understand their personal skill level prior to navigating from the main channel along this stretch of the river. Hazards can develop at any location and at any time and obstructions are subject to a high degree of change. Boaters should anticipate their routes well in advance. Floating the river is complex and recent logjams have made this section challenging.

Only boaters with advanced skill levels should attempt side channels due to swift water, multiple braided channels and numerous obstructions. Sight lines are short and channel options that existed hours before may be blocked. Boat operators may need to stop the boat to scout and choose an appropriate route. For more information, download Grand Teton’s guide to floating the Snake River: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/Floating19-access.pdf

Other Important Safety Tips to Remember:
1. Check the weather forecast before you go
2. Tell someone where you are going
3. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD)
4. Know your skill level

The Snake River is managed as a Wild and Scenic River. Because of this designation, Grand Teton National Park does not remove obstructions that may exist in the river, but rather preserves the natural flow and processes of the river. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was created by Congress on October 2, 1968 to preserve rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.



Jeff
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Grand Teton Considers Paving Meadow Road - Public Comments Encouraged

The National Park Service is considering the paving of Meadow Road, an unpaved road located within Grand Teton National Park and requests public comment. Public comment is encouraged by July 25.

Meadow Road is located off U.S. Highway 89/26/191, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Jackson Hole Airport, travels west and north for approximately one mile through the park, and continues to a residential neighborhood situated outside of the park boundary. The road provides year-round access to approximately 70 private properties and residences located along and adjacent to the east bank of the Snake River.

The paving improvements would meet National Park Service road standards. No work is being considered outside the existing disturbed roadway and shoulders.

The park developed a model to evaluate all unpaved roads within the park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway to determine if roads should be considered for paving. This model incorporates methods used by other localities within Wyoming and other states, and considers a wide range of factors.

Traffic volumes in the Meadow Road neighborhood continue to increase from residential development. These traffic volumes have reached a point where the park's model – incorporating factors such as maintenance and user costs, safety, dust control, and all season trafficability – recommends consideration for paving. Based on the model recommendation, as well as a request from some residents, the park is considering the impacts of paving the road. Environmental impacts and public interest will be evaluated as part of the scoping and environmental compliance requirements.

Public comments are encouraged to be submitted online by visiting the National Park Service Park Planning, Environment and Public Comments (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/meadowroad. Comments may also be sent to Grand Teton National Park, Planning Office, Attn: Meadow Road Improvements, Grand Teton National Park, P.O. Box 170, Moose, Wyoming 83012.



Jeff
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Fire Safety on Wyoming Public Lands Stressed for the Upcoming Holiday

Despite the precipitation and cooler temperatures throughout the region in the past few weeks, fire managers are expecting a drying trend in vegetation that will make the Teton Interagency Fire response area more receptive to fire starts and potential for fire spread.

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton County, Wyoming. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention during a time of year when vegetation begins drying out and warmer temperatures become more common throughout the area.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year and result in an average of $43 million in direct property damage. A random spark can quickly escalate into a wildfire, especially under dry, windy conditions.

Additionally, unattended and abandoned campfires are a common source of unexpected wildfires. Area fire personnel respond annually to over 100 abandoned campfires, which can hold heat for an extended period of time if not properly extinguished. Fire personnel have responded to 27 unattended campfires so far this season in the Teton Interagency Fire response area. Simply pouring water on the remains of a fire is not sufficient. The charred remains must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring. All embers and logs, not just those that are still glowing, should be broken up and covered with dirt. Campfire remains must be cold to the touch before the site is vacated.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.



Jeff
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to Develop Public Wildlife Viewing Area on Flathead Lake North Shore

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving forward with the development of a public wildlife viewing area overlooking the North Shore Wildlife Management Area southeast of Kalispell.

The new viewing area will extend five-feet high and cover 256 square feet on a gravel platform. The platform will meet the grade and dimensional standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The proposal was released for a 14-day public comment period on May 30. FWP received three responses to the proposal, and the comments were all positive and supported the public viewing area. One response offered suggestions to mitigate wildlife disturbance. Fencing and some vegetative screening will help mitigate those potential disturbances.

“Noting and including the responses to public comments, FWP believes the completion of this project will help accommodate the increasing demands for safe and easily accessible wildlife viewing opportunities for all ages in the Kalispell area and allow FWP to foster interest and involvement in the resources we manage,” Jim Williams, FWP Region 1 Supervisor, said in the project decision notice posted on FWP’s website.

The project is slated for completion this summer. To read the project’s environmental assessment, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/decisionNotices.

FWP owns and manages the North Shore WMA approximately seven miles southeast of Kalispell and just north of Flathead Lake. The North Shore area is a designated Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. It serves as a critical stopover habitat for migratory birds and nesting habitat for spring and summer breeding birds. The diversity of birds is extraordinary with over 220 bird species observed in the area. The WMA abuts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) 1,887-acre Flathead Lake North Shore Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), and together they protect the lake’s longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline and are part of the Audubon-designated Flathead Lake Important Bird Area (IBA).



Jeff
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Grand Teton Announces Summer 2019 Ranger Programs

Summer is here and ranger programs at Grand Teton National Park are underway. Summer programs begin in early June and last through Labor Day weekend. Join a ranger for a scheduled program to learn about the wild communities, history and geology of the park. Special programs are also given throughout the summer. The following are the ranger-led hikes offered by the park:

Taggart Lake Hike
Hike with a ranger along the scenic trail to Taggart Lake, where a variety of stories can unfold. Once you arrive at the lake, you will then have the option to hike back or explore on your own. Bring water, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and rain gear.
2.5 hours • Meet at Taggart Lake Trailhead
3 miles Round trip • Moderate hike
Daily 8:30 am, June 5–Sept 2

Inspiration Hike
Learn about the formation of this magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and onto Inspiration Point. This is a great activity for families! To reserve your space, please get a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center the morning of the hike. This activity is limited to 25 on a first come, first served basis. We will take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake. Visitors are responsible for their boat fare.
2.5 hours • Meet at Jenny Lake Visitor Center
3 miles Round trip, 1.5 mi guided • Moderate hike
Daily 8:30 am, June 7–Sept 2

Explore the Preserve Hike
Reservations required, call (307) 739-3654. Open your senses and immerse yourself in the pristine setting of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Hike the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shore of Phelps Lake which affords dramatic views of the Teton Range. Bring water, rain gear, sunscreen and insect repellent.
2.5 hours • Meet at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center porch.
3 miles, 1.5 miles guided • Easy/Moderate hike
Daily 9:30 am, June 5–Sept 2

Swan Lake Hike
Join a ranger to hike through the forest and learn about the park's natural history. A classic national park experience that will take you past Heron Pond and Swan Lake. Bring food, water, binoculars, rain gear, and insect repellent.
3 hours • Meet at flagpole in front of Colter Bay Visitor Center
3 miles • Moderate hike
Daily 4 pm, June 5–Sept 3

For a full list of ranger programs, please click here.



Jeff
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Travelers Should Expect Up to 30-Minute Delays in Grand Teton National Park

Travelers on U.S. Highway 89 in Grand Teton National Park should plan for 30-minute delays as the park’s pavement preservation plan is underway. Work is currently taking place between the park’s southern boundary and the Jackson Hole Airport, and will continue north to the South Gate of Yellowstone. Previous planned delays of 15-minutes have been increased for work and traffic efficiencies.

Grand Teton Acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail said, “We recognize the impact that road work has on the community and park visitors, and appreciate the continued support. These improvements to park infrastructure will address a $6.8 million maintenance backlog that includes 67 miles of park road and three major parking areas.”

The daily average traffic between Jackson and the Jackson Hole Airport is more than 14,200 vehicles during the summer season. This traffic is more than some locations on the four-lane Interstate 80 in southern Wyoming.

Motorists should plan ahead for delays and reduce speeds in the work zone while the highway is limited to one lane of travel. Additionally, travelers are advised to drive slowly and maintain the recommended speed limit on chip seal pavement to reduce the risk of loose gravel damaging cars or windshields.

Road work will take place Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. The work is weather and temperature dependent. The chip seal process requires warmer temperatures and minimum moisture for the seal to fully set. Recent weather conditions have proved challenging for construction work.

No road work will take place over the Independence Day Holiday, Wednesday afternoon through Sunday, July 3-7.

The repaving work on the parking lots at the Craig Thomas Discovery Visitor Center and Jenny Lake Visitor Center are expected to be completed this week. Work continues on the Colter Bay access road and will soon begin in the parking area.

Chip sealing is a cost-effective way to provide an improved road surface and preserve the underlying pavement. When proactive preventative maintenance activities are completed on park roads, more serious and costly damage to the pavement structure will be averted.

The work includes patching holes and sealing cracks in the pavement surface initially. A chip seal or micro seal will then be applied to the road surface, followed by a fog seal to reduce airborne gravel. Striping will be the final action.

Motorists will also begin seeing construction activity along Gros Ventre Road and north of Moran Junction as part of the preparation for the chip sealing process. Delays of up to 15 minutes should be anticipated. Once chip sealing gets underway, motorists should expect up to 30-minute delays at these locations.

Updated road status and conditions are available by calling the park road information line at 307-739-3682 and on the park’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to the pavement preservation work, the final phase of emergency repairs related to the June 2017 washout of the Gros Ventre Road will occur late this summer. Work is expected to begin in late July.



Jeff
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National Park Service Approves Project for Native Fish Preservation in Glacier

The National Park Service (NPS) Intermountain Region has approved Glacier National Park’s proposal for preservation of westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout in the Upper Camas Drainage.

On June 10, 2019, the NPS Intermountain Regional Director signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the park’s Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout Preservation in the Upper Camas Drainage Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI is the final decision document for the project.

Under the selected action, Glacier National Park will use rotenone, a fish toxicant, to remove non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout from Lake Evangeline, Camas Lake, and Camas Creek upstream of Arrow Lake in the park’s upper Camas drainage. Following the removal of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout, native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout will be translocated into the lakes. The project is necessary to protect native westslope cutthroat trout against hybridization with non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and to protect westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout against habitat degradation occurring because of a changing climate.

The project is anticipated to begin late this summer in cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

The EA evaluated impacts to native fish and aquatic species, recommended wilderness and natural soundscapes, common loons and other water birds, grizzly bears, and visitor use and experience. No potential for significant adverse impacts was identified. The EA was available for a 20-day public comment period beginning March 29, 2019, and public comments were considered.

The EA and FONSI are available on the National Park Service Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website.



Jeff
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Three Grizzly Bears Hit By Trains Near Glacier National Park

On June 6, three grizzly bears were struck and killed by trains traveling through Glacier County approximately two miles east of Marias Pass near Glacier National Park.

An adult female grizzly bear and two yearlings were grazing along the tracks when a collision occurred at approximately 4:19 a.m. The first collision involved only the adult female, which weighed 232 pounds. The adult female was previously captured in 2000 as part of a Glacier National Park research project.

The two yearling males, each weighing approximately 65 pounds, were later struck by a separate train near the same location.

FWP personnel investigated the incidents. There were no attractants present that would have drawn the bears to the tracks.

FWP has worked with agencies and railroad companies over the years to minimize grizzly bear mortalities along travel routes. These preventative measures include reducing attractants.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was notified of the incidents.

The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem is home to more than 1,000 grizzly bears. The NCDE is a designated grizzly bear recovery zone that spans Glacier National Park, parts of the Flathead and Blackfeet Indian Reservations, parts of five national forests and a significant amount of state and private lands.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains a population monitoring program and follows protocols and management objectives designed to maintain a healthy grizzly bear population in the NCDE. This includes tracking known mortalities, whether bears are killed or removed from the population, and notifying the public.



Jeff
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Glacier National Park Website Provides Real-Time Updates

Visitors headed to Glacier National Park now can get immediate updates for parking and campground availability, as well as current weather conditions and area closures.

The Recreation Access Display (RAD), which works best in the Google Chrome web browser, gives visitors one more tool for planning a trip to some of the park’s most-visited areas.

Now live on the park’s website, the RAD updates approximately once a minute. The display provides a one-stop, color-coded graphic for quick reference, allowing visitors to see whether a campground has available sites or if a parking lot has open parking. The graphic shows what time park staff reported a campground or parking lot filled on the current day’s date as well as the previous day.

The RAD also shows whether vehicles access is restricted at Many Glacier, North Fork, and Two Medicine. During the park’s peak season, these areas experience periodic extreme congestion that requires park staff to place temporary restrictions on vehicle access. By checking the RAD in advance, visitors can get current information useful for avoiding wait times and making alternate plans.

“We’ve been working for a few years to get real-time information to our visitors,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow. “Thanks to suggestions from the public and innovation from park staff, we’re pleased to roll out this new trip planning tool for the 2019 summer season.”

“This is a great complement to the park’s webcams, which provide an on-the-ground visual of park conditions,” Mow added.

Visitors can access the RAD and additional trip planning information through the park’s Current Conditions page, which has links to current road status, snow plow updates, webcams, trail status reports, and camping status page.



Jeff
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American Trails Video: Building Trail Culture

American Trails recently published the presentation (below), which was given by Amy Camp during this years' International Trails Symposium. Ms. Camp's presentation discussed "Building Trail Culture" in communities across America. As trails in our national parks and forests become increasingly overcrowded (which I discussed in detail in my book), utilization of local trails will become more important as hiking participation rates continue to grow. Here's a synopsis of the presentation:

Trail communities around North America have come to appreciate (and clamor for) the economic benefits of trails. In fact, a model for community development—“trail towns”—has emerged to aid struggling communities in leveraging their trails. But we’ve got it mostly wrong. While economic gain contributes to community vitality, too heavy of a focus on any one trail benefit lacks balance…and heart. Those places that value trails simply for the dollars brought into town miss out on the “trail magic” that can touch communities. If we flip our focus from visitor transactions to truly engaging both visitors and locals, culture shift is possible. One concrete way of doing so is through programming immersive, memorable, joyful trail experiences. This talk will share programming examples and make a case for how these connections can transform communities from a culture of indifference to a culture of “yes,” of hospitality, of inclusion, and stewardship.

Building Trail Culture-Amy Camp from American Trails on Vimeo.




Jeff
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Mount Washburn Trail and trailhead parking lot at Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone to close in August for improvements

The Mount Washburn Trail and trailhead parking lot at Dunraven Pass will close for improvements August 6-27, 2019.

The trail and trailhead parking lot is located 4.5 miles north of Canyon Junction. The closure is necessary for public safety and will include the replacement of a deteriorated multi-tiered log crib that structurally supports the trail. To replace the crib wall, trail crew will use cable rigging and fall protection systems affixed to fabricated anchorages constructed into the trail. A helicopter will deliver log pilings to the work site. Please plan accordingly.

The Mount Washburn Trail from Chittenden Road will remain open.

You can find updated trail status on the Backcountry Situation Report and at visitor centers.



Jeff
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Tourism to Glacier National Park Adds $484 Million in Local Economic Benefits

Late last month, the National Park Service released visitor spending numbers for the national park system. The report shows that 3 million visitors to Glacier National Park in 2018 spent $344 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 5,230 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $484 million.

“Glacier National Park welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow. “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Egan Cornachione of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $20.2 billion of direct spending by more than 318 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 329,000 jobs nationally; 268,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $40.1 billion.

In 2018, lodging expenses accounted for the largest share of visitor spending, with about $6.8 billion total spent nationally and about $141 million spent in and around Glacier National Park. Food expenses were the second largest spending area, with visitors to restaurants and bars spending $4 billion nationally and about $55 million locally. Visitors spent another $1.4 billion at grocery and convenience stores nationally, including $20.7 million locally.

Visitor spending on lodging supported more than 58,000 jobs nationally and 1,510 jobs locally, while jobs created by restaurant spending included more than 61,000 jobs nationally and 963 local jobs. Visitor spending in the recreation industries supported more than 28,000 jobs nationally and 307 jobs locally. Spending in retail supported more than 20,000 jobs nationally and 312 jobs in the local area.

Report authors also produced an interactive tool that enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users also can view year-by-year trend data.

The 2018 Visitor Spending Effects analysis incorporated newly available survey data for Glacier National Park and 18 additional parks in the national park system. The survey was part of a pilot project to develop long-term, scientific monitoring and collection of visitor data during a park’s peak season. Previous Glacier spending was calculated by using generalized visitor spending data from other parks in the national park system.

The new survey data showed that people spent more time in Glacier National Park, stayed longer in gateway communities and spent more money during their visit. The updated data contributed to the 25 percent increase in overall estimated visitor spending for Glacier this year. The new data also showed an upward effect on visitor spending estimates for the State of Montana and for the NPS Intermountain Region.

To learn more about national parks in Montana and how the National Park Service works with Montana communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/montana.



Jeff
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Forest Service partners with Common Outdoor Ground to assess area trails - seeks volunteers

The USDA Forest Service will have crews doing trail maintenance at multiple locations in the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges this summer. In anticipation of that work, the Forest Service has partnered with Common Outdoor Ground (COG), a community organization in southeast Wyoming, to hike or ride trails and assess trail conditions using a consistent approach.

The Rapid Trails Assessment Program will be focused on Platte River and Savage Run Wilderness trails, as well as on Sheep Mountain. If enough volunteers are available, trails assessment is also desired in Encampment River and Huston Park Wilderness areas.

An orientation meeting for interested volunteers will be held on Tuesday, June 4, at Fire Station #3 in West Laramie from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Representatives from the Forest Service and COG will explain the event, go over what sort of data needs to be collected, and identify group leaders.

The plan is for COG and identified group leaders to hike or ride trails at multiple locations on Saturday, June 22 and collect data.

Those who are interested in helping collect trail information but cannot participate on June 22 should still attend the informational meeting or connect with the contacts below, to explore if alternate plans can be arranged.

This unique partnership was established to ensure that trail crews can maximize efficiency this summer with up-to-date information about where repairs are necessary, and where downed trees are obstructing trails.

For more information about volunteering for the trail assessment event:

* Chad Grossenburg, Recreation Management Specialist with the Medicine Bow National Forest Central Zone, chad.grossenburg@usda.gov, (307) 745-2405

* COG Steering Committee, commonoutdoorground@gmail.com, message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/commonoutdoorground

Common Outdoor Ground is a community organization providing volunteer support for sustainability of outdoor spaces in southeast Wyoming. COG wants to partner with existing groups and land managers to work toward common goals. Those commonalities include:

* Supporting access to public lands and multiple-use of those lands
* Supporting and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation
* Facilitating the organization and training of volunteers/pooled resources
* Assisting land managers and partner organizations in meeting natural resource objectives
* Promoting responsible and informed outdoor ethics

COG has an agreement with the Medicine Bow National Forest to help coordinate volunteers and resources for multiple work days and events in 2019.



Jeff
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Food-Conditioned Black Bear Euthanized Near Lake McDonald Lodge

Glacier National Park rangers euthanized a black bear Monday in the Lake McDonald Lodge area after finding it had broken into a concession employee housing cabin. Nobody was present in the cabin at the time. The bear matched the description and photos of a bear who had been reported multiple times in the area since Memorial Day weekend.

On May 24, a black bear was reported in the Lake McDonald Lodge horse corral eating unsecured horse feed. That same night and the following morning, the bear returned, exhibiting little fear of humans or horses.

On May 26, a private landowner in the immediate area reported that a bear had pushed in porch screens and caused other property damage at a local residence. Another nearby resident reported a black bear looking into their cabin windows.

For over a week, rangers spent hours in the Lake McDonald Lodge area locating the bear and using extensive aversive conditioning techniques to encourage the bear to seek out wild areas and natural food sources again. They made contact with the bear multiple times.

The male bear was euthanized consistent with Glacier National Park’s Bear Management Plan, in consultation with park wildlife biologists. The bear was estimated to be around nine years old and approximately 150 pounds. A field necropsy revealed it to be in otherwise healthy condition.

Food-conditioned bears are those that have sought and obtained non-natural foods, destroyed property or displayed aggressive, non-defensive behavior towards humans and are removed from the wild. Food-conditioned bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns.

Black bears are not good candidates for animal capture facilities such as zoos and animal parks due to the plentiful nature of the species throughout the United States.

Visitors are reminded to keep campgrounds and developed areas clean and free of food and trash. Local residents and businesses located in and around the park are reminded to secure all types of non-natural food sources including garbage, livestock, feed, pet food, bird seed, and hummingbird feeders.

If you see a bear along the road, please do not stop. Stopping and watching roadside bears will likely start a "bear jam" as other motorists follow your lead. "Bear jams" are hazardous to both people and bears as visibility is reduced and bears may feel threatened by the congestion. Report all bear sightings to the nearest ranger.

Glacier National Park is home to both black and grizzly bears. Hikers are highly encouraged to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/naturescience/bears.htm.



Jeff
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Grizzly Bear Captured North of Kalispell, Euthanized

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks captured a subadult male grizzly bear north of Kalispell and euthanized the animal because it was food conditioned.

FWP personnel captured the bear May 30, 2019 on private property off Lost Creek Drive west of Farm to Market Road. The bear had repeatedly broken into chicken coops and killed numerous chickens over several days. It was also documented breaking into unsecured garbage and bird feeders throughout the surrounding residential area. The bear was estimated to be 3 years old and weighed 195 pounds.

FWP determined the animal was food conditioned, posing a serious risk to public safety and the animal. FWP euthanized the bear in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in accordance with Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines.

FWP is monitoring increased bear activity across northwest Montana, including the Ferndale and Whitefish areas, and personnel are actively working to reduce conflicts in collaboration with landowners.

Residents are encouraged to report possible bear activity as soon as possible.

To report grizzly bear activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call FWP wildlife management specialists at (406) 250-1265. To report black bear and mountain lion activity in the greater Flathead Valley, call (406) 250-0062). To report bear activity in the Cabinet-Yaak area, call (406) 291-1320.

Montana is bear country with populations of grizzly and black bears. Residents are asked to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage and bird feeders and bird seed. Chicken and livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door. Recreationists are urged to “Be Bear Aware” and follow precautionary steps and tips to prevent conflicts, such as carrying bear spray.

More safety information is available on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, fwp.mt.gov. Residents can call FWP regional offices to learn more about bears or to report bear activity. In northwest Montana, call (406) 752-5501.



Jeff
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Temporary Closure This Week on Moose-Wilson Road for Dust Abatement

The unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park will be temporarily closed for seasonal dust abatement beginning 4 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 4 and will reopen by 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6 . This routine dust abatement application happens several times during the summer on the approximately one-mile of unpaved section of the seven-mile road.

In addition, the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road will be graded this summer to maintain a better and safer driving surface between dust abatement applications. To minimize the impact to visitors, the grading operations will be conducted at night between the hours of 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. Three grading operations are planned for one night each throughout the summer. The unpaved section of the road will be closed to public access during these grading operations and the dates will be communicated prior to work.

Dust abatement and grading operations will continue until the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road is reconstructed and paved, as determined in the Moose-Wilson Corridor Comprehension Management Plan Record of Decision. The park is working in partnership with Federal Highways to create a preliminary design for the unpaved section, as well as other improvements to the road.

During the dust abatement application June 4-6, motorists and bicyclists should plan to use an alternate route as this temporary closure will prevent making a ‘through trip’ on the Moose-Wilson Road from Granite Canyon Entrance Station to the Teton Park Road at Moose, Wyoming. This is the first of three scheduled dust abatement treatments for the 2019 season.

For those wishing to reach the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon Trailhead, access will be possible by heading south from the Teton Park Road Junction near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Electronic signs will be placed on Wyoming Highway 390 to alert park visitors and local residents of the scheduled road closure. For travelers heading south to Teton Village from the Moose area, signs will also be placed near the junction of the Teton Park Road.

The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride—the same product that is used to treat dirt roads in and around Jackson Hole. This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles. Motorists who drive the unpaved portion of the Moose-Wilson Road after it reopens on Thursday may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.

Roadwork schedules may change, or be delayed, due to weather conditions, equipment malfunction, or other extenuating circumstances.



Jeff
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