Yellowstone’s Ecological Health Revealed In Updated Reports

Yellowstone National Park’s 2013 “Natural Resource Vital Signs” report and annual wolf and bird project reports are now available as valuable tools used to assist park managers and scientists more fully understand the status of important indicators of resource condition.

In the Vital Signs report, park scientists and their cooperators report on data from more than two dozen indicators to study the influences, both inside and outside of the park, that affect Yellowstone’s overall ecological status and the condition of cultural resources. Ecological indicators include ecosystem processes such as wildland fire, as well as the status of native species and stressors such as wildlife disease and non-native species.

This year, several indicators on the status of Yellowstone’s cultural resources were included. As the world’s first national park, rich in America’s history, the National Park Service steward and continue to use an incredible collection of over 800 historical structures that help tell the story of transportation, lodging, and park management. The park also contains more than 1,600 known archeological sites that demonstrate at least 10,000 years of evidence showing deep human connections with the ecosystems. Hundreds of thousands of historic documents, ethnographic artifacts, fossils, pieces of clothing, souvenirs, and works of art also reside in the park’s museum collections, providing priceless data and precious stories on the park’s rich history.

All three reports, published by the park’s Yellowstone Center for Resources, help inform resource management decisions and support ongoing and future research needs.

Highlights from this year’s Vital Signs report include:

• Climate: Precipitation data suggest that Yellowstone is still in a long-term drought. Recent data support a continued trend of warming with average low temperatures increasing by 4.6 degrees since 1989.

• Bears: Grizzly bear numbers appear to be stable in the GYE this year; supporting recent discussion that bears have reached carrying capacity in the ecosystem.

• Wolves and elk: Elk surveyed along the northern range of Yellowstone continued to decline as a result of multiple factors, but show signs of stabilizing at a new low. The number of wolves that spend most of their time in Yellowstone declined slightly.

• Bison: The conservation of Yellowstone bison continues to be successful with population numbers over 4,000 bison.

• Historic structure conditions and archeological sites: Historic structure assessments of the 880 buildings, roads, bridges, and grave markers have been completed for 80 percent of the sites. About 77 percent of historic structures and 65 percent of known archeological sites are in “good” condition.

• Native fish: There are signs that the number of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake is increasing. Efforts to reduce the population of non-native lake trout have resulted in the removal of over 1 million lake trout from Yellowstone Lake. Artic grayling and westslope cutthroat trout restoration efforts began in 2013 as part of the native fish preservation effort.

The 2013 Vital Signs report can be found online here.

The wolf and bird program reports are available here and here.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

How To Dress For Winter Hiking

Although the winter season is already upon us, we shouldn't use it as an excuse to NOT go hiking. It all comes down to being prepared and knowing how to dress properly. Below is a pretty good video demonstrating how you should dress when venturing out on a winter hike. Although the spokesman doesn't mention it, you should always have an extra pair of socks in your pack, just in case the ones you're wearing get wet. An extra pair of gloves aren't a bad idea either, not to mention an emergency blankets and the ability to start a fire.








Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' workshop set for Red Lodge

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced the dates for the annual winter-skills workshop in its popular Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program. This years workshop will occur from January 31st through February 2nd in Red Lodge, Montana.

Participants will choose three classes from a list of winter activities that includes cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, wildlife in winter and winter survival. Women 18 years old or older may participate. The fee ranges between $170-240 and includes class instruction and meals.

Registration forms and information are available online by logging in to fwp.mt.gov and following the link to ‘Education.” Women are encouraged to sign up with a friend and learn a new activity or improve existing skills. Registration forms and brochures also are available at FWP’s Region 5 headquarters, 2300 Lake Elmo Dr. in Billings Heights.

For more information on the BOW Winter Workshop, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940, or by email: llodman@mt.gov.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Public Scoping Period Begins for Moose-Wilson Corridor

Acting Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced last week that the National Park Service is developing a comprehensive management plan/environmental impact statement (Plan/EIS) for the Moose-Wilson corridor within Grand Teton National Park. A public scoping period for the Plan/EIS will occur from December 6, 2013 through February 6, 2014, during which time public comments will be accepted.

The purpose of the Plan/EIS is to determine how best to provide appropriate opportunities for visitors to use, experience, and enjoy the Moose Wilson area while protecting park resources and values. During the scoping period, the NPS seeks input from the public on significant issues, alternatives, concerns, opportunities, or topics that should be addressed during the planning effort. The Plan/EIS will consider a range of alternatives for the corridor's future management and will analyze potential environmental impacts associated with each alternative. Additional opportunities for public involvement will also be provided at other stages of the planning process.

The Moose-Wilson corridor comprises about 10,300 acres in the southwest corner of Grand Teton National Park. This exceptional area has a remarkable variety of natural communities, cultural and wilderness resources, and opportunities for visitor enjoyment. The Moose – Wilson Road extends 7.7 miles through the area, and is the primary access to several park destinations, including Death Canyon and Granite Canyon trailheads, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, White Grass Ranch, and Murie Ranch historic districts, and Sawmill Ponds overlook. The corridor highlights the rich history of working ranches and the beginnings of conservation work, and provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Developing a comprehensive management plan for the corridor is critical to ensure the protection of key resources, values, and visitor experience for the enjoyment of this and future generations.

To learn more about this planning effort join the NPS at an open house in Jackson, Wyoming on Tuesday, January 14th from 5 to 8 pm in the Moose-Wapiti Classroom at St. John's Medical Center.

Additional information, including a scoping newsletter is available here. A copy of the newsletter can be downloaded through this website, and comments can be provided electronically online. You can also sign up for regular e-mail updates here.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Many hikers tend to run from the woods as soon as the first snow flakes begin to fall. However, winter is great time to hit the trail. Not only are the crowds gone, but many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. With just a little more attention to detail beforehand, anyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike during the winter.

Although it might feel quite frigid at the trailhead, your body will begin generating plenty of heat after just 10 or 15 minutes of walking. The best thing you can do to keep the cold out is to dress in layers: a base layer that wicks moisture off your body, a fleece jacket for insulating warmth, and a shell to keep you dry and to keep the wind from penetrating your core. Most importantly, dressing in layers allows you to adjust your attire as you heat-up or cool-off. When dressing for a winter hike, always remember the adage: cotton kills! Never wear anything made of cotton while hiking in the backcountry. Once wet, cotton no longer insulates you from the cold. Moreover, it wicks heat away from your body and puts you at risk of becoming hypothermic.

Some people are prone to cold feet in the winter. One of the keys to keeping your feet warm is to make sure they stay dry. Wear a good pair of hiking socks, made of wool blends or synthetic fabrics, that wick moisture away from your skin, retain heat when wet, and dry faster if they become wet. I always keep an extra pair in my pack in case the ones I’m wearing do get wet. (Expert Advice: How to Choose Socks) You should also wear above-the-ankle hiking boots which help to keep snow away from your feet. You may want to consider wearing gaiters, especially if there are several inches of snow on the ground.

To round-out your winter apparel, don’t forget about a good pair of gloves, a ski cap and maybe even a balaclava.

If the snow is too deep in the mountains, consider hiking at lower elevations, or even wearing snowshoes. If you expect a lot of ice, especially in areas where there might be steep drop-offs, consider bringing crampons specifically made for hiking. These are sometimes referred to as traction devices, or in-step crampons, which you can either strap-on or slide onto your boots.

Trekking poles are another excellent choice for helping to maintain your balance on sections of trail with slick ice and snow.

After outfitting yourself with the proper winter gear, hikers will then need to focus on staying hydrated and properly fueled while out on the trail. Hiking in the cold, especially in snow, burns more calories. By some estimates, hikers can burn as much as 50% more calories when compared to similar distances and terrain in the summer. By not consuming enough calories while on the trail you become prone to getting cold faster. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks with you to munch on periodically throughout your hike. Watch out for foods that can freeze solid, such as some power bars. Or, instead of storing in your backpack, put some snacks inside your fleece jacket. Your body should generate enough heat to prevent them from freezing.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it can actually be easier to experience dehydration in the winter, versus hiking in the summer. Dehydration can occur faster in cold weather because the air is much drier. Moreover, dehydration can be dangerous because it can accelerate hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure you bring plenty of liquids with you, and drink often while on the trail.

If you’re storing water bottles in your backpack during a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. An old wool sock will work in this case. Also, you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck. If you plan to be out for several hours, consider bringing a thermos containing a hot drink, or even soup.

Other winter hazards hikers need to be aware of include hiking in steep terrain that’s prone to avalanches, or a storm that covers the trail with fresh snow, thus making navigation difficult. You should always carry a topographical map and a compass with you in case you ever need help finding your way back to the trailhead if you were to become lost.

Other gear to bring with you includes a first aid kit, firestarter, waterproof matches, a pocket knife, an emergency blanket and maybe even a bivy sack.

Finally, let someone know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who to call if they don’t hear back from you at a specified time.

With a little care and preparation up front, anyone can discover the joys of winter hiking.






Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park