Grand Teton Returns to Full Operations

With the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at Grand Teton National Park are in the process of resuming regular operations. The safety and well-being of park employees and visitors is the top priority during this process. Based on the lengthy duration of the closure, it will take some time to fully assess facility conditions, address potential safety issues, remove accumulated snow, and return systems to normal operations.

The following are some key updates which affect park visitors and stakeholders:

• The backcountry reservation system at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/249986 will be available beginning Monday, February 4 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. The usual go-live date in early January did not occur due to the government shutdown.

• Entrance Stations resumed regular operations including fee collection today, January 29.

• Road crews will begin clearing the north end of the Moose-Wilson Road between Murie Ranch Road junction and Death Canyon Road junction, which was not plowed during the shutdown, later this week. Further notice will be provided when the road reopens to motor vehicle traffic, which will likely be sometime next week.

• Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will begin on Tuesday, February 5. The two-hour guided walks start at the Taggart Lake Trailhead at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday each week through mid-March dependent on conditions. Previous experience is not necessary and snowshoes are available. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 307.739.3399.

• The public comment period for the Mountain Goat Management Plan and Environmental Assessment will be extended. The central website used to review the plan and provide comments went down during the shutdown and is expected to become functional again later this week. Further notice will be provided when the system is again operational and a new deadline, likely two weeks later, will be provided.

• Hiring operations for seasonal positions at Grand Teton has resumed in earnest. Those interested in applying can find announcements and apply for positions at https://www.usajobs.gov/.



Jeff
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