Yellowstone National Park is considering a proposal to update and repair many of the overlooks and trails located on the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
This project is being proposed to address aging and deteriorating infrastructure, provide improved accessibility to visitors, improve pedestrian flow, address safety issues, and improve the visitor experience in the area, all while retaining the historic integrity of this extraordinary portion of the park. Areas to be addressed in the plan includes the Brink of the Upper Falls, the Brink of Lower Falls, Uncle Tom’s Point, Inspiration Point, Red Rocks Point, Crystal Falls, and their associated connecting trails.
The Yellowstone Park Foundation, official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park, is presently funding an effort to obtain design proposals from landscape architectural firms for the overlooks and trails in question.
An Environmental Assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. As part of the planning process, the park is reaching out to the public and asking them to share their comments, concerns, and ideas which will be used to aid in the development of a range of alternatives.
Comments may be submitted online, hand-delivered during normal business hours to the mailroom in the park’s Administration Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, or mailed to the Compliance Office, Attn: Canyon Rim Overlooks and Trails, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190.
Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified above. All comments must be received by midnight MDT, October 24, 2014.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Outdoor Industry Association Applauds Introduction of the U.S. OUTDOOR Act of 2014
The Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) applauds the introduction of the U.S. OUTDOOR Act in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR); and in the U.S. Senate by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). Developed in close consultation with the outdoor industry, the U.S. textile industry, and congressional representatives, this bipartisan piece of legislation will lower costs for outdoor industry businesses, prevent rising retail prices for consumers, and spur innovation by U.S. companies.
“I commend Representatives Reichert and Blumenauer and Senators Cantwell and Ayotte for coming together in a bipartisan effort to support the outdoor recreation industry, a vital part of the economy at the state and national level,” said OIA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “The U.S. OUTDOOR Act will lower costs for outdoor businesses, fuel innovation, attract more consumers to get outdoors using high-quality, affordable apparel and will create more jobs in the United States. We look forward to the enactment of this important legislation.”
The U.S. OUTDOOR Act:
* creates unique classifications specific to recreation performance outerwear high-tech apparel, designed especially for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, skiing or snowboarding, hunting, fishing, paddling and other recreational activities - in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule; and
* eliminates onerous duties on these new classifications.
The Senate bill also includes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research Fund (STAR Fund) that will promote U.S. jobs and technologies through investments in American research programs and services towards sustainable, eco-friendly apparel supply chains.
The commercial manufacturing industry for recreational performance outerwear moved offshore decades ago, primarily following the technological advancements and commercial manufacturing capacity that are required by U.S.-based outdoor companies. According to the International Trade Commission there is no commercially viable manufacturing of recreational performance outwear in the U.S. In fact, the bill has been thoroughly vetted with the domestic textile and apparel industry to ensure that none of the products covered by the bill are produced in the U.S.
The high tariffs that remain (some as high as 30%) make it harder for millions of Americans to enjoy outdoor recreation in our parks and public lands and, at the same time, stifle innovation, economic growth and the creation of new jobs. If enacted, the bill will add to the $646 billion in consumer spending and the 6.1 million jobs generated by the outdoor industry.
OIA is encouraging consumers and its outdoor companies to contact their members of Congress to request support for the legislation.
Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representatives Greg Walden (R-OR), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Jared Polis (D-CO) in the House, and Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in the Senate.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
“I commend Representatives Reichert and Blumenauer and Senators Cantwell and Ayotte for coming together in a bipartisan effort to support the outdoor recreation industry, a vital part of the economy at the state and national level,” said OIA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “The U.S. OUTDOOR Act will lower costs for outdoor businesses, fuel innovation, attract more consumers to get outdoors using high-quality, affordable apparel and will create more jobs in the United States. We look forward to the enactment of this important legislation.”
The U.S. OUTDOOR Act:
* creates unique classifications specific to recreation performance outerwear high-tech apparel, designed especially for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, skiing or snowboarding, hunting, fishing, paddling and other recreational activities - in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule; and
* eliminates onerous duties on these new classifications.
The Senate bill also includes the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research Fund (STAR Fund) that will promote U.S. jobs and technologies through investments in American research programs and services towards sustainable, eco-friendly apparel supply chains.
The high tariffs that remain (some as high as 30%) make it harder for millions of Americans to enjoy outdoor recreation in our parks and public lands and, at the same time, stifle innovation, economic growth and the creation of new jobs. If enacted, the bill will add to the $646 billion in consumer spending and the 6.1 million jobs generated by the outdoor industry.
OIA is encouraging consumers and its outdoor companies to contact their members of Congress to request support for the legislation.
Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representatives Greg Walden (R-OR), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Jared Polis (D-CO) in the House, and Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in the Senate.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Rangers Recover Body Near Logan Pass
Park rangers recovered the body of an 18-year old male visitor on Friday afternoon, September 19, in the Big Drift area east of Logan Pass. It is believed the victim, Brandon Luis Avalos, from St. Maries, Idaho, died from an accidental fall.
Park employees in the Logan Pass area were notified by friends of the victim on Friday morning, about 11 a.m., that Avalos had fallen in an area along the Going-to-the-Sun Road east of Logan Pass, and believed to be dead. Park rangers rappelled to the scene and found the deceased man.
An initial investigation indicates that Avalos and three friends were visiting the park late Thursday night, September 18. At approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, the visitors were traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopped near the Big Drift area east of Logan Pass when Avalos exited the vehicle. Avalos did not return, and the friends thought perhaps he was hiking back to Logan Pass. The friends stayed in the area overnight waiting for Avalos to return. They began looking for him Friday morning, and contacted park employees when they found his body.
It is believed that Avalos climbed over the guard rails along the road and fell approximately 100 feet. The area he fell is very steep with several cliff bands and large areas of rocks.
Glacier County Sheriff's Office determined cause of death as an accidental fall. Park rangers recovered the body at approximately 4 p.m. Friday, and it was transported to a local funeral home.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
An initial investigation indicates that Avalos and three friends were visiting the park late Thursday night, September 18. At approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, the visitors were traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopped near the Big Drift area east of Logan Pass when Avalos exited the vehicle. Avalos did not return, and the friends thought perhaps he was hiking back to Logan Pass. The friends stayed in the area overnight waiting for Avalos to return. They began looking for him Friday morning, and contacted park employees when they found his body.
It is believed that Avalos climbed over the guard rails along the road and fell approximately 100 feet. The area he fell is very steep with several cliff bands and large areas of rocks.
Glacier County Sheriff's Office determined cause of death as an accidental fall. Park rangers recovered the body at approximately 4 p.m. Friday, and it was transported to a local funeral home.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Access to Logan Pass Changes This Weekend
The last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle from the east side of Glacier National Park will be Sunday, September 21, allowing accelerated fall season rehabilitation on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicle traffic will be restricted on the east side near the St. Mary Campground beginning Monday, September 22. Vehicle access to Logan Pass will be available from the west side of the park through Sunday, October 19, weather permitting.
Fall access to east-side hiking trails between the St. Mary Campground and Logan Pass will be limited during road rehabilitation activity beginning Monday, September 22. Hikers wanting to hike any of the trails that are accessed, or may be an exit point, along the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, are highly encouraged to contact the park at 406-888-7800 before departing. The trails that are affected include Siyeh Pass, Baring Basin, Piegan Pass, Otokomi, St. Mary Falls/Baring Falls/Virginia Falls, Gunsight and Sperry Trails. For more information on status of trails and access, please contact the park or click here.
Access to some backcountry campsites on the east side of the park will also be affected. All backcountry campers are required to have a permit from the park’s backcountry office for overnight stays. All backcountry permits must be obtained from the Apgar Permit Center at this time of the year. For more information on backcountry camping and trail access, please contact the park at 888-7800 or click here.
Times and locations for boat inspections for boats launching in Glacier National Park are changing. Inspections for the west side of the park will be conducted at the Apgar Backcountry Office, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily through the end of October. Boat inspections for the east side of the park, Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas, are by appointment only. Appointments are available by contacting the park at 406-888-7800.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center will be open through this Sunday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Apgar Visitor Center and the St. Mary Visitor Center are open through October 5, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Visitors to the Many Glacier area of the park should be aware that the replacement of the Swiftcurrent Bridge will begin shortly after the Many Glacier Hotel closes for the season on Sunday, September 21. Visitors can expect short delays beginning September 26. As of September 29 there will be no vehicle or pedestrian traffic as the bridge is replaced. It is anticipated that the work to replace the bridge will continue through mid-November. Access to Cracker Lake and the Piegan Trail will be through the Grinnell Picnic Area, at the Grinnell Trailhead. The Swiftcurrent Bridge is located at the foot of Swiftcurrent Lake and provides vehicle and pedestrian access to the Many Glacier Hotel Historic District, and the Many Glacier Hotel.
Autumn visitors to Glacier National Park will find less crowds, cooler temperatures, and changing vegetation colors. Area residents and visitors are reminded that the park is open year-round and park recreational opportunities can be found during all seasons.
For additional park information, visit the park’s website or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Access to some backcountry campsites on the east side of the park will also be affected. All backcountry campers are required to have a permit from the park’s backcountry office for overnight stays. All backcountry permits must be obtained from the Apgar Permit Center at this time of the year. For more information on backcountry camping and trail access, please contact the park at 888-7800 or click here.
Times and locations for boat inspections for boats launching in Glacier National Park are changing. Inspections for the west side of the park will be conducted at the Apgar Backcountry Office, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily through the end of October. Boat inspections for the east side of the park, Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas, are by appointment only. Appointments are available by contacting the park at 406-888-7800.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center will be open through this Sunday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Apgar Visitor Center and the St. Mary Visitor Center are open through October 5, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Visitors to the Many Glacier area of the park should be aware that the replacement of the Swiftcurrent Bridge will begin shortly after the Many Glacier Hotel closes for the season on Sunday, September 21. Visitors can expect short delays beginning September 26. As of September 29 there will be no vehicle or pedestrian traffic as the bridge is replaced. It is anticipated that the work to replace the bridge will continue through mid-November. Access to Cracker Lake and the Piegan Trail will be through the Grinnell Picnic Area, at the Grinnell Trailhead. The Swiftcurrent Bridge is located at the foot of Swiftcurrent Lake and provides vehicle and pedestrian access to the Many Glacier Hotel Historic District, and the Many Glacier Hotel.
Autumn visitors to Glacier National Park will find less crowds, cooler temperatures, and changing vegetation colors. Area residents and visitors are reminded that the park is open year-round and park recreational opportunities can be found during all seasons.
For additional park information, visit the park’s website or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Body of Missoula Man Recovered on Mount Siyeh
The body of a 22-year-old-man from Missoula, Montana, Beau Weiher, was recovered from the north side of Mount Siyeh in Glacier National Park on Sunday night, September 14th, at approximately 7 p.m.
Park dispatch received notification Saturday night about 8 p.m. from Weiher’s family that he was overdue from a solo day hike in the Many Glacier area.
Early Sunday morning park rangers initiated a ground and aerial search. Information from Weiher’s family and friends indicated that Weiher’s intended route was probably a challenging hike in the Piegan Pass and Mount Siyeh areas, and may have included a base jump.
Park rangers found tracks that suggested Weiher might have been in the area below the summit of Mount Siyeh. The area included snowy terrain. At approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, personnel on board the Two Bear Air Helicopter spotted what they believed to be a parachute. The body of Weiher was found at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday night below the summit of Mount Siyeh.
The body was recovered and transported to the Many Glacier area via Two Bear. Glacier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed death, and the identify of Weiher.
The initial investigation indicates that Weiher attempted to base jump off an area of Mount Siyeh. In base jumping, participants jump from fixed objects and use a parachute to break their fall. Base jumping is prohibited in most National Park Services sites, including Glacier National Park.
Cooperating agencies that assisted the National Park Service with this incident included Two Bear Air, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Park dispatch received notification Saturday night about 8 p.m. from Weiher’s family that he was overdue from a solo day hike in the Many Glacier area.
Park rangers found tracks that suggested Weiher might have been in the area below the summit of Mount Siyeh. The area included snowy terrain. At approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, personnel on board the Two Bear Air Helicopter spotted what they believed to be a parachute. The body of Weiher was found at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday night below the summit of Mount Siyeh.
The body was recovered and transported to the Many Glacier area via Two Bear. Glacier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed death, and the identify of Weiher.
The initial investigation indicates that Weiher attempted to base jump off an area of Mount Siyeh. In base jumping, participants jump from fixed objects and use a parachute to break their fall. Base jumping is prohibited in most National Park Services sites, including Glacier National Park.
Cooperating agencies that assisted the National Park Service with this incident included Two Bear Air, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
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