Cattle Drive Scheduled for Saturday Morning August 3rd

A traditional cattle drive will take place early Saturday morning, August 3, in Grand Teton National Park. While the cattle drive is underway, a two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26/89/191 will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic from Moran Junction to the Elk Ranch Flats area that lies just one mile south of the junction in the northern area of the park. Motorists should expect a travel delay between approximately 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. as cattle are herded from their summer pasture at Elk Ranch Flats to their pastures east of Moran. Park rangers will provide traffic control on the highway during this cattle drive.

Ranch wranglers will drive a herd of approximately 300 cattle eastward from the Elk Ranch Flats summer pasture to the private ranch using a right-of-way along U.S. Highway 26/287. As the cattle are herded towards Moran Junction, the animals must cross the Buffalo Fork Bridge on the highway.

To avoid the travel delay, motorists may choose to use an alternate route and drive the Teton Park Road between Jackson Lake Junction and Moose Junction.

In accordance with the 1950 Grand Teton National Park enabling legislation, certain historic grazing privileges were retained. Since that time, the fenced and irrigated Elk Ranch Flats pastures have been used for grazing each summer season.



Jeff
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Biologists to continue grizzly captures for research purposes in Yellowstone National Park; Public reminded to heed warning signs

As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Yellowstone National Park and the USGS would like to inform the public that biologists with the National Park Service and Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will be continuing scientific grizzly bear research operations in Yellowstone National Park through October 31.

Team members will bait and capture bears at several remote sites within Yellowstone National Park. Once captured, the bears are anesthetized to allow wildlife biologists to radio-collar and collect scientific samples for study. All capturing and handling are done in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST.

None of the capture sites in the park will be located near any established hiking trails or backcountry campsites, and all capture sites will have posted warnings for the closure perimeter. Potential access points will also be posted with warning signs for the closure area. Backcountry users who come upon any of these posted areas need to heed the warnings and stay out of the area.

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team was established in 1973 to collaboratively monitor and manage ecosystem bears on an interagency basis. The gathering of critical data on bears is part of a long-term research and monitoring effort to help wildlife managers devise and implement programs to support the ongoing conservation of Yellowstone’s grizzly bear and black bear populations.

The IGBST is composed of representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Fish and Game Department, and the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.



Jeff
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Fire contained near North Entrance in Yellowstone - Park seeking public’s help

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, a fire began spreading through the grass and sage between the North Entrance Station and the Gardner River. Personnel from Yellowstone National Park, the town of Gardiner, and Paradise Valley responded.

The fire was contained at approximately 4 acres, including a half-acre spot fire on the other side of the Gardner River.

The North Entrance Road was closed for approximately 90 minutes until the fire was contained. Outbound traffic was still able to exit the park via the Old Gardiner Road.

The quick response by fire crews prevented threats to visitors and buildings.

The fire was human caused and is under investigation. Anyone who was in the area on Friday evening and has information about people using the picnic area near the entrance station is encouraged to call the park’s 24-hour Tip Line at 307-344-2132. Callers can remain anonymous.

Wildland fire crews from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service will be in the field today mopping up.



Jeff
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Changes at String Lake to Protect Visitors and Resources - Visitors Reminded to Plan Ahead and Picnic Responsibly

String Lake is a popular summertime destination at Grand Teton National Park. Last summer, researchers found that over 4,000 people visit the String Lake area each day during the peak summer season. Nearly 25% of those visitors spend at least 3-4 hours at String Lake and don’t leave the immediate area. The park has initiated changes to encourage opportunities for safe and enjoyable recreation for park visitors while protecting park resources.

Visible changes will include: increased messaging about proper food storage practices and safe and responsible picnicking, rope and pole barriers along trails and lakeshore access to protect sensitive wetland and riparian habitats, road delineators to channel traffic and protect pedestrians and cyclists, and designated horse trailer parking at the Cathedral Group Turnout. Park staff will monitor the piloted changes, and adapt as appropriate.

In addition to the changes visitors will see this summer, the park is continuing the “Lakers” volunteer program. The Lakers are a dedicated group of volunteers stationed at String Lake whose purpose is to promote visitor safety and minimize human-wildlife interactions. Since their inception in 2016, the Lakers have educated thousands of visitors on the importance of food storage and bear awareness at String Lake. From May through September the Lakers maintain a presence seven days a week. These volunteers are vital to providing opportunities for safe visitor access and enjoyable experiences at String Lake.

Proper storage of food items and responsible picnicking are vitally important in bear country. Picnickers should only have immediate use items out so that if a bear approaches, food items can be quickly gathered and the opportunity for the bear to receive a food reward is removed. Visitors should store food and scented items in bear-resistant food storage lockers that are located throughout the park or in a hard-sided vehicle. The String Lake area has 12 food storage boxes available for public use, supported by Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

During the summers of 2017 and 2018, park staff worked with researchers to better understand visitor use and experience at String Lake and Leigh Lake, including lakeshore access, parking, wayfinding, sign management, and human-wildlife interactions. Researchers found that high visitation at String Lake takes place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The park encourages visitation during off-peak hours.

String Lake is located north of Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. The String Lake area includes three parking lots, two picnic areas, lakeshore access, and restroom facilities.

Plan ahead before your visit to String Lake and consider the following:

• Large groups are encouraged to carpool.
• Check the weather forecast before you arrive to better plan your day and destinations. If you plan to hike later in the day, it is critical that you know the weather forecast for the elevation of your destination, particularly to avoid lightning and thunderstorms.
• Arrive early or late as the parking lots at String Lake are typically full between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
• Be thoughtful of other visitors who are enjoying the natural landscape and soundscape.
• Picnic responsibly and have a plan in case a bear approaches. Utilize food storage boxes to minimize human-wildlife interactions.



Jeff
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Menors Ferry Day 2019

Families and children of all ages are invited to participate in Menors Ferry Day, hosted by Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton Association. The event will take place this Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the historic Menors Ferry, located in Moose, Wyoming.

Celebrate this historical landmark located within Grand Teton National Park. There will be a variety of activities. Take a walk back in time to learn more about Bill Menor, the proprietor who once lived at Menors Ferry, and the lifestyle that he lived. Historical activities include spinning demonstrations, music, historic interpretation, and a walking tour. This event is free and open to the public.

Menors Ferry was historically operated by Bill Menor. The ferry and general store drew homesteaders and visitors from across the Jackson Hole Valley, as it was the only safe ferry crossing in the area across the Snake River. Menor also operated a smokehouse and blacksmith shop. In 1918, he sold his cabin and business to Maud Noble, who continued to operate the business until 1927 when the State of Wyoming built a bridge over the Snake River, thereby rendering the ferry obsolete.

For additional information about activities and services within Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, please visit the park's website at nps.gov/grandteton or a park visitor center, or call 307.739.3300.



Jeff
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