Bears have begun to gather within the Moose-Wilson Corridor to forage on seasonally-abundant, natural foods. We need your help to provide bears ample space and allow them the opportunity to feed as part of their natural behavior.
The Moose-Wilson Corridor is dominated by hawthorn and chokecherry shrubs. The berries on these shrubs provide an important food source for bears who are beginning to enter “hyperphagia,” a time when bears increase their feeding to gain the fat reserves necessary for hibernation. Berry production along the Moose-Wilson Road has been significant this year, which presents an abundant natural food source for bears and other wildlife.
To provide bears access to these important food resources, park staff uses a management strategy tailored to the uniqueness of the Moose-Wilson Road. Short viewing distances, dense vegetation, and the narrow road prevent a typical way to view bears. To lessen the potential for human-bear conflicts, we ask all visitors to view bears from their vehicle as they drive along the roadway. These viewing zones are clearly identified with signs. Please do your part by remaining in your vehicle and following direction from park staff through these sensitive areas.
If you are planning to drive the Moose-Wilson Road, please follow these guidelines to protect natural bear movements and practice safe wildlife viewing:
* Follow direction from park staff managing bear viewing along the roadway.
* Where posted, remain in your vehicle. Observe bears as you drive by slowly.
* In many areas, parking is restricted. Please respect all no-parking zones.
* Slow down. Bears frequently cross the roadway.
* Be patient. Help the park provide exceptional bear viewing opportunities for everyone.
Park staff will continue to monitor bear activity within the Moose-Wilson Corridor. If bear activity increases, the Moose-Wilson Road may be temporarily closed to public access to protect black and grizzly bears.
Federal regulations require you stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23 meters) from all other wildlife. Learn more about bears, safe bear viewing, and how to properly use bear spray at go.nps.gov/tetonbears. Please report bear sightings within the park to the nearest visitor center.
Jeff
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Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Friday, August 26, 2022
Public Scoping Underway for Upper McDonald Creek Bridge Replacement
Glacier National Park’s public scoping newsletter for the proposal to replace the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge and formalize parking at Upper McDonald Creek Trailhead is available for review and comment on the National Park Service (NPS) Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website. The scoping newsletter will be available for 14 days and comments are due August 30, 2022.
The North Lake McDonald Road provides access between Going-to-the-Sun Road and the northwest shore of Lake McDonald including private homes, the Lake McDonald Ranger Station, and access to trailheads. The road crosses Upper McDonald Creek via the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge.
Bridge replacement is needed due to progressive failure and to improve vehicle access to the northwest side of the lake. The bridge has suffered damage over time due to flooding and currently has a restricted load capacity of 15 tons, inadequate for heavy loads needed for wildland fire control.
The existing single-lane bridge and its two in-stream piers would be removed and replaced with a single-lane, clear span bridge with two sidewalks, one on each side. The new bridge would be built approximately 30 feet upstream of the existing bridge, requiring a realignment of the road approaches.
The existing bridge would continue to be available for NPS and landowner access during construction. The construction area extending approximately 100-feet from Going-to-the-Sun Road to Upper McDonald Creek trailhead would be closed to public access for the duration of construction.
Site clearing would likely occur in late summer/early fall of 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2023 and mostly completed by the end of fall 2023.
Parking for the Upper McDonald Creek Trailhead west of the bridge would also be formalized under this project, likely with 10 delineated head-in parking spaces.
Replacing the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge with a new bridge slightly offset from the existing location and alignment was approved under a categorical exclusion in May of 2021. However, the submitted construction workplan had greater than anticipated impacts on landowner access. The project has been redesigned to further shift the location of the new bridge to enable administrative and local access across the existing bridge during construction.
The park believes the redesigned project could still be categorically excluded and would not require the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA). Public scoping is being conducted based on the redesign to determine if there is any other information or additional concerns the park is not aware of that might result in the need for an EA.
Comments can be posted on the NPS PEPC website or sent by mail to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: UMC Bridge Replacement, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, Montana, 59936.
Jeff
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The North Lake McDonald Road provides access between Going-to-the-Sun Road and the northwest shore of Lake McDonald including private homes, the Lake McDonald Ranger Station, and access to trailheads. The road crosses Upper McDonald Creek via the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge.
Bridge replacement is needed due to progressive failure and to improve vehicle access to the northwest side of the lake. The bridge has suffered damage over time due to flooding and currently has a restricted load capacity of 15 tons, inadequate for heavy loads needed for wildland fire control.
The existing single-lane bridge and its two in-stream piers would be removed and replaced with a single-lane, clear span bridge with two sidewalks, one on each side. The new bridge would be built approximately 30 feet upstream of the existing bridge, requiring a realignment of the road approaches.
The existing bridge would continue to be available for NPS and landowner access during construction. The construction area extending approximately 100-feet from Going-to-the-Sun Road to Upper McDonald Creek trailhead would be closed to public access for the duration of construction.
Site clearing would likely occur in late summer/early fall of 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2023 and mostly completed by the end of fall 2023.
Parking for the Upper McDonald Creek Trailhead west of the bridge would also be formalized under this project, likely with 10 delineated head-in parking spaces.
Replacing the Upper McDonald Creek Bridge with a new bridge slightly offset from the existing location and alignment was approved under a categorical exclusion in May of 2021. However, the submitted construction workplan had greater than anticipated impacts on landowner access. The project has been redesigned to further shift the location of the new bridge to enable administrative and local access across the existing bridge during construction.
The park believes the redesigned project could still be categorically excluded and would not require the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA). Public scoping is being conducted based on the redesign to determine if there is any other information or additional concerns the park is not aware of that might result in the need for an EA.
Comments can be posted on the NPS PEPC website or sent by mail to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: UMC Bridge Replacement, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, Montana, 59936.
Jeff
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Friday, August 19, 2022
Part of a foot, in a shoe, spotted in Yellowstone hot spring
On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, an employee found part of a foot, in a shoe, floating in Abyss Pool, located in the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park.
An investigation by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers is ongoing.
Evidence from the investigation thus far suggests that an incident involving one individual likely occurred on the morning of July 31, 2022, at Abyss Pool. Currently, the park believes there was no foul play. The investigation is continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin and parking lot were temporarily closed to visitors due to the discovery but have since reopened.
Abyss Pool has a depth of more than 50 feet and is one of the deepest hot springs in the park. Its temperature is approximately 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Visitors are reminded to stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas and exercise extreme caution around thermal features. The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Learn more about safety in thermal areas at go.nps.gov/yellsafety.
The park has no additional information to share about this incident.
Jeff
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An investigation by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers is ongoing.
Evidence from the investigation thus far suggests that an incident involving one individual likely occurred on the morning of July 31, 2022, at Abyss Pool. Currently, the park believes there was no foul play. The investigation is continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin and parking lot were temporarily closed to visitors due to the discovery but have since reopened.
Abyss Pool has a depth of more than 50 feet and is one of the deepest hot springs in the park. Its temperature is approximately 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Visitors are reminded to stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas and exercise extreme caution around thermal features. The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Learn more about safety in thermal areas at go.nps.gov/yellsafety.
The park has no additional information to share about this incident.
Jeff
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Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Trail Advisory Committee To Meet In Helena
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks State Trails Advisory Committee (STAC) will meet Aug. 30 and 31. The STAC advises FWP on trail-related concerns and needs across Montana, including funding, use and the promotion of recreational trails across land ownership.
The group will meet in person, with a virtual option, in the Montana Room at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) building in Helena. The meeting will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and from 8:30 to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
On the first day of the meeting, the committee will hear a programmatic overview of the trail grant programs, go over a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and Trail Stewardship Program (TSP) and learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the STAC across both programs. The second day will focus on the updated TSP application and scoring criteria, as well as the STAC’s annual role of application review and scoring.
The Montana DNRC building is at 1539 11th Ave. in Helena. The meeting is open to public and public comment will be taken before lunch and at the end of the agenda. The meeting will also be streamed live via Zoom on the State Trails Advisory Committee webpage.
Jeff
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The group will meet in person, with a virtual option, in the Montana Room at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) building in Helena. The meeting will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and from 8:30 to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
On the first day of the meeting, the committee will hear a programmatic overview of the trail grant programs, go over a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and Trail Stewardship Program (TSP) and learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the STAC across both programs. The second day will focus on the updated TSP application and scoring criteria, as well as the STAC’s annual role of application review and scoring.
The Montana DNRC building is at 1539 11th Ave. in Helena. The meeting is open to public and public comment will be taken before lunch and at the end of the agenda. The meeting will also be streamed live via Zoom on the State Trails Advisory Committee webpage.
Jeff
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Friday, August 12, 2022
Rangers conduct three major rescues in less than 24 hours
Grand Teton National Park Rangers conducted three major search and rescue operations within 24 hours this week. August is a busy time for search and rescue personnel as backcountry activity increases in the Tetons in the summer.
On Monday August 8, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a report of a disoriented 21-year-old female at Surprise Lake. Park rangers were flown via the Teton Interagency helicopter to a landing zone near Surprise Lake and approached the patient on foot. The patient was then transported via short-haul out of the backcountry to Lupine Meadows where she was transported via ambulance to St. John’s Health.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received another call from a party reporting their friend, a 22-year-old female, had hurt her back after she jumped into Phelps Lake from the rock feature known as “Jump Rock.” The patient was unable to walk more than a few steps. Park rangers were flown via the Teton Interagency helicopter to Phelps Lake to evaluate the patient. The patient was then transported via short-haul to White Grass Ranch where she declined further medical transport.
Tuesday morning at approximately 8 a.m., a climber on the traverse between Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen contacted Teton Interagency Dispatch Center to report that his climbing partner had taken a several-hundred-foot, un-roped fall, had a severe head injury, and possibly broken bones in his extremities. Park rangers responded via the Teton Interagency helicopter and placed four rangers and rescue gear via helicopter short-haul to the accident site. The patient, a 24-year-old male, was treated and flown to Lupine Meadows where an emergency physician, park ambulance crew, and air ambulance crew further stabilized him. The patient was then transported via Air Idaho Rescue to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Jeff
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On Monday August 8, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a report of a disoriented 21-year-old female at Surprise Lake. Park rangers were flown via the Teton Interagency helicopter to a landing zone near Surprise Lake and approached the patient on foot. The patient was then transported via short-haul out of the backcountry to Lupine Meadows where she was transported via ambulance to St. John’s Health.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received another call from a party reporting their friend, a 22-year-old female, had hurt her back after she jumped into Phelps Lake from the rock feature known as “Jump Rock.” The patient was unable to walk more than a few steps. Park rangers were flown via the Teton Interagency helicopter to Phelps Lake to evaluate the patient. The patient was then transported via short-haul to White Grass Ranch where she declined further medical transport.
Tuesday morning at approximately 8 a.m., a climber on the traverse between Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen contacted Teton Interagency Dispatch Center to report that his climbing partner had taken a several-hundred-foot, un-roped fall, had a severe head injury, and possibly broken bones in his extremities. Park rangers responded via the Teton Interagency helicopter and placed four rangers and rescue gear via helicopter short-haul to the accident site. The patient, a 24-year-old male, was treated and flown to Lupine Meadows where an emergency physician, park ambulance crew, and air ambulance crew further stabilized him. The patient was then transported via Air Idaho Rescue to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Jeff
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Thursday, August 11, 2022
Fire risk now moderate in Tetons
Teton Interagency Fire managers have adjusted the fire danger rating to moderate for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures.
A moderate fire danger rating does not mean that people should let their guard down regarding fire risk. The best way to prevent wildfires is to not build an outdoor fire. If temperatures are cool, dress in layers to keep warm instead.
If you choose to build a fire, keep your fire small and attend to it vigilantly. Be sure to have a plan for putting your fire out before you light it. Campfires must be completely extinguished before you leave them. Before you walk away from your campfire, douse your fire with a large amount of water, stirring the coals and ashes into a thick, muddy soup, incorporating the white ash from the fire’s edges. Feel for heat in the center of the fire, on the larger pieces of wood, and along the edges of the ash. Repeat this process until no heat remains.
If you do not have a shovel or water, no established fire ring, a soil area to build your fire free of flammable materials, or if there are winds that could carry sparks, consider not building a fire.
So far this year, there have been 77 illegal and abandoned campfires in the Teton Interagency Fire area. Every year, hundreds of campfires are left unattended, with all of them having the potential to start a large, extremely costly, life-threatening wildfire. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire ignites a wildfire. Please be responsible with fire.
Learn more about wildfire prevention and current wildfires by visiting www.tetonfires.com. To report a fire or smoke in the area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, 307-739-3630.
Jeff
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A moderate fire danger rating does not mean that people should let their guard down regarding fire risk. The best way to prevent wildfires is to not build an outdoor fire. If temperatures are cool, dress in layers to keep warm instead.
If you choose to build a fire, keep your fire small and attend to it vigilantly. Be sure to have a plan for putting your fire out before you light it. Campfires must be completely extinguished before you leave them. Before you walk away from your campfire, douse your fire with a large amount of water, stirring the coals and ashes into a thick, muddy soup, incorporating the white ash from the fire’s edges. Feel for heat in the center of the fire, on the larger pieces of wood, and along the edges of the ash. Repeat this process until no heat remains.
If you do not have a shovel or water, no established fire ring, a soil area to build your fire free of flammable materials, or if there are winds that could carry sparks, consider not building a fire.
So far this year, there have been 77 illegal and abandoned campfires in the Teton Interagency Fire area. Every year, hundreds of campfires are left unattended, with all of them having the potential to start a large, extremely costly, life-threatening wildfire. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire ignites a wildfire. Please be responsible with fire.
Learn more about wildfire prevention and current wildfires by visiting www.tetonfires.com. To report a fire or smoke in the area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, 307-739-3630.
Jeff
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Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Biologists set to begin grizzly bear captures for research purposes in Yellowstone
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 are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin field captures on Aug. 9 and continue through Oct. 28. 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 Greater 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 indicators point to grizzly bears in the area, culvert traps, or sometimes 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 and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
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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Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater 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 indicators point to grizzly bears in the area, culvert traps, or sometimes 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 and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
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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Sunday, August 7, 2022
Closures and delays expected during road improvement projects in Grand Teton
Travelers in Grand Teton National Park should plan for intermittent delays and closures as road improvement projects are underway in the park. Road improvement operations are expected to occur through Monday, August 22.
Tentative schedule and locations of road improvement projects:
August 8-10 – Repaving Colter Bay Swim Beach parking lot. Visitors can access the beach via the Colter Bay Visitor Center and amphitheater parking lot.
August 11 – Willow Flats parking lot will be closed to allow for repaving.
August 22 – Expect delays on Pacific Creek Road for pavement repairs.
Motorists should plan for delays and reduce speeds in areas where road work is occurring.
Roadwork schedules may change or be delayed without notice, due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
Jeff
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Tentative schedule and locations of road improvement projects:
August 8-10 – Repaving Colter Bay Swim Beach parking lot. Visitors can access the beach via the Colter Bay Visitor Center and amphitheater parking lot.
August 11 – Willow Flats parking lot will be closed to allow for repaving.
August 22 – Expect delays on Pacific Creek Road for pavement repairs.
Motorists should plan for delays and reduce speeds in areas where road work is occurring.
Roadwork schedules may change or be delayed without notice, due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
Jeff
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Saturday, August 6, 2022
GNP Bridge Restoration Project Update
In a July press release Glacier National Park announced a construction project to rehabilitate 13 bridges throughout the park. Since then, work has begun on the Anaconda, Camas, and Dutch Creek Bridges located on the Inside North Fork Road.
The Inside North Fork Road is managed for a rustic experience and is currently open to vehicles in certain sections and provides pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency vehicular access in other sections. The vehicle closure for the Inside North Fork Road is currently from Logging Creek to Rocky Point.
The excavation of a deep trench on the side of the Dutch Creek Bridge is expected to make the bridge impassible for pedestrians and bicyclists from August 8 through 10. Pedestrians and bicyclists will still have access to the areas leading up to the bridge from the north and south.
The Fish Creek Bridge located in the campground next to the amphitheater loop will have limited delays in traffic until it is fully closed to motorized, pedestrian, and bicycle access on September 6, 2022, after Fish Creek Campground closes for the year.
The Appistoki Creek Bridge will have limited delays in traffic until it is fully closed to motorized, pedestrian, and bicycle access on September 26, 2022.
Work on the Kinlta, Ford, Akokala, Bowman, Quartz and Logging Creek bridges is expected to take place in the summer of 2023.
The North Fork Bridge, located on the north end of Camas Road, and the Lee Creek Bridge, located along Chief Mountain Highway, are also part of the rehabilitation project. That work will take place in 2022 or 2023. Construction at all bridges will conclude for the season no later than November 14, 2022.
Jeff
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The Inside North Fork Road is managed for a rustic experience and is currently open to vehicles in certain sections and provides pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency vehicular access in other sections. The vehicle closure for the Inside North Fork Road is currently from Logging Creek to Rocky Point.
The excavation of a deep trench on the side of the Dutch Creek Bridge is expected to make the bridge impassible for pedestrians and bicyclists from August 8 through 10. Pedestrians and bicyclists will still have access to the areas leading up to the bridge from the north and south.
The Fish Creek Bridge located in the campground next to the amphitheater loop will have limited delays in traffic until it is fully closed to motorized, pedestrian, and bicycle access on September 6, 2022, after Fish Creek Campground closes for the year.
The Appistoki Creek Bridge will have limited delays in traffic until it is fully closed to motorized, pedestrian, and bicycle access on September 26, 2022.
Work on the Kinlta, Ford, Akokala, Bowman, Quartz and Logging Creek bridges is expected to take place in the summer of 2023.
The North Fork Bridge, located on the north end of Camas Road, and the Lee Creek Bridge, located along Chief Mountain Highway, are also part of the rehabilitation project. That work will take place in 2022 or 2023. Construction at all bridges will conclude for the season no later than November 14, 2022.
Jeff
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Thursday, August 4, 2022
Yellowstone National Park flood recovery: Timelines for North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads
Yellowstone National Park continues to make major progress with short- and long-term efforts to reconnect the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana.
In mid-June, Yellowstone experienced a 500-year flood event that caused severe damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines and other critical park infrastructure. The most significant damage severed access to the park via the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads. One month after the historic event and the park closing temporarily, 93% of park roadways were reopened.
The park asks the public to understand the differences in timelines between short-term construction solutions that will reopen the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads to the public later this year, and the long-term reconstruction efforts that will take place over the upcoming years.;
North Entrance Road (Mammoth Hot Springs to the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana)
Short-term Reconnection (Completion expected in October 2022)
Efforts to two-lane the Old Gardiner Road have continued accelerating with approximately 1.5 miles of the 4-mile road already at two lanes. Substantial culvert work, slope stabilization and retainment has occurred. This road is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, this temporary road will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner going into the winter season. This road will be used as the primary access route until a permanent reconstruction option is completed in upcoming years. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). HK Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.
Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)
The National Park Service (NPS) is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the primary road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner. This road is closed and not drivable due to several washed out road segments. The criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunities to comment as this planning process proceeds.
Northeast Entrance Road (Completion expected in October 2022)
Efforts to repair approximately five damaged sections of the Northeast Entrance Road (between Slough Creek and Barronette Meadows) are underway and will be accelerating substantially in the upcoming weeks. Plans and designs have been completed for each damaged section. This project is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, these temporary repairs will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Tower Junction and Cooke City/Silver Gate. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). Oftedal Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.
Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)
The NPS is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the Northeast Entrance Road. Similar to the North Entrance Road, the criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunity to comment as this planning process proceeds.
Repairs for the North and Northeast Entrance roads are extensive and being done as quickly as possible. Should timelines change going into the fall due to early winter weather or other events, Yellowstone will communicate with the public and stakeholders.
Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remain open with access to the park via foot, bicycles, and horseback in approved areas (see map).
At this point, approximately 94% of the Yellowstone backcountry is open.
Jeff
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In mid-June, Yellowstone experienced a 500-year flood event that caused severe damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines and other critical park infrastructure. The most significant damage severed access to the park via the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads. One month after the historic event and the park closing temporarily, 93% of park roadways were reopened.
The park asks the public to understand the differences in timelines between short-term construction solutions that will reopen the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads to the public later this year, and the long-term reconstruction efforts that will take place over the upcoming years.;
North Entrance Road (Mammoth Hot Springs to the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana)
Short-term Reconnection (Completion expected in October 2022)
Efforts to two-lane the Old Gardiner Road have continued accelerating with approximately 1.5 miles of the 4-mile road already at two lanes. Substantial culvert work, slope stabilization and retainment has occurred. This road is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, this temporary road will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner going into the winter season. This road will be used as the primary access route until a permanent reconstruction option is completed in upcoming years. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). HK Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.
Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)
The National Park Service (NPS) is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the primary road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner. This road is closed and not drivable due to several washed out road segments. The criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunities to comment as this planning process proceeds.
Northeast Entrance Road (Completion expected in October 2022)
Efforts to repair approximately five damaged sections of the Northeast Entrance Road (between Slough Creek and Barronette Meadows) are underway and will be accelerating substantially in the upcoming weeks. Plans and designs have been completed for each damaged section. This project is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, these temporary repairs will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Tower Junction and Cooke City/Silver Gate. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). Oftedal Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.
Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)
The NPS is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the Northeast Entrance Road. Similar to the North Entrance Road, the criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunity to comment as this planning process proceeds.
Repairs for the North and Northeast Entrance roads are extensive and being done as quickly as possible. Should timelines change going into the fall due to early winter weather or other events, Yellowstone will communicate with the public and stakeholders.
Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remain open with access to the park via foot, bicycles, and horseback in approved areas (see map).
At this point, approximately 94% of the Yellowstone backcountry is open.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Wolf Report Shows Stable Population Numbers Through 2021
Wolf numbers and distribution continue to be stable across Montana, according to numbers released Monday in the 2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wolf Report.
“What the data shows us really isn’t surprising,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Our management of wolves, including ample hunting and trapping opportunities, have kept numbers at a relatively stable level during the past several years.”
In understanding this report, people must keep in mind that population trends are monitored by the calendar year, in this case 2021, which is consistent with how FWP and other agencies have tracked wolf populations since the 1980s and how wolf populations are tracked in other areas. However, the wolf hunting and trapping season ended March 15, 2022. The harvest realized during this first three months of 2022 isn’t reflected in the 2021 wolf population estimate.
Another interesting aspect of the data is that wolf trapping efforts were down this license year from past years. This means fewer trappers were on the landscape. Potential reasons for this include unfavorable weather conditions during the trapping season.
The 2021 Montana Legislature approved a suite of legislation that added more tools for hunters and trappers for harvesting wolves. The legislature also passed legislation directing FWP to manage wolves in a manner that would reduce numbers to a sustainable level above minimum recovery goals.
In response, the Fish and Wildlife Commission increased bag limits, allowed snaring outside of lynx protection zones, and extended the season. Additionally, the commission also set harvest threshold numbers in each FWP region and at a statewide scale that required them to reconvene if those harvest levels were met. Ultimately, the commission closed wolf season in southwest Montana early because the pre-established threshold was met.
“We are following the law,” Worsech said. “And are doing so in a way that provides certainty that wolf populations in Montana will remain off the Endangered Species List.”
By the numbers:
The estimated wolf population in Montana at the end of 2021 is 1,144. This is down 40 wolves from 1,181 in 2020. This is not a statistically significant difference. In the last 10 years, wolf populations saw an estimated high of 1,256 in 2011 and a low of 1,113 in 2017. The small difference in these two numbers demonstrates a population trend that is very stable.
At the end of 2021, Montana had an estimated 192 wolf packs. This is down from an estimated 198 in 2020. In the last 10 years, estimated pack numbers have fluctuated from a high of 205 in 2012 to a low of 186 in 2017.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
“What the data shows us really isn’t surprising,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Our management of wolves, including ample hunting and trapping opportunities, have kept numbers at a relatively stable level during the past several years.”
In understanding this report, people must keep in mind that population trends are monitored by the calendar year, in this case 2021, which is consistent with how FWP and other agencies have tracked wolf populations since the 1980s and how wolf populations are tracked in other areas. However, the wolf hunting and trapping season ended March 15, 2022. The harvest realized during this first three months of 2022 isn’t reflected in the 2021 wolf population estimate.
Another interesting aspect of the data is that wolf trapping efforts were down this license year from past years. This means fewer trappers were on the landscape. Potential reasons for this include unfavorable weather conditions during the trapping season.
The 2021 Montana Legislature approved a suite of legislation that added more tools for hunters and trappers for harvesting wolves. The legislature also passed legislation directing FWP to manage wolves in a manner that would reduce numbers to a sustainable level above minimum recovery goals.
In response, the Fish and Wildlife Commission increased bag limits, allowed snaring outside of lynx protection zones, and extended the season. Additionally, the commission also set harvest threshold numbers in each FWP region and at a statewide scale that required them to reconvene if those harvest levels were met. Ultimately, the commission closed wolf season in southwest Montana early because the pre-established threshold was met.
“We are following the law,” Worsech said. “And are doing so in a way that provides certainty that wolf populations in Montana will remain off the Endangered Species List.”
By the numbers:
The estimated wolf population in Montana at the end of 2021 is 1,144. This is down 40 wolves from 1,181 in 2020. This is not a statistically significant difference. In the last 10 years, wolf populations saw an estimated high of 1,256 in 2011 and a low of 1,113 in 2017. The small difference in these two numbers demonstrates a population trend that is very stable.
At the end of 2021, Montana had an estimated 192 wolf packs. This is down from an estimated 198 in 2020. In the last 10 years, estimated pack numbers have fluctuated from a high of 205 in 2012 to a low of 186 in 2017.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
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