I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get out and explore:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Never Stop Exploring
"Humans have always been driven by curiosity and fed by an innate need to explore. There is an allure in the pursuit of the unknown." Here's a pretty inspiring video from the North Face that I think you'll probably enjoy:
I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get out and explore:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get out and explore:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Glacier National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Friday, November 29, 2013
Guided Snowshoe Walks Offered Again in Glacier
Glacier National Park has announced that the popular guided snowshoe walks will again be offered during the upcoming 2014 winter season.
Walks are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from January 11th through March 22, 2014. The walks will depart from the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoe rental is available at the Apgar Visitor Center or in the Flathead Valley adjacent to the park. Participants are urged to call the Visitor Center on the weekends after 9:00 am to find out if conditions will permit the walk, 406-888-7939.
Skiing and Snowshoeing: There are several ski and snowshoe trails that can be accessed throughout Glacier. Click here for more information, trail maps and current avalanche conditions.
Other Winter Travel Information:
Vehicle access is more limited during the winter as Apgar Village, 11 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side, and a mile and a half on the east side are the only roads maintained in the winter. Check the Current Road Status to find out which roads are open for vehicle travel.
For road conditions outside of the park, please visit the Montana Department of Transportation Road Conditions Report.
Auto camping is available at the Apgar Picnic Area and St. Mary Campground. There is no charge for camping in the winter. A free backcountry permit is required to camp in the backcountry and available on both sides of the park. Please call ahead to find out the most convenient location to obtain your permit, 406.888.7800.
Additional visitor information can be obtained in person at Headquarters (Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays) and Apgar Visitor Center (open weekends from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm), or by phone at 406.888.7800.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Walks are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from January 11th through March 22, 2014. The walks will depart from the Apgar Visitor Center. Snowshoe rental is available at the Apgar Visitor Center or in the Flathead Valley adjacent to the park. Participants are urged to call the Visitor Center on the weekends after 9:00 am to find out if conditions will permit the walk, 406-888-7939.
Other Winter Travel Information:
Vehicle access is more limited during the winter as Apgar Village, 11 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side, and a mile and a half on the east side are the only roads maintained in the winter. Check the Current Road Status to find out which roads are open for vehicle travel.
For road conditions outside of the park, please visit the Montana Department of Transportation Road Conditions Report.
Auto camping is available at the Apgar Picnic Area and St. Mary Campground. There is no charge for camping in the winter. A free backcountry permit is required to camp in the backcountry and available on both sides of the park. Please call ahead to find out the most convenient location to obtain your permit, 406.888.7800.
Additional visitor information can be obtained in person at Headquarters (Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays) and Apgar Visitor Center (open weekends from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm), or by phone at 406.888.7800.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Montana State Parks Recruiting for 2014 AmeriCorps
Montana State Parks announced last week that the Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps program is now recruiting new members for the 2014 season.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that offers members the opportunity to gain job skills, earn up to $5,550 for college, or to pay off student loans while giving back to local communities.
In 2013 Montana State Parks’ 18 AmeriCorps members improved 393 acres of land in state parks, recruited more than 450 new volunteers, and led 400 educational and interpretive programs for over 9,000 visitors.
Montana State Parks is currently recruiting now for 1700 Hour Positions at Lone Pine State Park, Milltown State Park, and a Leader position at Helena Headquarters.
Applications for 900 Hour Positions will be accepted starting December 1. These positions are at Travelers’ Rest State Park, Smith River State Park, Pictograph Cave State Park, and Giant Springs State Park.
Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members earn an Education Award from $1,415 to up to $5,550 per year depending on their term of service, to be used toward a college education or to pay off student loans. AmeriCorps members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.
To learn more and apply, please visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/americorps/
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
AmeriCorps is a national service program that offers members the opportunity to gain job skills, earn up to $5,550 for college, or to pay off student loans while giving back to local communities.
In 2013 Montana State Parks’ 18 AmeriCorps members improved 393 acres of land in state parks, recruited more than 450 new volunteers, and led 400 educational and interpretive programs for over 9,000 visitors.
Montana State Parks is currently recruiting now for 1700 Hour Positions at Lone Pine State Park, Milltown State Park, and a Leader position at Helena Headquarters.
Applications for 900 Hour Positions will be accepted starting December 1. These positions are at Travelers’ Rest State Park, Smith River State Park, Pictograph Cave State Park, and Giant Springs State Park.
Members can range in age from young adults to retirement, but all members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members earn an Education Award from $1,415 to up to $5,550 per year depending on their term of service, to be used toward a college education or to pay off student loans. AmeriCorps members who are 55 years or older can transfer the Education Award to a child, grandchild or foster child. All Montana State Parks’ AmeriCorps members will receive a modest living allowance to help cover incidental costs, such as commuting.
To learn more and apply, please visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/americorps/
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Report Estimates Backcountry Winter Recreation Contributes $22.5 Million Annually to Teton-West Yellowstone Economy
A new study from Jackson economist Mark Newcomb estimates that human-powered backcountry winter recreation in Grand Teton National Park, parts of the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests, and the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone contributes $22.5 million annually to the region’s economy.
Newcomb and colleague Karl Meyer conducted random surveys over the course of the 2012-13 winter season of resident and non-resident backcountry visitors who participated in the activities of backcountry skiing and snowboarding (also known as alpine touring or AT), cross-country skiing both on and off groomed trails, snowshoeing, walking/jogging on groomed backcountry trails, and over-snow biking. The survey asked for data about annual expenditures on goods and services related to these forms of backcountry recreation as well as the location and frequency of backcountry visits.
Topline findings include an estimated $12.5 million direct annual economic impact by nonresidents who participate in these activities while visiting the region and $6.5 million annual contribution from resident spending related to backcountry winter recreation. Newcomb estimates $3 million in annual wages to employees who work in jobs directly stemming from these forms of winter backcountry recreation and $1 million in tax revenues to state and local government. The geographic area of impact focused on the communities of Jackson, Driggs/Victor and West Yellowstone and includes Teton County in Wyoming, Teton, Bonneville, Fremont and Madison Counties in Idaho, and West Yellowstone, Montana.
“We know anecdotally that winter backcountry recreation is increasing throughout the study region,” said Newcomb who, in addition to experience in environmental economics and urban and rural planning, worked for 25 years as a backcountry ski guide and avalanche course instructor. “However, to date, there has been little information available about how these activities impact our economy.”
Newcomb added that the report takes a conservative approach both in its economic impact conclusions and in its estimate of total number of residents and nonresidents participating in backcountry winter recreation in the region. The report uses data from a combination of sources including National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, trail counts and concessionaire data to arrive at a population estimate of 7,419 residents and 41,336 nonresidents who participated in the above activities during the 2012-13 winter season.
“My intuition and my on-the-ground experience tell me the population numbers we arrived at are low,” said Newcomb, “and therefore, the economic impact is likely understated, but these are the best source numbers available so that’s what we went with.” Per person expenditure estimates are $803 spent annually by residents in-region and an additional $255 spent out-of-region on goods and services for backcountry winter recreation; and $273 per person per visit by nonresidents spent on backcountry winter recreation goods and services during their visit to the region.
The report incorporates data gathered in additional surveys: one of retailers in the area that sell gear, clothing and other goods and services related to backcountry recreation; and a second survey of organizations such as backcountry guide services and avalanche course providers, both for profit and nonprofit, that operate as authorized concessionaires on national forest or national park lands. This data provided information about employment and wages related to winter backcountry recreation and helped corroborate population estimates.
One surprise, according to Newcomb, is the significance of guided activity in the area. “While guided winter activity seems to have a relatively small footprint, our study found that the economic contribution is significant.” The study estimates that participants in guided activities and education programs spent 6,699 days in the backcountry and contributed $1.6 million in gross revenues and were responsible for $826,000 in wages.
The study also reinforced the quality of the winter backcountry opportunities in the region with 81 percent of nonresidents and 74 percent of residents who skied or snowboarded in the backcountry reporting they were "very satisfied" with their experience.
The report was commissioned by the Boise-based national nonprofit organization Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) and was funded through a grant from the LOR Foundation. “It’s a common refrain from land managers and decision makers that they need better and more economic data on our activities,” said WWA Executive Director Mark Menlove. “We chose to study the Teton-West Yellowstone area because it is renowned for its backcountry winter recreation, is well managed, and offers an excellent mix of recreational opportunities. This study verifies that backcountry recreation creates jobs and contributes significantly to the local economy. It’s hugely important for Winter Wildlands Alliance, both as a pilot project we hope to replicate in other regions and as a practical tool for land managers and planners in the region to use in resource allocation and management efforts.”
An executive summary and the full report, titled “Teton-West Yellowstone Backcountry Winter Recreation Economic Analysis,” are available at winterwildlands.org.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
Topline findings include an estimated $12.5 million direct annual economic impact by nonresidents who participate in these activities while visiting the region and $6.5 million annual contribution from resident spending related to backcountry winter recreation. Newcomb estimates $3 million in annual wages to employees who work in jobs directly stemming from these forms of winter backcountry recreation and $1 million in tax revenues to state and local government. The geographic area of impact focused on the communities of Jackson, Driggs/Victor and West Yellowstone and includes Teton County in Wyoming, Teton, Bonneville, Fremont and Madison Counties in Idaho, and West Yellowstone, Montana.
“We know anecdotally that winter backcountry recreation is increasing throughout the study region,” said Newcomb who, in addition to experience in environmental economics and urban and rural planning, worked for 25 years as a backcountry ski guide and avalanche course instructor. “However, to date, there has been little information available about how these activities impact our economy.”
Newcomb added that the report takes a conservative approach both in its economic impact conclusions and in its estimate of total number of residents and nonresidents participating in backcountry winter recreation in the region. The report uses data from a combination of sources including National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, trail counts and concessionaire data to arrive at a population estimate of 7,419 residents and 41,336 nonresidents who participated in the above activities during the 2012-13 winter season.
“My intuition and my on-the-ground experience tell me the population numbers we arrived at are low,” said Newcomb, “and therefore, the economic impact is likely understated, but these are the best source numbers available so that’s what we went with.” Per person expenditure estimates are $803 spent annually by residents in-region and an additional $255 spent out-of-region on goods and services for backcountry winter recreation; and $273 per person per visit by nonresidents spent on backcountry winter recreation goods and services during their visit to the region.
The report incorporates data gathered in additional surveys: one of retailers in the area that sell gear, clothing and other goods and services related to backcountry recreation; and a second survey of organizations such as backcountry guide services and avalanche course providers, both for profit and nonprofit, that operate as authorized concessionaires on national forest or national park lands. This data provided information about employment and wages related to winter backcountry recreation and helped corroborate population estimates.
One surprise, according to Newcomb, is the significance of guided activity in the area. “While guided winter activity seems to have a relatively small footprint, our study found that the economic contribution is significant.” The study estimates that participants in guided activities and education programs spent 6,699 days in the backcountry and contributed $1.6 million in gross revenues and were responsible for $826,000 in wages.
The study also reinforced the quality of the winter backcountry opportunities in the region with 81 percent of nonresidents and 74 percent of residents who skied or snowboarded in the backcountry reporting they were "very satisfied" with their experience.
The report was commissioned by the Boise-based national nonprofit organization Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) and was funded through a grant from the LOR Foundation. “It’s a common refrain from land managers and decision makers that they need better and more economic data on our activities,” said WWA Executive Director Mark Menlove. “We chose to study the Teton-West Yellowstone area because it is renowned for its backcountry winter recreation, is well managed, and offers an excellent mix of recreational opportunities. This study verifies that backcountry recreation creates jobs and contributes significantly to the local economy. It’s hugely important for Winter Wildlands Alliance, both as a pilot project we hope to replicate in other regions and as a practical tool for land managers and planners in the region to use in resource allocation and management efforts.”
An executive summary and the full report, titled “Teton-West Yellowstone Backcountry Winter Recreation Economic Analysis,” are available at winterwildlands.org.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
Monday, November 25, 2013
Winter Backcountry Camping - Part 2
Yesterday we published part 1 of a two-part series produced by Glacier National Park on winter backcountry camping. Part 1 provided information on hypothermia, handling various winter trail conditions, avalanches, and how to handle emergencies. The second part in this series discusses setting up camp, winter camping etiquette and wildlife encounters:
For more information on camping in Glacier, please click here.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
For more information on camping in Glacier, please click here.
Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com
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