On Saturday, August 29 at approximately 5:42 p.m., Glacier National Park rangers responded to a report of CPR in progress near Glacier Rim on the North Fork of the Flathead River.
North Valley Rescue met rangers at Glacier Rim and provided jet boat transport to Fool Hen Rapids, approximately 2 miles up-river. When rangers arrived, A.L.E.R.T. air ambulance staff was already on scene with Ronald Newton, a 62-year-old man from Columbia Falls, Montana who flipped his fishing pontoon boat while floating the river with a group, submerged in the water, and became unconscious.
More than an hour of CPR was performed before efforts were terminated. Newton was declared deceased, but cause of death is still unknown.
Witness reports state the group was floating the river Saturday when two pontoon boats tied together became stuck on a rock. Newton attempted to free the boats when his own watercraft flipped, and he submerged in the water. A friend recovered Newton from the water and several bystanders initiated CPR on a nearby gravel bar. Reports indicate he was not wearing a personal flotation device (pfd) or helmet at the time of the incident.
Glacier National Park thanks North Valley Search and Rescue, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Blankenship Rural Fire District, and A.L.E.R.T. for their assistance in this rescue effort.
Jeff
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Monday, August 31, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Park: Yellowstone's bull elk can be extremely dangerous during the rut
Yellowstone National Park is warning visitors that the elk rut has begun in the park.
Bull elk can be extremely dangerous during this time. Stay alert! People have been severely injured by elk. Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. Keep at least 25 yards from elk at all times.
If an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
Remeber, you are responsible for your own safety.
Jeff
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Bull elk can be extremely dangerous during this time. Stay alert! People have been severely injured by elk. Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. Keep at least 25 yards from elk at all times.
If an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
Remeber, you are responsible for your own safety.
Jeff
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Friday, August 28, 2020
Fall Closure at Pacific Creek Landing
On Tuesday, September 1, Pacific Creek Landing, located just north of the Moran area, will be temporarily closed to all river users and visitors during construction activities this fall and possibly into spring 2021.
The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on a multi-year project, Snake River Gateways, to transform three river access sites along the Snake River. The project with enhance the visitor experience, improve safety, restore the resilience of riparian habitat, improve infrastructure, and emphasize accessibility for all. For more information about the Snake River Gateways project, visit www.nps.gov/grte or www.gtnpf.org/SnakeRiver.
During the temporary closure at Pacific Creek Landing, anyone putting in on the Snake River at Jackson Lake Dam will need to travel to Deadmans Bar, which requires an advanced skill set. River users may want to consider an alternate section of river or other recreational activities during this time.
Jeff
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The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on a multi-year project, Snake River Gateways, to transform three river access sites along the Snake River. The project with enhance the visitor experience, improve safety, restore the resilience of riparian habitat, improve infrastructure, and emphasize accessibility for all. For more information about the Snake River Gateways project, visit www.nps.gov/grte or www.gtnpf.org/SnakeRiver.
During the temporary closure at Pacific Creek Landing, anyone putting in on the Snake River at Jackson Lake Dam will need to travel to Deadmans Bar, which requires an advanced skill set. River users may want to consider an alternate section of river or other recreational activities during this time.
Jeff
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Initial Attack Activity Picks Up On The Bridger-Teton National Forest
Four fires have been discovered across the Bridger-Teton National Forest in the last 24 hours. All are believed to be from recent lightning events over the area. These fires should serve as a reminder that fuels are receptive and we remain in ‘Very High’ fire danger and have stage 1 fire restrictions in place.
The Pass Fire was a single tree that was struck by lightning on the south side of Teton Pass in vicinity of the communication sites. Four Teton Interagency fire personnel were able to call the fire “controlled” this morning (8/25/20).
The Skull Fire is a quarter acre in size burning in a heavy conifer stand, off of Forest Service Rd 30165 northeast of Mount Leidy. Five Teton Interagency fire personnel are currently working the fire.
The Iron Rim Fire is one tenth of an acre, burning in the Snake River Canyon between Bradley and Elk Mountain. Six Teton Interagency fire personnel were transported into the fire this morning (8/25/20) to begin suppression efforts.
The Smokehouse Fire is approximately 5-acres in size located 7-miles north of Togwotee Pass on the southern face of Smokehouse Mountain in the Teton Wilderness. The fire is believed to have started a week ago when a storm system moved through the area. The fire is confined by old fire scars creating sporadic fuels along with steep, rocky, terrain significantly limiting its future spread potential. Due to the hazardous terrain, limited number of firefighting resources, difficulty of access, and lack of spread potential, no personnel are engaged on this fire. Fire managers will keeping a watchful eye on the progress of the Smokehouse Fire, if any significant changes in fire behavior occur these managers will reassess current tactics.
Even with rain in the forecast it is important to remain vigilant. Months of dry, windy conditions have cured the forest vegetation allowing fires to start easily and spread rapidly under most conditions. Please check Tetonfire.com for the latest information about our fire restrictions. If you are camping in an area where fires are allowed and you choose to have one, ensure your fire is ‘dead out’ before leaving the site. This mean cold to the touch, “if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”
To report a wildfire please contact Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.
Jeff
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The Pass Fire was a single tree that was struck by lightning on the south side of Teton Pass in vicinity of the communication sites. Four Teton Interagency fire personnel were able to call the fire “controlled” this morning (8/25/20).
The Skull Fire is a quarter acre in size burning in a heavy conifer stand, off of Forest Service Rd 30165 northeast of Mount Leidy. Five Teton Interagency fire personnel are currently working the fire.
The Iron Rim Fire is one tenth of an acre, burning in the Snake River Canyon between Bradley and Elk Mountain. Six Teton Interagency fire personnel were transported into the fire this morning (8/25/20) to begin suppression efforts.
The Smokehouse Fire is approximately 5-acres in size located 7-miles north of Togwotee Pass on the southern face of Smokehouse Mountain in the Teton Wilderness. The fire is believed to have started a week ago when a storm system moved through the area. The fire is confined by old fire scars creating sporadic fuels along with steep, rocky, terrain significantly limiting its future spread potential. Due to the hazardous terrain, limited number of firefighting resources, difficulty of access, and lack of spread potential, no personnel are engaged on this fire. Fire managers will keeping a watchful eye on the progress of the Smokehouse Fire, if any significant changes in fire behavior occur these managers will reassess current tactics.
Even with rain in the forecast it is important to remain vigilant. Months of dry, windy conditions have cured the forest vegetation allowing fires to start easily and spread rapidly under most conditions. Please check Tetonfire.com for the latest information about our fire restrictions. If you are camping in an area where fires are allowed and you choose to have one, ensure your fire is ‘dead out’ before leaving the site. This mean cold to the touch, “if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”
To report a wildfire please contact Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Biologists to extend grizzly bear captures for research purposes in Yellowstone National Park; Public reminded to heed warning signs
As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with the National Park Service, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations will be extended within Yellowstone National Park. Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will continue field captures from August 28 through October 23. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have primary access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.
Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares will be used to capture the bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST.
Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted. For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
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Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares will be used to capture the bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST.
Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted. For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
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Monday, August 24, 2020
FWP Proposing to Purchase 106 Acres along North Shore of Flathead Lake for New State Park
In an effort to further promote conservation and public access along the north shore of Flathead Lake, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to acquire 106 acres to the east of Somers for the creation of a new State Park.
FWP is seeking public input on the proposal, and the deadline to comment is Sept. 12, 2020.
This property, owned by the Sliter family, has been identified as a significant undeveloped portion of the north shore of Flathead Lake and would complement habitat protections already in place along the lakeshore. This project is a rare chance to provide more public access to Flathead Lake, which currently has less than 20 public access points along its 185 miles of shoreline, all of which are heavily used by residents and tourists alike.
Throughout the year, there is enormous demand for opportunities to recreate on or near the lake; and state, city, and county parks and Fishing Access Sites (FAS) are at or above capacity throughout much of the year. Seeing this need for more recreational access, multiple entities have been working together to add the proposed Somers Beach property to the Montana State Park System and ensure future public access.
The site would be suitable for a variety of recreational offerings and amenities, such as trails, hand-launch boat access, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, waterfowl viewing, educational vignettes and more. The exact nature and location of amenities and hours of operation have not yet been determined. Extensive scoping and public comment will determine the future development of the park through a separate assessment. As a result, FWP has not determined whether the site would include an overnight component or provide day-use only. FWP recognizes site management and staffing of the site will be crucial to addressing initial concerns about the proposed park.
A final appraisal is scheduled to occur in Sept. 2020. Funding would be provided by a pending Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and required matches from Parks Earned Revenue or General License Fund monies.
FWP has worked with the Sliter family and Flathead Land Trust to consider the project. The Flathead Land Trust previously solicited public input on the initial acquisition, and several hundred people provided comment. Those letters were presented to the Montana State Parks Board earlier this year to show community support and encourage the Parks Board to move forward with further consideration of the project. The board voted to do so, which initiated the next phase of the project, including the preparation of this draft environmental assessment (EA) and a formal public commenting process.
“For decades, our family has been working towards a vision of formal public access at Somers Beach. This beautiful place on Flathead Lake has been enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations. We couldn’t be more excited about the collaboration with FWP and Montana State Parks on this proposal,” stated Andrew Sliter.
“In order to protect this special place from future private development, conserve the wetlands and bird habitat, and secure much needed new public access on Flathead Lake, a state park offers our best opportunity to do so,” stated Paul Travis, executive director of Flathead Land Trust. “Flathead Land Trust has been committed to working towards a conservation and public access outcome with the Sliter family on this beautiful property for over a decade now, and to see this come one big step towards fruition is extremely gratifying.”
The public comment period for this draft EA will extend for 30 days beginning Aug. 14, 2020. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m., September 12, 2020, and can be mailed to: Somers Beach Acquisition EA; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; 490 N. Meridian Road; Kalispell, MT 59901 or sent by e-mail to: Stevie Burton at Stevie.Burton@mt.gov.
Copies of this EA will be available for public review at FWP Region One headquarters in Kalispell; the Montana State Library in Helena; and on the FWP web site (http://fwp.mt.gov) under Public Notices.
Jeff
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FWP is seeking public input on the proposal, and the deadline to comment is Sept. 12, 2020.
This property, owned by the Sliter family, has been identified as a significant undeveloped portion of the north shore of Flathead Lake and would complement habitat protections already in place along the lakeshore. This project is a rare chance to provide more public access to Flathead Lake, which currently has less than 20 public access points along its 185 miles of shoreline, all of which are heavily used by residents and tourists alike.
Throughout the year, there is enormous demand for opportunities to recreate on or near the lake; and state, city, and county parks and Fishing Access Sites (FAS) are at or above capacity throughout much of the year. Seeing this need for more recreational access, multiple entities have been working together to add the proposed Somers Beach property to the Montana State Park System and ensure future public access.
The site would be suitable for a variety of recreational offerings and amenities, such as trails, hand-launch boat access, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, waterfowl viewing, educational vignettes and more. The exact nature and location of amenities and hours of operation have not yet been determined. Extensive scoping and public comment will determine the future development of the park through a separate assessment. As a result, FWP has not determined whether the site would include an overnight component or provide day-use only. FWP recognizes site management and staffing of the site will be crucial to addressing initial concerns about the proposed park.
A final appraisal is scheduled to occur in Sept. 2020. Funding would be provided by a pending Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and required matches from Parks Earned Revenue or General License Fund monies.
FWP has worked with the Sliter family and Flathead Land Trust to consider the project. The Flathead Land Trust previously solicited public input on the initial acquisition, and several hundred people provided comment. Those letters were presented to the Montana State Parks Board earlier this year to show community support and encourage the Parks Board to move forward with further consideration of the project. The board voted to do so, which initiated the next phase of the project, including the preparation of this draft environmental assessment (EA) and a formal public commenting process.
“For decades, our family has been working towards a vision of formal public access at Somers Beach. This beautiful place on Flathead Lake has been enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations. We couldn’t be more excited about the collaboration with FWP and Montana State Parks on this proposal,” stated Andrew Sliter.
“In order to protect this special place from future private development, conserve the wetlands and bird habitat, and secure much needed new public access on Flathead Lake, a state park offers our best opportunity to do so,” stated Paul Travis, executive director of Flathead Land Trust. “Flathead Land Trust has been committed to working towards a conservation and public access outcome with the Sliter family on this beautiful property for over a decade now, and to see this come one big step towards fruition is extremely gratifying.”
The public comment period for this draft EA will extend for 30 days beginning Aug. 14, 2020. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m., September 12, 2020, and can be mailed to: Somers Beach Acquisition EA; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; 490 N. Meridian Road; Kalispell, MT 59901 or sent by e-mail to: Stevie Burton at Stevie.Burton@mt.gov.
Copies of this EA will be available for public review at FWP Region One headquarters in Kalispell; the Montana State Library in Helena; and on the FWP web site (http://fwp.mt.gov) under Public Notices.
Jeff
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Friday, August 21, 2020
Partnership Improves Sections of Teton Crest Trail - Hikers Should Expect Delays at Hurricane Pass
Earlier this month I posted some information about this project. Yesterday the park provided some more details:
Grand Teton National Park in partnership with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working to improve sections of the Teton Crest Trail. There will be intermittent 30-minute closures on a section of the trail near the summit of Hurricane Pass between August 19-24 and September 3-8. Backpackers planning on hiking the Teton Crest Trail during these dates should expect delays in both directions.
The Teton Crest Trail is a 45-mile long trail through the high country of the Teton Range. Sections of the trail were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dating back to 1934, and despite constant use, much of the trail has remained largely untouched since then.
Hurricane Pass is one of the highest points along the Teton Crest Trail at 10,338 feet/3,151 meters in elevation. Over time, heavy water flow from melting snow has caused severe erosion and exposed bedrock along areas of the trail. The trail damage now poses safety hazards to hikers and has forced the creation of several social trails.
The project will create a new trail bench in its historic location and help restore the integrity of the trail. While much of the Tetons is comprised of granite, the damaged area is mainly limestone, which is softer and erodes faster. By removing portions of the eroded trail, a new solid surface will be created from the existing bedrock.
During construction, loose materials such as rocks and gravel may be moved downhill and cause a safety hazard to hikers below. For safety purposes, the trail will have intermittent closures during construction activities. Closures will allow uninterrupted work to be performed and time to clear the trail of any newly created hazards.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation has committed to help enhance and sustain the park’s spectacular trails. The Foundation’s support enables the National Park Service to assess, plan, and execute specialized trail initiatives. The recent completion of restoration projects at Jenny Lake, including the backcountry trails leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and the current Snake River Gateways project are other successful examples of how the Foundation and the park work in partnership to enhance the visitor experience and protect park resources.
Jeff
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Grand Teton National Park in partnership with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working to improve sections of the Teton Crest Trail. There will be intermittent 30-minute closures on a section of the trail near the summit of Hurricane Pass between August 19-24 and September 3-8. Backpackers planning on hiking the Teton Crest Trail during these dates should expect delays in both directions.
Hurricane Pass is one of the highest points along the Teton Crest Trail at 10,338 feet/3,151 meters in elevation. Over time, heavy water flow from melting snow has caused severe erosion and exposed bedrock along areas of the trail. The trail damage now poses safety hazards to hikers and has forced the creation of several social trails.
The project will create a new trail bench in its historic location and help restore the integrity of the trail. While much of the Tetons is comprised of granite, the damaged area is mainly limestone, which is softer and erodes faster. By removing portions of the eroded trail, a new solid surface will be created from the existing bedrock.
During construction, loose materials such as rocks and gravel may be moved downhill and cause a safety hazard to hikers below. For safety purposes, the trail will have intermittent closures during construction activities. Closures will allow uninterrupted work to be performed and time to clear the trail of any newly created hazards.
The Grand Teton National Park Foundation has committed to help enhance and sustain the park’s spectacular trails. The Foundation’s support enables the National Park Service to assess, plan, and execute specialized trail initiatives. The recent completion of restoration projects at Jenny Lake, including the backcountry trails leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and the current Snake River Gateways project are other successful examples of how the Foundation and the park work in partnership to enhance the visitor experience and protect park resources.
Jeff
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Thursday, August 20, 2020
Grand Teton Announces Work on Portions of Jenny Lake Trail
Here's an FYI for anyone planning to hike along the Jenny Lake Trail in the next few weeks. Grand Teton National Park posted this on their Twitter account earlier today:
Jeff
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(1/3) The Jenny Lakeshore Trail from the String Lake parking area to the Cascade Canyon horse trail will be closed to horse traffic beginning now through mid-September. Park staff will be replacing bridges on portions of the trail.
(2/3) Hikers will be able to access the west side of Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon from the String Lake parking area as reroutes will allow for pedestrian travel through the area.
(3/3) Visitors wishing to access Cascade Canyon on horseback should access the west side of Jenny Lake from the south. The trail around String Lake will remain open for horse travel.
Jeff
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Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Fire Danger Increases to Very High in Grand Teton
Teton Interagency fire managers announce the fire danger rating has been elevated to very high for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Conditions in the area are drying quickly and a fire may start easily, spread quickly and burn intensely. Everyone is asked to practice heightened fire safety at all times.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions allow fires only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas in approved structures along with the Teton and Gros Ventre Wilderness. Please note that fires are prohibited in the Bridger Wilderness and all dispersed campsites under this order.
Campfires in Grand Teton National Park are limited to designated and installed fire rings and/or grills. Campfires are not allowed on the National Elk Refuge.
Teton Interagency Fire personnel have extinguished 179 unattended or abandoned campfires so far this summer. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Where campfires are allowed, it is extremely important that they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. During times of elevated fire danger, a campfire is not encouraged.
Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine fire danger ratings including the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), and the ability of fire to spread after ignition.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple red flag warnings for the area in the past week. These are issued when elevated fire weather conditions are expected, such as hot temperatures and low relative humidity, sustained gusty winds, and lightning. These above average conditions have stressed vegetation in the local area accelerating normal late season drying. They have combined to increase the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area.
Many forest users are out cutting firewood. Firewood cutters are reminded to exercise caution with equipment and fuel and be prepared with a fire extinguisher and shovel on hand.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at www.tetonfires.com 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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The Bridger-Teton National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions allow fires only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas in approved structures along with the Teton and Gros Ventre Wilderness. Please note that fires are prohibited in the Bridger Wilderness and all dispersed campsites under this order.
Teton Interagency Fire personnel have extinguished 179 unattended or abandoned campfires so far this summer. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Where campfires are allowed, it is extremely important that they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. During times of elevated fire danger, a campfire is not encouraged.
Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine fire danger ratings including the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), and the ability of fire to spread after ignition.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple red flag warnings for the area in the past week. These are issued when elevated fire weather conditions are expected, such as hot temperatures and low relative humidity, sustained gusty winds, and lightning. These above average conditions have stressed vegetation in the local area accelerating normal late season drying. They have combined to increase the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area.
Many forest users are out cutting firewood. Firewood cutters are reminded to exercise caution with equipment and fuel and be prepared with a fire extinguisher and shovel on hand.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at www.tetonfires.com 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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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Fire danger moves to VERY HIGH in Flathead County
Today, Flathead area fire managers moved the fire danger rating to very high.
The danger rating is elevated for the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, the DNRC Swan Unit, Stillwater Unit, and Kalispell Unit, and other local state lands. As a whole, Flathead County is also at a very high fire danger.
Fire managers move the fire danger rating to very high when fires start easily from all causes, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. All fires are potentially serious. Direct attack may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Fires require many resources of multiple types and potentially an incident management team.
Very high fire danger means that people should think twice before starting a campfire or working with heavy equipment during the heat of the day. The public should double-check that chains aren’t dragging behind vehicles and pay attention to wind and other local factors that could cause a campfire to escape.
“We’ve responded to multiple escaped campfires in the past two weeks,” said Flathead National Forest Hungry Horse District Fire Management Officer Andy Huntsberger. “Stick close to your barbecues, make sure your campfire is dead out when you leave, and make sure to extinguish cigarettes completely. Give us a hand in the coming weeks as we reach peak fire season.”
Jeff
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The danger rating is elevated for the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, the DNRC Swan Unit, Stillwater Unit, and Kalispell Unit, and other local state lands. As a whole, Flathead County is also at a very high fire danger.
Very high fire danger means that people should think twice before starting a campfire or working with heavy equipment during the heat of the day. The public should double-check that chains aren’t dragging behind vehicles and pay attention to wind and other local factors that could cause a campfire to escape.
“We’ve responded to multiple escaped campfires in the past two weeks,” said Flathead National Forest Hungry Horse District Fire Management Officer Andy Huntsberger. “Stick close to your barbecues, make sure your campfire is dead out when you leave, and make sure to extinguish cigarettes completely. Give us a hand in the coming weeks as we reach peak fire season.”
Jeff
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Monday, August 17, 2020
Hidden Lake Overlook Opened During Limited Hours This Week
Glacier National Park just posted this on their Twitter account:
Jeff
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Beginning this morning, 8-17, through Friday, 8-21, the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook will be open 9 am to 5 pm. It will be closed after 5 pm each day. The trail from the Overlook to Hidden Lake will remain closed. The Reynolds climbing route remains closed.For more information on this hike, please click here.
Jeff
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Sunday, August 16, 2020
Yellowstone implements closures for 2020 fisheries work
From August 17-23, 2020, the following areas of the upper Gibbon River drainage in the central portion of Yellowstone National Park will close for native fisheries restoration work:
* Virginia Cascades Drive
* Wolf Lake Trail to Little Gibbon Falls
Campsites in the area will remain open. However, access to the sites may be impacted. Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details. The closures are necessary for park staff to continue work on a project to eliminate nonnative fish from the upper Gibbon River drainage between Virginia Cascades and Little Gibbon Falls. Closures may lift if the project is completed ahead of schedule.
Biologists will remove nonnative rainbow trout and brook trout using the fish toxin, rotenone. Rotenone is a naturally occurring chemical compound derived from the roots of tropical plants. Below the treatment area, biologists will add potassium permanganate to the water to remove the effects of rotenone and prevent impacts to downstream waters. This is the final treatment to remove nonnative fish from this section of river. The reintroduction of native Arctic grayling and westslope cuttroat trout will continue as needed to restore these native species.
This work continues the park’s efforts to create refuges that support the introduction of westslope cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. The historic stocking of nonnative fish nearly eliminated these species from Yellowstone. In recent years, the park has restored them to the East Fork of Specimen Creek, Goose Lake, and Grayling Creek.
Jeff
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* Virginia Cascades Drive
* Wolf Lake Trail to Little Gibbon Falls
Campsites in the area will remain open. However, access to the sites may be impacted. Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details. The closures are necessary for park staff to continue work on a project to eliminate nonnative fish from the upper Gibbon River drainage between Virginia Cascades and Little Gibbon Falls. Closures may lift if the project is completed ahead of schedule.
Biologists will remove nonnative rainbow trout and brook trout using the fish toxin, rotenone. Rotenone is a naturally occurring chemical compound derived from the roots of tropical plants. Below the treatment area, biologists will add potassium permanganate to the water to remove the effects of rotenone and prevent impacts to downstream waters. This is the final treatment to remove nonnative fish from this section of river. The reintroduction of native Arctic grayling and westslope cuttroat trout will continue as needed to restore these native species.
This work continues the park’s efforts to create refuges that support the introduction of westslope cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. The historic stocking of nonnative fish nearly eliminated these species from Yellowstone. In recent years, the park has restored them to the East Fork of Specimen Creek, Goose Lake, and Grayling Creek.
Jeff
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Friday, August 14, 2020
Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction in Yellowstone National Park closes temporarily due to a major water main break
Update: the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction is now open. National Park Service crews worked through the night to locate and temporarily repair a major water line break that supplies water to all of the Mammoth Hot Springs facilities. The park will plan a permanent fix on the line this fall once visitation and vehicle traffic subsides.
The road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction is temporarily CLOSED due to a major water main break in Mammoth Hot Springs. The water main break is located under the road between the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and the YCC Camp. This water main provides all potable water to the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
Currently, crews are removing asphalt from the road to locate the break. It is unknown how long the temporary road closure will be in place.
Visitors must be aware that at this time there is no access between the north and south parts of the park. See the map for details.
Visitors must detour outside of the park for access between the North/Northeast and South/West/East entrances.
Visitors to Mammoth Hot Springs can still access the Terraces via the North and Northeast entrances only.
For up-to-date information visit go.nps.gov/YellRoads, call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777.
Jeff
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Currently, crews are removing asphalt from the road to locate the break. It is unknown how long the temporary road closure will be in place.
Visitors must be aware that at this time there is no access between the north and south parts of the park. See the map for details.
Visitors must detour outside of the park for access between the North/Northeast and South/West/East entrances.
Visitors to Mammoth Hot Springs can still access the Terraces via the North and Northeast entrances only.
For up-to-date information visit go.nps.gov/YellRoads, call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting "82190" to 888-777.
Jeff
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Grand Teton National Park Seeks Qualified Volunteers to Help Cull Non-Native Mountain Goats
The National Park Service is accepting applications for qualified volunteers to help cull non-native mountain goats as part of Grand Teton National Park’s management plan aimed to conserve a native and vulnerable population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the Teton Range.
The use of qualified volunteers is a tool identified in the National Park Service’s 2019 Mountain Goat Management Plan based on requests from Wyoming Game and Fish Department and in line with guidance in the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.
There is widespread interest among local, state, and national stakeholders in conserving the Teton Range bighorn sheep herd. The National Park Service is working on this project in cooperation with federal and state partners including the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The Teton Range is home to a small herd of native bighorn sheep currently estimated at approximately 100 animals. As one of the smaller and most isolated herds in Wyoming, that has never been extirpated or augmented, it is of high conservation value to the park, adjacent land and wildlife managers, and visitors. The National Park Service has a responsibility to protect native species and reduce the potential for local extinction of a native species within the park.
Mountain goats are not native to Grand Teton National Park. Mountain goats were introduced into the Snake River Range in Idaho and over the years, their population expanded and reached the Teton Range. Mountain goats can carry bacterial diseases that are lethal to bighorn sheep. The Teton Range bighorn sheep population has been relatively isolated and are therefore likely ‘naïve’ to these diseases.
The growth rate of the non-native mountain goat population suggests that complete removal in the future may become unattainable unless immediate action is taken.
The qualified volunteer program will take place September 14- November 13, 2020, weather permitting. There will be eight operational periods and those interested must apply as a team with a minimum of two individuals and maximum of six individuals per team.
In order to safely and successfully participate in this program, volunteers must have a high level of physical fitness as they may need to hike up to 20 miles per day at altitude in extremely rough mountainous terrain under a variety of weather conditions. All volunteers will receive training in bear spray deployment, backcountry tracking, radio protocols, species identification, and potentially, disease sample collection. Applicants must be United States citizens and at least 18 years of age. Volunteers may not have active warrants, past wildlife violations, or violations associated with Grand Teton National Park, and must pass a mandatory firearm proficiency evaluation.
Qualified volunteers interested in participating in the program may learn more and apply online at https://www.nps.gov/grte/getinvolved/mountain-goat-management-volunteer.htm. The park will stop accepting applications once 240 applications have been received. Successful applicants will be randomly selected for each operational period.
Jeff
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The use of qualified volunteers is a tool identified in the National Park Service’s 2019 Mountain Goat Management Plan based on requests from Wyoming Game and Fish Department and in line with guidance in the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.
The Teton Range is home to a small herd of native bighorn sheep currently estimated at approximately 100 animals. As one of the smaller and most isolated herds in Wyoming, that has never been extirpated or augmented, it is of high conservation value to the park, adjacent land and wildlife managers, and visitors. The National Park Service has a responsibility to protect native species and reduce the potential for local extinction of a native species within the park.
Mountain goats are not native to Grand Teton National Park. Mountain goats were introduced into the Snake River Range in Idaho and over the years, their population expanded and reached the Teton Range. Mountain goats can carry bacterial diseases that are lethal to bighorn sheep. The Teton Range bighorn sheep population has been relatively isolated and are therefore likely ‘naïve’ to these diseases.
The growth rate of the non-native mountain goat population suggests that complete removal in the future may become unattainable unless immediate action is taken.
The qualified volunteer program will take place September 14- November 13, 2020, weather permitting. There will be eight operational periods and those interested must apply as a team with a minimum of two individuals and maximum of six individuals per team.
In order to safely and successfully participate in this program, volunteers must have a high level of physical fitness as they may need to hike up to 20 miles per day at altitude in extremely rough mountainous terrain under a variety of weather conditions. All volunteers will receive training in bear spray deployment, backcountry tracking, radio protocols, species identification, and potentially, disease sample collection. Applicants must be United States citizens and at least 18 years of age. Volunteers may not have active warrants, past wildlife violations, or violations associated with Grand Teton National Park, and must pass a mandatory firearm proficiency evaluation.
Qualified volunteers interested in participating in the program may learn more and apply online at https://www.nps.gov/grte/getinvolved/mountain-goat-management-volunteer.htm. The park will stop accepting applications once 240 applications have been received. Successful applicants will be randomly selected for each operational period.
Jeff
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Thursday, August 13, 2020
Grand Teton Reports Increase in Hiking and Camping
Grand Teton National Park hosted an estimated 755,762 recreation visits in July 2020. This is a 3% decrease compared to July 2019. Park statistics show, however, that July 2020 has the fourth highest number of recreation visits on record for the month of July. More data on National Park Service visitor- use statistics is available at https://irma.nps.gov/STATS/.
Visitors to Grand Teton National Park are reminded to plan ahead, pack patience, and recreate responsibly. The park highly encourages visitors to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local and state authorities, by maintaining social distancing guidelines and wearing a face covering when in buildings and high-visitation outside areas.
Most hiking trails in the park have increased daily traffic and all campgrounds in the park are filling earlier each day when comparing this summer to previous years. In general, hiking use in the park has increased approximately 13% and camping in concession-operated campgrounds increased 2% with backcountry camping up 13% in July 2020 compared to July 2019.
Here are some things to expect when visiting Grand Teton this year:
* Be prepared for parking lots to fill up early. Jenny Lake, String Lake, and Colter Bay are popular destinations at the park. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and park in designated areas only. If an area is crowded, please consider an alternate area or activity.
* Campgrounds are filling daily, most before noon. Surrounding USDA Forest Service camping is also filling on a daily basis. Come prepared with a plan for finding a campsite, and alternate plans if camping sites are not available. Camping in the park is only allowed in designated sites.
* A permit is required for all backcountry camping in the park, and some advance planning. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis no more than one day before the start of a trip. Visit https://cms.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm for more information.
* Expect wait times at park entrances, visitor centers, Jenny Lake shuttle boat, high-visitation areas, book stores, etc.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
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Most hiking trails in the park have increased daily traffic and all campgrounds in the park are filling earlier each day when comparing this summer to previous years. In general, hiking use in the park has increased approximately 13% and camping in concession-operated campgrounds increased 2% with backcountry camping up 13% in July 2020 compared to July 2019.
Here are some things to expect when visiting Grand Teton this year:
* Be prepared for parking lots to fill up early. Jenny Lake, String Lake, and Colter Bay are popular destinations at the park. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and park in designated areas only. If an area is crowded, please consider an alternate area or activity.
* Campgrounds are filling daily, most before noon. Surrounding USDA Forest Service camping is also filling on a daily basis. Come prepared with a plan for finding a campsite, and alternate plans if camping sites are not available. Camping in the park is only allowed in designated sites.
* A permit is required for all backcountry camping in the park, and some advance planning. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis no more than one day before the start of a trip. Visit https://cms.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm for more information.
* Expect wait times at park entrances, visitor centers, Jenny Lake shuttle boat, high-visitation areas, book stores, etc.
With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.
Jeff
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Interagency Team Conducting Grizzly Research Trapping
As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will conduct pre-baiting and trapping operations within Grand Teton National Park between August 14 and November 6.
When bear trapping activities are being conducted, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. For bear and human safety, the public must respect these signs and stay out of the posted areas.
Trained professionals with the interagency team will bait and trap grizzly bears in accordance with strict protocols. Once trapped, the bears are sedated to allow wildlife biologists to collar the bears and collect samples and data for scientific study. The bears are then released on site.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team was established in 1973 to collaboratively monitor and research grizzly bears in the ecosystem on an interagency basis. The gathering of critical data on the bears is part of a long-term research effort to help wildlife managers devise and implement programs to support the ongoing conservation of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s grizzly bear population. The team includes representatives from the National Park Service, U. S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Fish and Game Department, and the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts, contact the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
Jeff
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Trained professionals with the interagency team will bait and trap grizzly bears in accordance with strict protocols. Once trapped, the bears are sedated to allow wildlife biologists to collar the bears and collect samples and data for scientific study. The bears are then released on site.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team was established in 1973 to collaboratively monitor and research grizzly bears in the ecosystem on an interagency basis. The gathering of critical data on the bears is part of a long-term research effort to help wildlife managers devise and implement programs to support the ongoing conservation of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s grizzly bear population. The team includes representatives from the National Park Service, U. S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Fish and Game Department, and the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts, contact the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
Jeff
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Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Climber Falls into Ice Crevasse in Grand Teton National Park
Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a “fall into crevasse” notification from a satellite communication device at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Friday, August 7. The message included some GPS coordinates that indicated the incident was near the Teton Glacier. Despite additional attempts to establish two-way communications with the reporting party, no more information was provided.
Two park rangers began hiking to the Teton Glacier at approximately 12:30 a.m. and at 4 a.m. located the injured party and his hiking partner, along with another climbing party of two who were in the area and assisting with the injured climber.
Tyler Willis, age 34 from Evanston, Wyoming, and his climbing partner had successfully summited Mount Owen earlier in the day. They were descending via the Koven Route and crossing the Teton Glacier when Willis fell approximately 30 feet into a narrow ice crevasse. Two other climbers were in the area and used their satellite communication device to call for help and then set anchors and used a rope raising system to extricate Willis from the crevasse.
Willis had been in the crevasse for over an hour before the other party of two came on scene to assist. His condition had significantly deteriorated due to hypothermia and he was unresponsive. After extricating Willis, the three climbers replaced his wet clothing with dry clothing .
When park rangers arrived on scene, they provided medical care and re-warming treatment, including adding additional insulating layers to warm him. Willis’ condition slowly improved over the next few hours.
At approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, Willis was transported via short haul rescue by the Teton Interagency Helicopter to Lupine Meadows and then transported via Air Idaho Rescue to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The three other climbers were transported to Lupine Meadows by helicopter.
Teton Glacier is the largest of eleven glaciers in Grand Teton National Park. It is located below the north face of the Grand Teton and is approximately 50 acres in size. Glaciers are dynamic and always moving. Anyone climbing near glaciers should always be very cautious and expect glacial features including crevasses.
Jeff
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Tyler Willis, age 34 from Evanston, Wyoming, and his climbing partner had successfully summited Mount Owen earlier in the day. They were descending via the Koven Route and crossing the Teton Glacier when Willis fell approximately 30 feet into a narrow ice crevasse. Two other climbers were in the area and used their satellite communication device to call for help and then set anchors and used a rope raising system to extricate Willis from the crevasse.
Willis had been in the crevasse for over an hour before the other party of two came on scene to assist. His condition had significantly deteriorated due to hypothermia and he was unresponsive. After extricating Willis, the three climbers replaced his wet clothing with dry clothing .
When park rangers arrived on scene, they provided medical care and re-warming treatment, including adding additional insulating layers to warm him. Willis’ condition slowly improved over the next few hours.
At approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, Willis was transported via short haul rescue by the Teton Interagency Helicopter to Lupine Meadows and then transported via Air Idaho Rescue to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The three other climbers were transported to Lupine Meadows by helicopter.
Teton Glacier is the largest of eleven glaciers in Grand Teton National Park. It is located below the north face of the Grand Teton and is approximately 50 acres in size. Glaciers are dynamic and always moving. Anyone climbing near glaciers should always be very cautious and expect glacial features including crevasses.
Jeff
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Missing Person Search Effort Begins to Scale Down
No new clues have been found in the search for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident. The search effort will now transition to a limited continuous status, meaning the search and investigation will stay open, but active work in the field will be limited and focused on finding new clues.
Park staff initiated a search for Tragen on July 25 after he did not return to his vehicle parked near Kintla Lake in the North Fork area of the park. Over the past two weeks, search efforts have included ground search teams, canine search teams, aerial observations, and water observations using boats and a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
On August 4, a pair of sunglasses believed to belong to Tragen were found in Kintla Creek. Canine search units were brought in to search the area, with dogs showing interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake. Ground search teams, boats, and a remotely operated underwater vehicle were used to search the area, but no signs of Tragen were found.
“All available clues have been thoroughly investigated and resources depleted in the search for Mr. Tragen,” said Incident Commander Jim Dahlstrom. “We remain hopeful that additional clues come forward so that an active search effort may be renewed.”
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Two Bear Air, National Park Service Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted Glacier National Park with search efforts.
Anyone that may have information regarding Tragen’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.
Jeff
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Park staff initiated a search for Tragen on July 25 after he did not return to his vehicle parked near Kintla Lake in the North Fork area of the park. Over the past two weeks, search efforts have included ground search teams, canine search teams, aerial observations, and water observations using boats and a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
On August 4, a pair of sunglasses believed to belong to Tragen were found in Kintla Creek. Canine search units were brought in to search the area, with dogs showing interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake. Ground search teams, boats, and a remotely operated underwater vehicle were used to search the area, but no signs of Tragen were found.
“All available clues have been thoroughly investigated and resources depleted in the search for Mr. Tragen,” said Incident Commander Jim Dahlstrom. “We remain hopeful that additional clues come forward so that an active search effort may be renewed.”
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Two Bear Air, National Park Service Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted Glacier National Park with search efforts.
Anyone that may have information regarding Tragen’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.
Jeff
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Friday, August 7, 2020
Search Efforts for Missing Person in Glacier Continues
The search for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident, continues this week in Glacier National Park.
On August 4, a pair of sunglasses were found in Kintla Creek in the North Fork area of the park. It is likely the sunglasses may belong to Tragen. Canine search units were brought in to search the area, with dogs showing interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake. No signs of Tragen were found.
Today, park staff in cooperation with Flathead County Search and Rescue continue ground search efforts. A remotely operated underwater vehicle is being used to search the foot of Kintla Lake. No other clues regarding Tragen’s whereabouts have been discovered at this time.
On July 22, Tragen’s vehicle was observed near Kintla Lake in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park. Park rangers initiated a search effort on July 25 after Tragen did not return to his vehicle. Over the past 12 days, search efforts have included ground search teams, canine search teams, aerial observations, and water observations using boats and a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Two Bear Air, National Park Service Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted Glacier National Park with search efforts.
Tragen is still considered a missing person and investigations will continue in hopes of gaining further information regarding his whereabouts. Anyone that may have information regarding Tragen’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.
Jeff
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On August 4, a pair of sunglasses were found in Kintla Creek in the North Fork area of the park. It is likely the sunglasses may belong to Tragen. Canine search units were brought in to search the area, with dogs showing interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake. No signs of Tragen were found.
Today, park staff in cooperation with Flathead County Search and Rescue continue ground search efforts. A remotely operated underwater vehicle is being used to search the foot of Kintla Lake. No other clues regarding Tragen’s whereabouts have been discovered at this time.
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Two Bear Air, National Park Service Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted Glacier National Park with search efforts.
Tragen is still considered a missing person and investigations will continue in hopes of gaining further information regarding his whereabouts. Anyone that may have information regarding Tragen’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.
Jeff
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Fire danger moves to HIGH in Glacier National Park
Last week, Flathead area fire managers moved the fire danger rating to high.
The danger rating is elevated for the Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, the DNRC Swan Unit, Stillwater Unit, and Kalispell Unit, and other local state lands. As a whole, Flathead County is also at a high fire danger.
Fire managers move the fire danger rating to high when a large area is dry enough to ignite easily, has a high potential for fire spread, and would require additional firefighting response.
High fire danger means that fine dead fuels such as cured grass, needles, and small twigs catch fire readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly. Fires may have moderate growth and require multiple fire apparatus or aircraft to respond.
Locally, citizens across the valley have been preparing for fire season.
People driving up the North Fork will see a new fire danger sign thanks to a partnership between the North Fork Community, Firesafe Flathead, Glacier National Park, and the Flathead National Forest Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District. The community began talking about it two years ago. After securing funding and identifying a plan for sign maintenance, it was installed last week by Forest Service fire staff and was paid for by Firesafe Flathead.
Also last week, Flathead National Forest volunteers raked and removed grass encroaching into a trailhead parking area in the Swan Lake District. They noted multiple burn spots where hot engines had burned the grass down to the ground. Parking on tall grass is prohibited. The heat from an engine can spark a wildfire, sometimes leading to costly firefighting efforts.
Over the next few weeks, fire managers will distribute campfire brochures to convenience stores and gas stations to help the traveling public understand how to build and properly maintain a campfire to decrease the chance of wildfire.
Jeff
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The danger rating is elevated for the Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, the DNRC Swan Unit, Stillwater Unit, and Kalispell Unit, and other local state lands. As a whole, Flathead County is also at a high fire danger.
High fire danger means that fine dead fuels such as cured grass, needles, and small twigs catch fire readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly. Fires may have moderate growth and require multiple fire apparatus or aircraft to respond.
Locally, citizens across the valley have been preparing for fire season.
People driving up the North Fork will see a new fire danger sign thanks to a partnership between the North Fork Community, Firesafe Flathead, Glacier National Park, and the Flathead National Forest Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District. The community began talking about it two years ago. After securing funding and identifying a plan for sign maintenance, it was installed last week by Forest Service fire staff and was paid for by Firesafe Flathead.
Also last week, Flathead National Forest volunteers raked and removed grass encroaching into a trailhead parking area in the Swan Lake District. They noted multiple burn spots where hot engines had burned the grass down to the ground. Parking on tall grass is prohibited. The heat from an engine can spark a wildfire, sometimes leading to costly firefighting efforts.
Over the next few weeks, fire managers will distribute campfire brochures to convenience stores and gas stations to help the traveling public understand how to build and properly maintain a campfire to decrease the chance of wildfire.
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
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Thursday, August 6, 2020
Badger-Two Medicine Protection Act Would Protect 127,000 Acres Near Glacier National Park
In the wake of a federal court decision upholding the cancellation of the final oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine, U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana recently took the final step in his years-long push to permanently protect the sacred area by introducing legislation to designate the 127,000 acres in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest as the Badger-Two Medicine Cultural Area.
The Badger-Two Medicine is located at the intersection of the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
“A few weeks ago, the Blackfeet Tribe and the people of Montana won a huge victory for our public lands when the last oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine was remanded to a lower court,” said Tester. “Now it’s time we build on this momentum and continue the fight to safeguard this sacred area, which is why I am introducing legislation that honors the will of the Blackfeet Tribe and of public lands owners across our state by permanently protecting the Badger-Two Medicine for future generations.”
“The Blackfeet Nation has maintained a profound connection to the Badger-Two Medicine since time immemorial,” said Timothy Davis, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. “It is our last cultural refuge, home to many of our origin stories, a stronghold for our ceremonies and traditions, and until it is permanently protected, we cannot rest. This bill ensures the teaching of our Pikuni ancestors will be fulfilled and we can always be connected with the sacred. We are extremely grateful to Senator Tester for his support and leadership in our effort to protect these sacred lands.”
Tester’s Badger-Two Medicine Protection Act designates 127,000 acres in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Glacier and Pondera counties as the Badger-Two Medicine Cultural Heritage Area. This legislation would build upon existing protections by prohibiting commercial timber harvest, excluding vegetation management; making permanent the existing road construction ban; banning the use of motorized vehicles and mountain bikes; and prohibiting new structures including water facilities, pipelines, or buildings of any kind. Maintenance of existing structures, grazing allotments, and current activities would still be permitted.
The designated area includes no private property, and only one active grazing lease, which would be grandfathered in.
In addition to the management restrictions, the legislation also requires the Forest Service to consider new management proposals put forward by the Tribe, to consult with the Tribe on management twice a year, and it gives the Tribe two 30-day veto windows on proposed new uses at the beginning and end of the environmental review process.
“For decades, the spectacular lands of the Badger-Two Medicine have been overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty. Now that cloud is lifting,” said Michael Jamison, Crown of the Continent Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “This legislation is especially powerful, as it not only protects our wild heritage but also gives voice to those who, throughout too much of our history, have not been heard. It’s time to permanently protect the Badger-Two Medicine’s wildlands and wildlife, and to honor forever the Blackfeet Nation’s last cultural refuge.”
The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service granted 47 oil and gas leases in the sacred Badger-Two Medicine area in 1982 without consulting with the Blackfeet Tribe. The final lease is still pending in the courts, with a strong rebuke and remand to the District Court last month.
Tester has long supported protecting the Badger-Two Medicine, and has repeatedly called on the Department of the Interior to cancel the remaining leases in the area, citing the area's importance to the Blackfeet Tribe and Montana's sportsmen and women.
Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
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The Badger-Two Medicine is located at the intersection of the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
“The Blackfeet Nation has maintained a profound connection to the Badger-Two Medicine since time immemorial,” said Timothy Davis, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. “It is our last cultural refuge, home to many of our origin stories, a stronghold for our ceremonies and traditions, and until it is permanently protected, we cannot rest. This bill ensures the teaching of our Pikuni ancestors will be fulfilled and we can always be connected with the sacred. We are extremely grateful to Senator Tester for his support and leadership in our effort to protect these sacred lands.”
Tester’s Badger-Two Medicine Protection Act designates 127,000 acres in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Glacier and Pondera counties as the Badger-Two Medicine Cultural Heritage Area. This legislation would build upon existing protections by prohibiting commercial timber harvest, excluding vegetation management; making permanent the existing road construction ban; banning the use of motorized vehicles and mountain bikes; and prohibiting new structures including water facilities, pipelines, or buildings of any kind. Maintenance of existing structures, grazing allotments, and current activities would still be permitted.
The designated area includes no private property, and only one active grazing lease, which would be grandfathered in.
In addition to the management restrictions, the legislation also requires the Forest Service to consider new management proposals put forward by the Tribe, to consult with the Tribe on management twice a year, and it gives the Tribe two 30-day veto windows on proposed new uses at the beginning and end of the environmental review process.
“For decades, the spectacular lands of the Badger-Two Medicine have been overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty. Now that cloud is lifting,” said Michael Jamison, Crown of the Continent Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “This legislation is especially powerful, as it not only protects our wild heritage but also gives voice to those who, throughout too much of our history, have not been heard. It’s time to permanently protect the Badger-Two Medicine’s wildlands and wildlife, and to honor forever the Blackfeet Nation’s last cultural refuge.”
The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service granted 47 oil and gas leases in the sacred Badger-Two Medicine area in 1982 without consulting with the Blackfeet Tribe. The final lease is still pending in the courts, with a strong rebuke and remand to the District Court last month.
Tester has long supported protecting the Badger-Two Medicine, and has repeatedly called on the Department of the Interior to cancel the remaining leases in the area, citing the area's importance to the Blackfeet Tribe and Montana's sportsmen and women.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
"Great American Outdoors Day" To Become Annual Free Entrance Day
In celebration of President Trump signing the Great American Outdoors Act, Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced free entrance to national parks and public lands for August 5, 2020, and he designated August 4th as the “Great American Outdoors Day.” In future years, every August 4 will be a free entrance day to celebrate the signing of this landmark legislation, joining the other scheduled entrance fee-free days which commemorate or celebrate significant dates. The Great American Outdoors Act will enable national parks and other federal lands to repair and upgrade vital infrastructure and facilities that will enrich the visitor experience, protect resources, and enable increased access for all visitors.
“President Trump has just enacted the most consequential dedicated funding for national parks, wildlife refuges, public recreation facilities and American Indian school infrastructure in U.S. history,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “I’ve designated August 4th as Great American Outdoors Day and waived entrance fees to celebrate the passage of this historic conservation law.”
The Great American Outdoors Act combines two major conservation initiatives into one legislative package. It establishes the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (Restoration Fund) and guarantees permanent full funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Funding of this magnitude will reduce the maintenance backlog, protect critical resources, increase recreational offerings, and focus on long-term sustainable operations for the next century.
The investment will pay dividends. Public lands are an important contributor to a strong and growing outdoor recreation economy that benefits states and local communities. National parks have been experiencing record-breaking attendance in recent years, including hosting 328 million visitors in 2019. National park visitor spending supports nearly 330,000 jobs and contributes more than $40 billion annually to the national economy, including more than $20 billion in communities surrounding parks.
There are 109 national parks that charge entrance fees ranging from $5 to $35. The other 310 national parks do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.
Jeff
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RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The Great American Outdoors Act combines two major conservation initiatives into one legislative package. It establishes the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (Restoration Fund) and guarantees permanent full funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Funding of this magnitude will reduce the maintenance backlog, protect critical resources, increase recreational offerings, and focus on long-term sustainable operations for the next century.
The investment will pay dividends. Public lands are an important contributor to a strong and growing outdoor recreation economy that benefits states and local communities. National parks have been experiencing record-breaking attendance in recent years, including hosting 328 million visitors in 2019. National park visitor spending supports nearly 330,000 jobs and contributes more than $40 billion annually to the national economy, including more than $20 billion in communities surrounding parks.
There are 109 national parks that charge entrance fees ranging from $5 to $35. The other 310 national parks do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Great American Outdoors Act Signed Into Law Today
America’s public lands received its greatest boost in decades this morning when President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law. This historic Act will provide billions of dollars for public lands projects ranging from landscape preservation to infrastructure improvements.
The Act is the single largest investment in America’s national parks and public lands in history, and marks the most significant conservation accomplishment since the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
“This is a great day for our national parks, forests and public lands, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy sends its thanks for the overwhelming support the Great American Outdoors Act received from Congress, the President and outdoor enthusiasts around the nation,” said Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). “The Act will help ensure irreplaceable national treasures like the Appalachian Trail are protected and have the funding they need to enhance safety and accessibility for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.”
The Great American Outdoors Act provides full, permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and creates a Restoration Fund to address the deferred maintenance needs of federal public lands. Funding LWCF at its fully authorized level — $900 million a year — will double what was available in 2019 for states, municipalities and the federal government to conserve land for recreation and wildlife habitats. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as we know it would not exist without the support of the LWCF, which has helped protect such varied locations as Blood Mountain in Georgia, the Roan Highlands of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania and community forests throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
The Restoration Fund will make available $9.5 billion over five years, with $6 billion slated for National Park System units, about $1.4 billion slated for National Forest System units, and $475 million for National Wildlife Refuges. Across all its public lands, the United States has a deferred maintenance backlog of $20 billion. According to the President more than 5,500 miles of road, 17,000 miles of trails, and 24,000 buildings are in critical need of repair. Its estimated that the Great American Outdoors Act will create over 100,000 additional infrastructure-related jobs.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
The Act is the single largest investment in America’s national parks and public lands in history, and marks the most significant conservation accomplishment since the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
The Great American Outdoors Act provides full, permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and creates a Restoration Fund to address the deferred maintenance needs of federal public lands. Funding LWCF at its fully authorized level — $900 million a year — will double what was available in 2019 for states, municipalities and the federal government to conserve land for recreation and wildlife habitats. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as we know it would not exist without the support of the LWCF, which has helped protect such varied locations as Blood Mountain in Georgia, the Roan Highlands of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania and community forests throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
The Restoration Fund will make available $9.5 billion over five years, with $6 billion slated for National Park System units, about $1.4 billion slated for National Forest System units, and $475 million for National Wildlife Refuges. Across all its public lands, the United States has a deferred maintenance backlog of $20 billion. According to the President more than 5,500 miles of road, 17,000 miles of trails, and 24,000 buildings are in critical need of repair. Its estimated that the Great American Outdoors Act will create over 100,000 additional infrastructure-related jobs.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Monday, August 3, 2020
Grand Teton National Park Foundation Announces Major Trail Restoration Work in Hurricane Pass Area
The Teton Crest Trail is a 45-mile long distance trail that travels across the high country of Grand Teton National Park, as well as portions of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Hurricane Pass is located between Alaska Basin and the south fork of Cascade Canyon.
The GTNP Foundation also announced that restoration work will take place at other areas along the Teton Crest Trail, including Paintbrush Divide and Static Peak Divide.
For more information on the project, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park