Glacier National Park is proposing fee rate changes to most front country campgrounds in 2024 and Apgar Group Sites in 2025. Public comments on the proposed fee increases will be accepted through September 8, 2023.
Glacier is a popular front country destination with a high demand for campsites. The last major fee rate change occurred in 2007; fee rate increases are necessary to be in closer alignment with nearby campgrounds outside the park that provide similar services.
After extensive research of local campground rates and provided services outside the park, the park has identified proposed fee rate changes. The proposed rates for campsites would increase between $3-10 depending on the type of site. Some group sites could potentially increase up to $30 while others could decrease up to $20.
Recreation fees provide a vital source of revenue for improving facilities and services to enhance visitor experiences. Projects funded by recreation fees include trail and campground repairs and improvements, increasing accessibility, and facility restoration. By increasing fees, Glacier National Park will continue to be able to provide and improve services that directly benefit visitors.
Public engagement is an important part of the park’s planning process. Comments can be submitted on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GLACCampgroundFees.
Comments may also be submitted via mail to:
Glacier National Park
Office of the Superintendent
PO BOX 1
West Glacier, MT 59936
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Monday, August 7, 2023
Three Women Injured by Otter on the Jefferson River
Three women were injured by an otter last Wednesday evening while floating on the Jefferson River in Montana.
About 8:15 p.m., the three women were floating on inner tubes about 3 miles upstream from Sappington Bridge when they observed one or two otters. An otter approached and attacked them. The women got out of the water, and the otter swam away. The women then called 911, and several agencies responded, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Life Flight and a local landowner.
All three women were injured during the encounter and received medical treatment in Bozeman. One of them, whose injuries were more serious, was taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
FWP staff have posted signs at several fishing access sites in the area advising recreationists of otter activity. No further management action is planned at this time.
While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances. They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce. Otters are members of the weasel family.
FWP advises recreationists to keep a wide distance, giving all wildlife plenty of space. In drought conditions, low water levels can bring recreationists closer to water-dwelling wildlife. Being aware and keeping your distance can help avoid dangerous encounters, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior. If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
About 8:15 p.m., the three women were floating on inner tubes about 3 miles upstream from Sappington Bridge when they observed one or two otters. An otter approached and attacked them. The women got out of the water, and the otter swam away. The women then called 911, and several agencies responded, including Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Valley Ambulance, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Life Flight and a local landowner.
All three women were injured during the encounter and received medical treatment in Bozeman. One of them, whose injuries were more serious, was taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
FWP staff have posted signs at several fishing access sites in the area advising recreationists of otter activity. No further management action is planned at this time.
While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances. They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce. Otters are members of the weasel family.
FWP advises recreationists to keep a wide distance, giving all wildlife plenty of space. In drought conditions, low water levels can bring recreationists closer to water-dwelling wildlife. Being aware and keeping your distance can help avoid dangerous encounters, reduce stress for wildlife, and promote healthy animal behavior. If you are attacked by an otter, fight back, get away and out of the water, and seek medical attention.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Temporary Closure of Pine Creek/Long Lake Trailhead and Parking Lot, and Trails End Campground in Pinedale
The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will be temporarily closing the Pine Creek/Long Lake Trailhead and parking lot, and the Trails End Campground for road construction that needs to take place in the area. This temporary closure will be for a total of 12-hours on August 8, 2023 from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
This temporary closure will allow for ongoing road maintenance in the area, and to ensure safety to all people in the area. If a vehicle is in the parking lot, or a vehicle is occupying the camping area they will have to wait until 7:00p.m. when the closure is lifted to get their vehicle out of that location. Persons and stock can come and go with direction from construction personnel to the trailhead/parking lot and campground during this closure. This temporary closure only impacts vehicles during this identified time.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
This temporary closure will allow for ongoing road maintenance in the area, and to ensure safety to all people in the area. If a vehicle is in the parking lot, or a vehicle is occupying the camping area they will have to wait until 7:00p.m. when the closure is lifted to get their vehicle out of that location. Persons and stock can come and go with direction from construction personnel to the trailhead/parking lot and campground during this closure. This temporary closure only impacts vehicles during this identified time.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Friday, August 4, 2023
Grand Teton National Park seeks input on proposed backcountry camping permit rate and fee structure change
Grand Teton National Park is seeking public input on a proposed rate change for backcountry camping permits. The current rate is $45 for advanced reservations and $35 for walk-up permits, regardless of the group size or number of nights. The proposed permit fee change is a flat fee of $20 plus a $7 per person - per night fee. The current fees, which have been in place for six years, are often viewed as inequitable between small and large groups and the number of nights stayed.
Grand Teton National Park is proposing that the rate change take effect for the 2024 permit season with advanced reservations anticipated to go live in January.
The public is invited to submit comments on this rate change for a 30-day period from August 3 - September 4, 2023 through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Comments submitted through social media, phone calls, email or mail will not be accepted. All public comments must be received through PEPC by midnight Monday, September 4, 2023.
The revenue from backcountry permit fees allows the park to continue to provide world-class backcountry experiences that are in high demand, while limiting impacts on the backcountry environment. Fees from backcountry camping permits are used in the park so staff can provide safety information, patrol campsites and provide visitor services, aid in search and rescue efforts, maintain and improve trails, campsites, facilities, and other amenities that directly enhance the visitor experience.
For information about backcountry camping in Grand Teton, visit the park website at go.nps.gov/tetonbackcountry.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is proposing that the rate change take effect for the 2024 permit season with advanced reservations anticipated to go live in January.
The public is invited to submit comments on this rate change for a 30-day period from August 3 - September 4, 2023 through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Comments submitted through social media, phone calls, email or mail will not be accepted. All public comments must be received through PEPC by midnight Monday, September 4, 2023.
The revenue from backcountry permit fees allows the park to continue to provide world-class backcountry experiences that are in high demand, while limiting impacts on the backcountry environment. Fees from backcountry camping permits are used in the park so staff can provide safety information, patrol campsites and provide visitor services, aid in search and rescue efforts, maintain and improve trails, campsites, facilities, and other amenities that directly enhance the visitor experience.
For information about backcountry camping in Grand Teton, visit the park website at go.nps.gov/tetonbackcountry.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Going into Effect in NW Montana
Interagency fire managers are implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions that will go into effect at 12:01am Saturday, August 5th, 2023, across the Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Glacier National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation - Northwestern Land Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1, and Lake County, Lincoln County, Flathead County, and Sanders County.
Northwest Montana is currently in Extreme Fire Danger and experiencing drought conditions contributing to extremely dry forest fuels. Forecasts for above normal temperatures accompanied by low humidity, increased wind, and minimal precipitation all contribute to Extreme Fire Danger. Competition for firefighting resources increases as the number of fires burning across the State and the West rise. When the fire danger is "Extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" fire danger level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days.
Please click here for more information on what is and isn't allowed.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Northwest Montana is currently in Extreme Fire Danger and experiencing drought conditions contributing to extremely dry forest fuels. Forecasts for above normal temperatures accompanied by low humidity, increased wind, and minimal precipitation all contribute to Extreme Fire Danger. Competition for firefighting resources increases as the number of fires burning across the State and the West rise. When the fire danger is "Extreme", fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" fire danger level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days.
Please click here for more information on what is and isn't allowed.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
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