A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,148,010 visitors to national parks in Wyoming spent $870,000,000 in the state in 2022. That spending resulted in 11,538 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $1,127,700,000.
“Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year. The impact of tourism to national parks is undeniable: bringing jobs and revenue to communities in every state in the country and making national parks an essential driver to the national economy,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
“Visitors in 2022 to national parks in Wyoming spent $870,000,000 and supported 11,538 jobs in local communities,” said Regional Director Kate Hammond. “Every park in the state offers unique experiences, from learning about history up-close to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. There’s something for everyone to see and enjoy.”
The national parks in Wyoming are:
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
California National Historic Trail
Devils Tower National Monument
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fossil Butte National Monument
Grand Teton National Park
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Oregon National Historic Trail
Pony Express National Historic Trail
Yellowstone National Park
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists at the National Park Service. The report shows $23.9 billion of direct spending by nearly 312 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 378,400 jobs nationally; 314,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $50.3 billion.
As for the economics of visitor spending, the lodging sector had the highest direct effects, with $9 billion in economic output nationally. The restaurants sector was had the second greatest effects, with $4.6 billion in economic output nationally.
Report authors also produced an interactive tool that enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: Visitor Spending Effects - Economic Contributions of National Park Visitor Spending - Social Science (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
To learn more about national parks in Wyoming and how the National Park Service works with Wyoming communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to Wyoming (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
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
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Biologists set to begin grizzly bear captures for research purposes in Yellowstone National Park
As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with the National Park Service, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin field captures on Aug. 28 and continue through Oct. 31. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have primary access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.
Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps, or sometimes foot snares, will be used to capture the bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted.
For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
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
Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps, or sometimes foot snares, will be used to capture the bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service.
Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted.
For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website: https://www.usgs.gov/science/interagency-grizzly-bear-study-team
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 25, 2023
Michigan Man Sustains Thermal Burns in Yellowstone National Park
Jason D. Wicks, age 49, of Hillman, Michigan, was arraigned in federal court on August 23, 2023, facing criminal charges of off-trail travel in a Yellowstone National Park thermal area and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree he was a danger to himself or others. Wicks pleaded not guilty to the charges. As part of the conditions for release, Wicks is banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks until these criminal charges are resolved. This incident remains under investigation. A trial date has not been set.
The violation notice merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wicks reportedly sustained thermal burns in the incident at Yellowstone, but officials did not say how or when it happened.
In a statement, Yellowstone National Park officials said that the ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Therefore, everyone must remain on boardwalks and trails and exercise extreme caution around Yellowstone’s thermal features. You can learn more about safety in thermal areas here: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
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
The violation notice merely contains allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wicks reportedly sustained thermal burns in the incident at Yellowstone, but officials did not say how or when it happened.
In a statement, Yellowstone National Park officials said that the ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Therefore, everyone must remain on boardwalks and trails and exercise extreme caution around Yellowstone’s thermal features. You can learn more about safety in thermal areas here: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
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 24, 2023
NPS Approves Gunsight Lake Native Trout Preservation Project
The National Park Service (NPS) has approved the Glacier National Park Westslope Cutthroat (WCT) and Bull Trout Preservation project at Gunsight Lake. On August 11, 2023, the Regional Director for NPS Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8 signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) prepared for the project. The EA evaluated the project’s impacts to park resources, and the FONSI documents the conclusion that implementation of the project will not result in significant adverse impacts.
Non-native rainbow trout will be removed from Gunsight Lake and native fish species will be translocated to the lake. The action will remove the risk of hybridization to downstream native WCT, provide WCT and bull trout with habitat that is secure from the threats of hybridization and climate change, and support native trout genetics throughout the St. Mary River drainage.
Non-native rainbow trout will be removed from the lake using an EPA registered and approved fish toxicant, rotenone. While rotenone degrades naturally with sunlight and water movement, detoxification will be hastened with a neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, is widely used for the treatment of municipal drinking water and wastewater. Both rotenone and potassium permanganate will dissipate with no detectable long-term changes to water quality. Following the removal of the non-native rainbow trout, genetically pure WCT, bull trout, and mountain whitefish will be translocated into Gunsight Lake.
Project activities will begin late August or early September of 2023. The treatment area will be temporarily closed to the pubic during rotenone application and detoxification. The park anticipates closing Gunsight Pass Trail for approximately one week around the site preparation and rotenone treatment application period. The closure will extend from Reynolds Campground junction, and just east of Gunsight Pass. Gunsight Lake wilderness campground will close September 1, 2023, until spring of 2024.
From May 14 – June 15, 2023, the NPS solicited formal public comments on the EA. A summary of substantive comments and NPS responses is appended to the FONSI. For more detailed information on the project, the EA, FONSI, and a Minimum Requirements Analysis are available on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website. Project funding is being provided by the NPS Natural Resources Preservation Program and the Glacier National Park Conservancy.
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
Non-native rainbow trout will be removed from Gunsight Lake and native fish species will be translocated to the lake. The action will remove the risk of hybridization to downstream native WCT, provide WCT and bull trout with habitat that is secure from the threats of hybridization and climate change, and support native trout genetics throughout the St. Mary River drainage.
Non-native rainbow trout will be removed from the lake using an EPA registered and approved fish toxicant, rotenone. While rotenone degrades naturally with sunlight and water movement, detoxification will be hastened with a neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, is widely used for the treatment of municipal drinking water and wastewater. Both rotenone and potassium permanganate will dissipate with no detectable long-term changes to water quality. Following the removal of the non-native rainbow trout, genetically pure WCT, bull trout, and mountain whitefish will be translocated into Gunsight Lake.
Project activities will begin late August or early September of 2023. The treatment area will be temporarily closed to the pubic during rotenone application and detoxification. The park anticipates closing Gunsight Pass Trail for approximately one week around the site preparation and rotenone treatment application period. The closure will extend from Reynolds Campground junction, and just east of Gunsight Pass. Gunsight Lake wilderness campground will close September 1, 2023, until spring of 2024.
From May 14 – June 15, 2023, the NPS solicited formal public comments on the EA. A summary of substantive comments and NPS responses is appended to the FONSI. For more detailed information on the project, the EA, FONSI, and a Minimum Requirements Analysis are available on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website. Project funding is being provided by the NPS Natural Resources Preservation Program and the Glacier National Park Conservancy.
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
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Park rangers urge visitors to take personal safety seriously
August is “Search and Rescue” month in Grand Teton National Park and park rangers urge visitors to take personal safety seriously. As warmer temperatures melt snow throughout the Teton Range, backcountry trails and climbing routes become more accessible and draw hikers and climbers to attempt ambitious challenges in the backcountry. This has also resulted in a spike in the number of accidents and injuries that have necessitated a rescue.
Park rangers have already conducted 12 search and rescue (SAR) missions in Grand Teton this month. A total of 50 SARs have taken place in the park so far this year, highlighting common themes such as slips, trips, and falls, and unprepared hikers. Every outdoor user, regardless of their skill and experience level, is exposed to potential hazards, and is responsible for the overall risk management of themselves and their group, even in the event of an emergency.
All rescue operations come with some level of risk to the rescuer and helicopters are only used when the risks to the rescuers are assessed and deemed acceptable. Requesting a rescue does not guarantee that there can always be a response. Park rangers will determine the appropriate response actions based on the circumstances of each situation. Even if a helicopter is determined to be the best means of rescue, it may not be available due to weather conditions, time of day, mechanical issues, and/or other ongoing emergency operations. Plan your trip to be prepared to take care of yourself and members in your party if an emergency occurs.
When traveling into the backcountry, remember to plan ahead and follow these basic recommendations:
* Set a reasonable objective based on your group’s experience. When planning a hike or climb, make sure it is well within the abilities of your least experienced group member.
* Research your intended route by consulting topographic maps, guidebooks, and park rangers.
* Know the weather forecast and be prepared for rain, snow, ice, and cold. Temperatures and precipitation patterns can change rapidly in the high elevations of the Tetons.
* Always tell a friend or family member your route, and when you intend to return.
* Pack plenty of food and water, water treatment or a filter, headlamp, first aid kit, bear spray, phone or communication device, tools to make a fire, sun protection, map or GPS and a compass, and warm clothing layers. Additional items might be needed depending on your planned activity. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about the Ten Essentials, or this extensive checklist.
*Be prepared to care for yourself or your partner(s) in case of an injury and carry the equipment, food, and water necessary to stay out longer than expected.
* Don’t be afraid to turn around. “Summit fever” can be the greatest hazard of all.
* Pay special attention when descending and moving across slippery surfaces. Most mountain accidents occur on the descent.
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
Park rangers have already conducted 12 search and rescue (SAR) missions in Grand Teton this month. A total of 50 SARs have taken place in the park so far this year, highlighting common themes such as slips, trips, and falls, and unprepared hikers. Every outdoor user, regardless of their skill and experience level, is exposed to potential hazards, and is responsible for the overall risk management of themselves and their group, even in the event of an emergency.
All rescue operations come with some level of risk to the rescuer and helicopters are only used when the risks to the rescuers are assessed and deemed acceptable. Requesting a rescue does not guarantee that there can always be a response. Park rangers will determine the appropriate response actions based on the circumstances of each situation. Even if a helicopter is determined to be the best means of rescue, it may not be available due to weather conditions, time of day, mechanical issues, and/or other ongoing emergency operations. Plan your trip to be prepared to take care of yourself and members in your party if an emergency occurs.
When traveling into the backcountry, remember to plan ahead and follow these basic recommendations:
* Set a reasonable objective based on your group’s experience. When planning a hike or climb, make sure it is well within the abilities of your least experienced group member.
* Research your intended route by consulting topographic maps, guidebooks, and park rangers.
* Know the weather forecast and be prepared for rain, snow, ice, and cold. Temperatures and precipitation patterns can change rapidly in the high elevations of the Tetons.
* Always tell a friend or family member your route, and when you intend to return.
* Pack plenty of food and water, water treatment or a filter, headlamp, first aid kit, bear spray, phone or communication device, tools to make a fire, sun protection, map or GPS and a compass, and warm clothing layers. Additional items might be needed depending on your planned activity. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about the Ten Essentials, or this extensive checklist.
*Be prepared to care for yourself or your partner(s) in case of an injury and carry the equipment, food, and water necessary to stay out longer than expected.
* Don’t be afraid to turn around. “Summit fever” can be the greatest hazard of all.
* Pay special attention when descending and moving across slippery surfaces. Most mountain accidents occur on the descent.
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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