Yellowstone National Park to reopen north loop on July 2

Yellowstone National Park will reopen the north loop on Saturday, July 2, to all visitors. In addition to roads in the south loop, visitors will now be able to access:

* Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs

* Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt

* Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass)

Visitors can access the south and north loops via the East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming), West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana), and South Entrance (Grand Teton/Jackson, Wyoming).

“We're pleased to reopen the north loop of Yellowstone to the visiting public less than three weeks after this major flood event," said Superintendent Cam Sholly. "We have attempted to balance major recovery efforts while reopening as much of the park as possible. We have greatly appreciated the tremendous support of the Department of the Interior; National Park Service; Federal Highway Administration; and our congressional, community, county and state partners."

North loop

Federal Highway Administration engineers have completed final bridge and road safety inspections. Temporary repairs to the wastewater systems have been evaluated and will accommodate day use on the north loop.

The park cautions the public that high water remains in many waterways and to be aware of backcountry closures in the north loop due to hazardous conditions or damaged trails and bridges. Visit Yellowstone’s Backcountry Situation Report for details.

Services in the north loop will include general stores at Tower and Mammoth Hot Springs, and gasoline in both locations. Additional services may open in upcoming weeks. .

North and Northeast entrances

The North Entrance Road (Gardiner, Montana to Mammoth Hot Springs) and Northeast Entrance Road (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana to Tower-Roosevelt) remain closed to visitor vehicular traffic while temporary repairs are completed. Visitors may access the park on foot through these entrances in order to recreate (fish and hike) in areas not identified as closed. The park will evaluate authorizing bicycle use through these entrances up to damaged road sections in the near future.

Park staff are working with commercial guides and outfitters in Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate to further expand park access where possible. Yellowstone has reopened a 23-mile segment of the Beartooth Highway (from US-212/WY-296) junction to the ski hill parking lot), providing visitors access to this world-class scenic roadway.

Reconnecting the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remains Yellowstone's highest flood recovery priority. These communities are open with access to the park as described above.

Alternating License Plate System suspended

Yellowstone implemented the Alternating License Plate System (ALPS) upon reopening the south loop June 22, 2022, to ensure visitor traffic did not overwhelm the south loop. The interim system worked very effectively at moderating traffic within the park, however, with the opening of the north loop and 93% of the road system open, ALPS will be suspended effective July 2. Visitor entrances from East, West, and South will return to normal entrance procedures. Park staff will continue monitoring visitor use data, traffic counts, and the condition of infrastructure over the upcoming months to ensure visitor usage is not overwhelming capacity. The ALPS may be reinstituted if this becomes the case.

More info here.       



Jeff
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Man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park

A 34-year-old male from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was gored by a bull bison near Giant Geyser at Old Faithful on June 27. The male was walking with his family on a boardwalk when a bull bison charged the group. Family members did not leave the area, and the bull bison continued to charge and gored the male.

The male sustained an injury to his arm and was transported by ambulance to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. This incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes - and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in proximity.

This is the second reported incident in 2022 of a visitor getting too close to the animal and the bison responding to the perceived threat by goring the individual.

Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans.



Jeff
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Going-to-the-Sun Road will open through Logan Pass "no earlier than" July 13

Glacier National Park just published this blurb on their social media account concerning the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass:

Going-to-the-Sun Road will open through Logan Pass "no earlier than" July 13, 2022. This date is not a prediction of when the road will open - it is to help with trip planning purposes. Visitors may access Going-to-the-Sun Road via the St. Mary entrance on the east side without a vehicle reservation until the road is open to Logan Pass.

The park's free shuttle will accommodate the late opening:

On the west side: Starting July 1, shuttles will run from 7am-7pm daily, offering all stops between Apgar and Avalanche Campground. A shuttle with a bike trailer will also be running.

On the east side: starting July 1, the shuttles will run from 8 am-7 pm for all stops between St. Mary and Sun Point. A shuttle with a bike trailer will also be running.

For more information, click here.

Jeff
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Beartooth Highway (US-212) partially reopened with nighttime closures

After repairing damage caused by the recent record-breaking flood event, the Beartooth Highway (US-212), located east of the park’s Northeast Entrance between Red Lodge, Montana, and Cooke City, Montana, partially reopened yesterday, June 28.

This partial reopening includes 23 miles of the Beartooth Highway beginning at the US-212/WY-296 junction to the Beartooth Ski Hill parking lot. Travelers will need to turn around at the ski hill parking lot due to flood damage on the remainder of the highway.

The towns of Cooke City, Montana, and Silver Gate, Montana, remain open for visitor travel.

Temporary road closures due to winter weather can occur any time on the highway given its high elevation. Stay informed about local weather conditions. Plan ahead. Nighttime closures will resume within this partially reopened roadway at the Pilot Index Overlook east to Beartooth Lake Campground.

* Closures will be in effect from 7.p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be no closures Friday through Sunday.

* This is a hard closure and traffic will not be allowed to pass through during these times.

* Closures will be in effect through mid-October and are necessary to allow for ongoing highway construction.

Check the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation websites for road updates and status throughout the summer.



Jeff
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Avalanche Lake Trail is closed due to damage from flooding

Glacier National Park recently published this blurb on their social media account:

Though not as extensive as our neighbors at Yellowstone NP, Glacier is also experiencing impacts from recent flooding. Many hiking trails are still wet and muddy from the rain and high water. Avalanche Lake Trail is closed due to damage from flooding, and trail crews are working to reopen the trail. Here’s what you can do to help:

Wear appropriate footwear – Be prepared to hike through water and mud to prevent trail widening and consider waterproof hiking boots if you don’t want to get your feet wet.

Respect trail closures - They are there to protect you and the resources. Failure to respect closures can result in ranger citations.

Have a back-up plan if you experience a trail closure – Glacier has hundreds of miles of trails to explore, and each one will show you something special. Try one of the less-traveled trails!

Jeff
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Going-to-the-Sun Road Still Not Open

Some bad news for those wishing to travel up to Logan Pass, or along the entire stretch of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the near future. The park recently published this blurb on their social media account:

After evaluating Going to the Sun Road this week, park officials have determined the road will not fully open by the 4th of July holiday.

Unprecedented winter snows and late spring snow storms slowed plowing progress on Going to the Sun Road this spring. Park officials are working to determine a new "no sooner than date" to help visitors plan. Until the full length of Going to the Sun Road is plowed and open to traffic, the west side vehicle closure will remain at Avalanche Creek and the east side at Jackson Glacier Overlook. Plow crew progress updates are available on the park's website.

Jeff
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“Weed Warriors” Needed to Target Invasive Species in Glacier

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) and Glacier National Park invite volunteers for a day of hands-on learning during the Annual Noxious Weed Blitz on July 19, 2022. The event will take place from 10 am to 3 pm in West Glacier.

Participants will join restoration and integrated pest management biologist Dawn LaFleur to learn about the ecological impacts of noxious weeds and how to identify and remove five targeted invasive plant species. “Bring your muscles, gloves, appropriate footwear, and drinking water,” LaFleur said.

The event is free and open to the public. To register, RSVP by July 14, 2022, by emailing glac_citizen_science@nps.gov or by calling (406) 888-7986.

A complimentary lunch will be provided by the Glacier National Park Conservancy to this year’s “Weed Warriors.”

Once registered, participants will receive specific details about meeting location and parking.

Visit the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center events webpage for more information about other learning opportunities offered to the public this summer.



Jeff
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National Park Service announces $50 million in emergency funding; expedited plans to reopen 80% of Yellowstone

During a visit to Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, Montana, on Sunday, June 19, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams with Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly announced $50 million to kick-start recovery efforts from record breaking floods.

They also announced that in addition to the park’s southern loop reopening on June 22, the park’s northern loop is expected to reopen in two weeks or less following completion of clean-up, repairs and final inspection of the northern loop infrastructure. This will allow visitors to access Dunraven Pass, Tower, Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris opening visitor access to approximately 80 percent of Yellowstone National Park. Additional details on access will be announced in the coming weeks.

The initial $50 million will be used to restore temporary access to Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana and other additional sites. Plans are being finalized for improving the Old Gardiner Road for temporary access between Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana. In partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, road construction crews and materials that were already in the park for a previously scheduled road project to repair 22 miles of the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Geyser Basin will be diverted to the Old Gardiner Road project.

The NPS currently anticipates the Old Gardiner Road will be substantially improved over the upcoming months, ensuring that essential emergency services, food, supplies and other administrative needs will be available throughout the winter months. As work proceeds through the summer, the NPS will look for opportunities to restore limited visitor access at the park’s North Entrance. Emergency environmental and historic preservation compliance is underway in accordance with the National Historic Preservation and Environmental Policy Acts. Permanent reconstruction options are being developed and alternatives will be completed in the upcoming months.

In addition to plans to reopen Yellowstone’s northern loop much sooner than initially anticipated, the NPS is working with the Federal Highway Administration on a range of temporary and permanent options to restore access to Silver Gate and Cooke City at the park’s northeast entrance. Currently, the Northeast Entrance Road is impassible between Lamar Valley and Silver Gate. Cost, funding and timelines are not yet available for these short or long-term repairs to the Northeast Entrance Road but will be released as soon as possible.

Announced on June 18, Yellowstone will restore access to the southern loop of the park at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, via the East (Cody), West (West Yellowstone), and South (Grand Teton/Jackson) entrances. Accessible areas include Madison, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, Canyon Village and Norris. To balance the demand for visitor access, park resource protection and economic interests of the communities, the park will institute an interim visitor access plan based on license plate numbers. To learn more about the alternate license plate entry system, visit Yellowstone’s flood recovery webpage.



Jeff
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Yellowstone National Park’s south loop will reopen to the public on June 22

At 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, Yellowstone National Park will begin allowing visitors to access the south loop of the park. The south loop is accessed from the East (Cody), West (West Yellowstone), and South (Grand Teton/Jackson) entrances. Accessible areas include Madison, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, Canyon Village and Norris. As part of reopening planning, park staff have engaged over 1,000 business owners, park partners, commercial operators and residents in surrounding gateway communities to determine how to manage summer visitation while the north loop remains closed due to flood damage.

To balance the demand for visitor access, park resource protection and economic interests of the communities, the park will institute an interim visitor access plan. The interim plan, referred to as the Alternating License Plate System (ALPS), was suggested as a solution by gateway communities during major public engagement with the park this past week. Park managers and partners have agreed this system is the best interim solution to ensuring the south loop does not become overwhelmed by visitors. The National Park Service will actively monitor the license plate system and is concurrently building a new reservation system that will be ready for implementation if needed.

Alternating License Plate System (ALPS)

* Public vehicle entry will be allowed based on whether the last numerical digit on a license plate is odd or even.

* Entrance will be granted based on odd/even days on the calendar.

* Odd-numbered last digits on license plates can enter on odd days of the month.

* Even-numbered last digits (including zero) on license plates can enter on even days of the month.

* Personalized plates (all letters, for example "YLWSTNE") will fall into the “odd” category for entrance purposes.

* Plates with a mix of letters and numbers but that end with a letter (for example "YELL4EVR") will still use the last numerical digit on the plate to determine entrance days.

* Entrance station staff will turn away vehicles attempting to enter the park when the odd/even numerical digits do not correspond to the odd/even calendar date for entrance.

Exceptions

* Current commercial use operators with active commercial use permits will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number. This includes commercial tours and stock groups.

* Visitors with proof of overnight reservations in the park will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number. This includes hotels, campgrounds, and backcountry reservations.

* Commercial motorcoaches will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number.

* Motorcycle groups may enter on even dates only.

* Essential services like mail and deliver, employees and contractors may enter regardless of license plate number.

The interim license plate system will ensure that visitors have access to the park during this period of high demand. Park managers and staff will monitor the license plate system and impacts on resources, infrastructure, operations, and staffing, and may adjust or implement a reservation or timed entry system, if necessary, after three to four weeks.

OPEN in the south loop as of June 22

* Backcountry areas accessible from roads open to the public will be available/restricted for day use only.

* Overnight use from trailheads in the south will open July 1. Visit Camp in Backcountry for details.

* Old Faithful, West Thumb, Grant Village, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Lake Village and Norris visitor services

* West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center

* Canyon Village Visitor Education Center

CLOSED until further notice in the south loop

* Canyon Village Lodges and Cabins

* Canyon, Madison, Norris and Lewis Lake campgrounds

* Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trailside Museum



Jeff
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Update on historic flooding situation in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone continues major flood recovery efforts in the north while repairing damage and preparing for reopening in the south.

All five park entrances remain closed temporarily, however, West, South, and East entrances are targeted for reopening as early as next week. Water levels remain high but have gone down substantially over the past 24 hours. Weather patterns and potential for additional flooding events are being monitored with the assistance of NOAA and USGS personnel.

The National Park Service (NPS) has engaged over 1,000 partners in surrounding gateway communities, counties and states in the past 96 hours to brief on flood damage impacts and collaborate on reopening strategies. Teams are in the park assessing damage and assisting with short and long-term recovery planning.

The NPS is analyzing the carrying capacity of the south loop and working closely with partners to develop appropriate visitor management actions to safely accommodate visitors within that portion of the park. The NPS is also working to determine what other potential sections of the park may be reopened for the season. Decisions will depend on extent of damage and the ability of the NPS to safely open additional sections as the year progresses.

Although access to Yellowstone National Park will be less than normal until further notice, there are still incredible opportunities for recreation, wildlife viewing, and great experiences in the park’s gateway communities (Gardiner, Montana; Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana; West Yellowstone, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; and Jackson, Wyoming), as well as surrounding areas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, such as Grand Teton National Park. You can view a list of nearby cities, parks, public lands, and museums to help plan your visit.

Visitors who have trips planned should continue to check the Yellowstone website, local chambers of commerce, and social media for updates to get the most up-to-date information. Because initial damage assessments are ongoing, the NPS does not yet have an estimate on when Yellowstone will fully reopen nor are preliminary costs for repairs and recovery available.

To date, there have been no public or employee injuries reported due to the flood.



Jeff
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Moose-Wilson Road construction delayed

Construction of the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park is delayed due to supply chain, staffing shortages and an overwhelmed construction industry locally. The southern portion of the road will open to vehicle traffic Thursday, June 16 at 7 a.m., and will remain open until Monday, July 11 at 7 a.m., when construction is anticipated to resume. Up to 30-minute delays are expected the week of July 5 while equipment is mobilized into the area.

When the Moose-Wilson Road opens:

* Parking along the southern portion of the road is prohibited. This includes parking at trailheads as well as horse trailer parking along the road.

* The Granite Canyon Trailhead will remain closed to all access. Winter access will be available from December 2022 to March 2023. Access to the Granite Canyon trail system, including the Valley Trail, is available from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Grand Teton is working in partnership with the Resort and Teton Village Association.

When construction of the Moose-Wilson Road resumes:

* From July 11 to Labor Day, the southern portion of the Moose-Wilson Road from Granite Canyon Entrance to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve will be closed, except on weekends (7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday) and federal holidays. Parking along the road is prohibited. The southern portion of the road will be closed entirely after Labor Day.

* The northern section of the road will remain accessible. Access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Death Canyon Trailhead will be available from the north, from Moose, Wyoming, during construction.

Work on the Moose-Wilson Road this spring has included salvaging plants, grading the road, staging materials, and most recently, flying materials over the road to the Phelps Lake outlet bridge.

Grand Teton National Park reminds visitors to plan ahead especially during the busy summer months. To check the status of the Moose-Wilson Road, visit Grand Teton’s Live Road Status Map at go.nps.gov/tetonroads or call 307-739-3682.

The park will continue to use Twitter to communicate Moose-Wilson Road weekend openings and closings with the public when construction resumes. Follow Grand Teton on Twitter @GrandTetonNPS.

Park staff will evaluate construction impacts for 2023 and share more with the public in the fall. For more information about the project, visit the park website at go.nps.gov/moosewilson.



Jeff
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Bicyclist Rescued in Glacier National Park

Yesterday afternoon at approximately 12:36 pm, Glacier National Park dispatch was notified that a 25-year-old male bicyclist had activated his GPS tracking device to signal for help in the North Fork area of the park. Alex Minge of Riverton, WY was participating in the Tour Divide 2022 bikepacking race that spans from Canada to New Mexico when he wrecked his bicycle, lost his way trying to get back and encountered flood waters in the Kishenehn Drainage.

Park rangers began an immediate search and swept the North Fork Road as far as possible but were unable to reach the suspected location of the tracking device due to flood conditions. A Minuteman Aviation helicopter from Missoula, MT picked up park rangers near park headquarters in West Glacier and flew to the Kishenehn Drainage where rangers found and rescued the injured bicyclist who was transported by Three Rivers Ambulance to the hospital.

Park dispatch received notification from the GPS monitoring company via Flathead County dispatch. The search and rescue was an international effort with several agencies involved including US Border Patrol, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Fernie Search and Rescue out of British Columbia.



Jeff
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Aerial Assessments Confirm Severe Flood Damage In Yellowstone

The northern portion of Yellowstone National Park is likely to remain closed for a substantial length of time due to severely damaged, impacted infrastructure. Visitors planning to travel to the park in coming weeks must stay informed about current situation, road and weather conditions.

Aerial assessments conducted on Monday, June 13, by Yellowstone National Park show major damage to multiple sections of road between the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley and Cooke City, Montana, near the Northeast Entrance. Many sections of road in these areas are completely gone and will require substantial time and effort to reconstruct. The National Park Service will make every effort to repair these roads as soon as possible; however, it is probable that road sections in northern Yellowstone will not reopen this season due to the time required for repairs.

To prevent visitors from being stranded in the park if conditions worsen, the park in coordination with Yellowstone National Park Lodges made the decision to have all visitors move out of overnight accommodations (lodging and campgrounds) and exit the park.

All entrances to Yellowstone National Park remain temporarily CLOSED while the park waits for flood waters to recede and can conduct evaluations on roads, bridges and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure visitor and employee safety. There will be no inbound visitor traffic at any of the five entrances into the park, including visitors with lodging and camping reservations, until conditions improve and park infrastructure is evaluated.

The park’s southern loop appears to be less impacted than the northern roads and teams will assess damage to determine when opening of the southern loop is feasible. This closure will extend minimally through next weekend (June 19).

Due to the northern loop being unavailable for visitors, the park is analyzing how many visitors can safely visit the southern loop once it’s safe to reopen. This will likely mean implementation of some type of temporary reservation system to prevent gridlock and reduce impacts on park infrastructure. At this time, there are no known injuries nor deaths to have occurred in the park as a result of the unprecedented flooding.

Effective immediately, Yellowstone’s backcountry is temporarily closed while crews assist campers (five known groups in the northern range) and assess damage to backcountry campsites, trails and bridges.

The National Park Service, surrounding counties and states of Montana and Wyoming are working with the park’s gateway communities to evaluate flooding impacts and provide immediate support to residents and visitors. Water levels are expected to recede today in the afternoon; however, additional flood events are possible through this weekend.

Known damage (at this time) to some park roads includes:

* North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to Mammoth Hot Springs: road washed out in multiple places, significant rockslide at Gardner Canyon

* Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance: segment of road washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area, mudslides, downed trees

* Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass): mudslide on road

* Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge: Segment of road just south of Canyon Junction potentially compromised and closed for evaluation

* The power continues to be out in multiple locations in the park.

* Water and wastewater systems at Canyon Village and Mammoth Hot Springs are being impacted by flooding conditions and are being monitored.

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:

* Visit Park Roads.

* To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

* Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.



Jeff
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Yellowstone Flooding Update

The following is a statement from superintendent Cam Sholly about the flooding situation in Yellowstone:

“Due to record flooding events in the park and more precipitation in the forecast, we have made the decision to close Yellowstone to all inbound visitation," said superintendent Cam Sholly. "Our first priority has been to evacuate the northern section of the park where we have multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides and other issues. The community of Gardiner is currently isolated, and we are working with the county and State of Montana to provide necessary support to residents, who are currently without water and power in some areas. Due to predictions of higher flood levels in areas of the park’s southern loop, in addition to concerns with water and wastewater systems, we will begin to move visitors in the southern loop out of the park later today in coordination with our in-park business partners. We will not know timing of the park’s reopening until flood waters subside and we're able to assess the damage throughout the park. It is likely that the northern loop will be closed for a substantial amount of time. I appreciate the efforts of the Yellowstone team and partners to safely evacuate areas of the park and of our gateway community partners who are helping us through this major event. We appreciate the support offered by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service and the Montana and Wyoming governors."

The park also relased this video earlier today:





Jeff
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All entrances to Yellowstone National Park CLOSED temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, extremely hazardous conditions

Effective immediately, all entrances to Yellowstone National Park are temporarily CLOSED due to substantial flooding, rockslides and mudslides on roadways from recent unprecedented amounts of rainfall and flooding.

Effective immediately, no inbound visitor traffic will be allowed into the park until conditions stabilize and the park can assess damage to roads and bridges and other facilities. This includes visitors with lodging and camping reservations.

Closed entrances include: North, Northeast, West, South, East

The power is out in multiple locations in the park.

Visitors planning on coming to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should pay close attention to the status of road conditions. Many park roads may remain closed for an extended period of time. Preliminary assessments show multiple sections of roads throughout the park have been either washed out or covered in mud or rocks, and multiple bridges may be affected. Multiple roads in the southern portion of the park are also on the verge of being flooded, further restricting access.

With additional rainfall forecasted, the park does not want large numbers of day-use visitors stranded in the park.

Strains on wastewater and water treatment facilities could become a factor and the park is taking precautions to ensure facilities are not failing.

The National Park Service, surrounding counties and state of Montana and Wyoming will work with the gateway communities to evaluate flooding impacts and provide support to residents.

Rainfall is expected to continue for the next several days. Flood levels measured on the Yellowstone River are beyond record levels. Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:

* Visit Park Roads.

* To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

* Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.



Jeff
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False information in search for missing hiker results in restitution and five-year ban from Grand Teton National Park

Heather Mycoskie, 40, previously of Jackson, WY, knowingly provided false information and a false report in the search for missing hiker Cian McLaughlin. Per a deferred prosecution agreement, Mycoskie is banned from Grand Teton National Park for a period of five years and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,600 to the Department of Treasury.

An investigation revealed that on June 21, 2021, Heather Mycoskie provided false information to investigators about seeing an individual matching the description of missing hiker Cian McLaughlin. Mycoskie reported she had seen McLaughlin in the late afternoon/early evening of Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the day of McLaughlin’s disappearance. Mycoskie told investigators the missing man was hiking on the south side of the Bradley-Taggart moraine in Grand Teton National Park, and he was headed south towards Taggart Lake where he planned to jump off his favorite rock into the water.

Mycoskie provided a very detailed description of McLaughlin and stated she had a discussion with him in which he shared where he lived, where he was from, and his place of employment. The subsequent investigation revealed Mycoskie never saw anyone matching McLaughlin’s description on June 8, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park. Additionally, witnesses reported Mycoskie fabricated the sighting to ensure search efforts continued. All other potential sightings of McLaughlin were on the trail system that leads towards Garnet Canyon, Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, and Delta Lake. In September 2021, computer forensics revealed that McLaughlin had conducted several internet searches focused on Delta Lake just prior to his hike.

As a direct result of Mycoskie’s false report, approximately 532 hours were spent conducting searches, managing search efforts, conducting follow up investigations, and completing associated reports. This wasted valuable time that could have been focused on searching areas of higher probability and it cost the Federal Government approximately $17,600. The deferred prosecution agreement was signed on February 10, 2022.

June 8 marks one year since Cian McLaughlin went missing. Search efforts will continue during the summer of 2022. Backcountry users in Grand Teton National Park are encouraged to contact the Tip Line (888-653-0009) if they locate any of the items that McLaughlin was suspected to have had with him at the time of his disappearance which include a red Apple watch, a red iPhone 12 mini, gold wire rimmed sunglasses, a silver U shaped pendant, and a white t-shirt.



Jeff
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Columbia Falls Man Falls on Mt. Brown

At approximately 3 pm on Tuesday, June 7, Glacier National Park dispatch received a missing person notification from a concerned friend who lost contact with his climbing partner, 19-year-old Winslow Nichols of Columbia Falls, MT. The two men planned to hike and climb Mt. Brown together and became separated.

Park rangers launched a search and located a vehicle at Lake McDonald Lodge matching the description provided by the climbing partner. Glacier National Park ground crews searched the nearby area, and Two Bear Air performed an air search. Around 7 pm the same day, Two Bear Air found Nichols deceased on Mt. Brown and recovered his body.

The exact circumstances leading to Nichols’ death are unknown, however rangers suspect he fell while climbing. No foul play is suspected. The death remains under investigation by Glacier National Park law enforcement rangers.

Mt. Brown is approximately 8,500 ft in elevation with spring conditions at the top with mixed snow and rocks.

The park thanks the Flathead County Dispatch for their professional and prompt transfer of the incident and Two Bear Air for their quick recovery efforts.

Park staff would like to express their deepest condolences to the family and ask that the public respect the family’s privacy.



Jeff
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Grizzly Bear Euthanized In The North Fork After Frequenting Residential Properties

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialists euthanized a grizzly bear that frequented near homes and was habituated to people in the North Fork area of the Flathead River.

FWP specialists recently received reports from landowners of the bear appearing in yards around people. The bear was captured May 26. Its teeth were in extremely poor condition and the adult male was estimated to be approximately 22 years old.

The decision was made to euthanize the bear May 27 in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee guidelines.

“This bear had grown comfortable around people, which is unnatural and unsafe for people and wildlife,” said Justine Vallieres, FWP grizzly bear management specialist. “The bear’s health condition was also poor due to its teeth and age. All of these factors created an increasing likelihood for potential conflict in an area where people live.”

If you see a bear near your residence or need to report a conflict, please call your local bear specialist at the contact number found at FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact



Jeff
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Temporary closures scheduled for trails around Phelps Lake

A temporary area closure will be in effect for trails around Phelps Lake on June 14 and 15. The temporary closure is necessary to ensure public safety during construction activities involving helicopter transport of heavy materials from a staging area near the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to the Phelps Lake outlet bridge on the east side of Phelps Lake. Closures will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the provided dates.

For safety during the staging and hauling of construction materials, trails around Phelps Lake will be temporarily closed to all users during aviation operations. Death Canyon parking and trail will remain open during this time.

Staff will be located at junctions or trailheads where trails will be closed.

Schedules may change without notice, or be delayed, due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances.

History: 

In addition to the June 14 and 15 temporary closures, the Phelps Lake outlet bridge, which closed for replacement beginning August 2021, remains in effect and will continue to be in place throughout the summer and fall of 2022.

The bridge connects Lake Creek trail to the Woodland trail and therefore hikers will not be able to make a loop on those trails, although hikers can still hike the Lake Creek or Woodland trail one way to the lake and back. The Phelps Lake loop from the Death Canyon trailhead will require an additional 1.5 miles to complete the loop. Signs are placed around Phelps Lake to reflect the closure.

The bridge was originally built for vehicle use by the Rockefeller family more than 60 years ago, before being reconfigured for pedestrian use as part of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The bridge sits on untreated logs and over time the weight of the bridge has made the wood deteriorate. The old bridge is being replaced with a new bridge that will be less costly to maintain and will continue to reflect the attractive, rustic appearance of the historic bridge.

Jackson Hole Preserve Inc., one of Grand Teton’s longest standing partners, is helping to support the bridge replacement.



Jeff
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Grand Teton National Park restoring native sagebrush habitat

Grand Teton National Park staff will initiate habitat restoration projects in the southern part of the park this summer as part of a multi-phase restoration effort to replace approximately 4,500 acres of former non-native grass fields with native sagebrush steppe habitat. A healthy sagebrush ecosystem in Grand Teton is vital for the diversity and abundance of native plants and wildlife species like elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, and sage grouse that rely on them.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation has successfully raised funds for this project from dozens of individual donors, and garnered ongoing support from Teton Conservation District, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Alpyn Beauty. With the fundraising and partnership support of the Foundation, the park has worked to return these pastures to their former, native glory.

Beginning in the late 1800s, Jackson Hole homesteaders converted large swaths of local sagebrush steppe habitat to hayfields for agricultural use. The smooth brome they planted provided their livestock with nutrition year-round as the hay could be stored for winter use. Since this time, the homesteaders have moved away from Antelope Flats and other areas of Grand Teton. However, the converted pastures have persisted, decreasing the value to wildlife in the heart of year-round habitation and migration corridors.

Since 2007, Grand Teton park staff, through the support of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, have worked to return these pastures to their native sagebrush steppe habitat. This is a long-term project and successful restoration of these areas takes years to complete. To date, 1,400 acres are in various stages of restoration, with areas furthest along containing diverse, well-established native plants that provide a source of food and shelter for a wide range of pollinators and wildlife. Wildflowers, sagebrush, and other native plants can now be seen in these locations.

On Wednesday, May 25, park staff from vegetation ecology and management at Grand Teton will initiate restoration on 200 acres of former hayfields. During this operation, staff will apply herbicide to remove non-native pasture grass at two different locations.

The first of these sites, 90 acres located in the South Slough unit west of Mormon Row, is part of the Antelope Flats sagebrush habitat restoration called for in the 2007 Elk and Bison Management Plan.

The second site where restoration work will take place is 110 acres located in the McBride unit south of the Jackson Hole Airport and east of North Spring Gulch Road. This project specifically aims to restore sage grouse habitat.

During restoration operations, park staff apply herbicide by tractor, UTV, and backpack sprayers. The application results in dead vegetation and bare ground. When non-native grass has been successfully removed, park staff will seed with a mix of native grasses, shrubs (including sagebrush), and forbs (wildflowers), monitor and treat for invasive weed species, and take other corrective actions to successfully re-establish this important plant community for the long-term.



Jeff
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Expect 15-minute delays on park roadways in Grand Teton National Park as road striping operations are underway

Travelers in Grand Teton National Park should plan for 15-minute delays as road striping operations are underway in the park. Striping operations will occur through approximately Wednesday, June 8.

Below is a tentative schedule of road striping locations in the park:

June 1-2: U.S. Highway 89 in Grand Teton National Park, Gros Ventre Road, and Sagebrush Drive

June 3-6: Teton Park Road from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction

June 7-8: Moran to south boundary of Yellowstone National Park (operations to be conducted at night due to traffic congestion during daytime hours)

Motorists should plan ahead for delays and reduce speeds in areas where road striping occurs.

Roadwork schedules may change without notice, or be delayed, due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances.



Jeff
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Woman gored after approaching bison in Yellowstone

A 25-year-old female from Grove City, Ohio, approached a bison to within 10 feet on the morning of May 30, 2022. Two other individuals were also within 25 yards of the same bison. As the bison walked near a boardwalk at Black Sand Basin (just north of Old Faithful), the female, on the boardwalk, approached it. Consequently, the bison gored the woman and tossed her 10 feet into the air.

The woman sustained a puncture wound and other injuries.

Park emergency medical providers responded to the incident immediately and transported her via ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. The incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild and can be dangerous when approached. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay more than 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.

This is the first reported incident in 2022 of a visitor threatening a bison (getting too close to the animal) and the bison responding to the threat by goring the individual.

Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. They are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Park regulations require visitors to remain more than 25 yards (23 m) away from bison. Read more about safety in the park here, including how to behave around wildlife.



Jeff
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