Local residents and visitors to Grand Teton National Park are reminded to do their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Those who recreate on park waters have a responsibility to drain, clean, and dry their vessel, as well as check fishing gear before launching in the park.
All boats should be inspected at the Moose or Moran Aquatic Invasive Species Station upon entry to the park. Recreationists transporting any watercraft, including non-motorized vessels such as canoes and kayaks, are required by law to stop every time they pass an open inspection station. Watercraft that are dirty or have standing water will require a more in-depth inspection and potentially decontamination. As in past years, boat inspectors are issuing visitors an inspection verification card upon completion of the inspection. Frequent visitors should carry this card with them to expedite the inspection process during future visits.
The prevention of invasive species from entering park waters is critical, and more effective than attempting to remove invasive species after they've been established. Boat inspection stations are located in Moose and Moran, 7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. daily during the busy summer boating season.
Concession operated marinas at Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Leeks will open by 9 a.m. on Friday, June 5, as well as other boat launches in the park. Park concessioner Jenny Lake Boating will also begin operations on Friday.
The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on a multi-year project, Snake River Gateways, to transform three river access sites along the Snake River. Construction began at Pacific Creek Landing this spring and public access to this location will be unavailable through June 7.
All river users should be aware of the skills needed for navigating each section of river. During the temporary closure at Pacific Creek Landing, anyone putting in on the Snake River at Jackson Lake Dam will need to travel to Deadmans Bar, which requires an advanced skill set. River users may want to consider an alternate section of river recreation during this time.
Currently, rivers are running fast and high due to spring runoff. Water recreationists should use caution and be prepared to encounter changing river conditions, including log jams and other possible obstructions.
Local residents and visitors are reminded to practice safety while boating and floating in Grand Teton National Park. Vessels must carry USCG approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) of the appropriate size for each person on board. Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a PFD. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited in the park. When on the water, stay aware of other boaters.
Grand Teton National Park is implementing the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. Grand Teton is modifying operations at areas that cannot adhere to this guidance. Where it is safe, outdoor spaces will remain open to the public. Practice patience while traveling through the park.
Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/ans.htm for more information about preventing aquatic invasive species and https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/boating19-access.pdf for information about boating in Grand Teton National Park.
Jeff
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