Pika Monitoring Initiated During Summer 2009

Pikas are called "haymakers of the mountains"
for their habit of storing plant materials as a winter food supply.

(photo by Becky Wiles, NPS)
December 16, 2009
09-109
In response to a growing body of evidence indicating that climate change is slowly and persistently affecting the ecology of plant and animal species on a global scale, Grand Teton National Park biologists—in collaboration with Yellowstone National Park and Teton Science Schools—initiated a survey this past summer to develop baseline data on the local population of American pika (Ochotona princeps). Pikas reside at high elevations (one of few mammal species to so) and although they are found throughout the Teton Range, little is known about their habitat requirements, distribution, and historic or current range.

Recent scientific studies suggest that the American pika, a small lagomorph found in subalpine and alpine talus slopes, can be used as an indicator species for evaluating the effects of climate change in western North America because of its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. In a study conducted in Nevada’s Great Basin by Eric Beever, ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, 7 out of 25 pika populations were lost in the 55-86 years since their last recorded presence. Researchers also found that pika populations shifted upward an average elevation of 500 feet in Yosemite National Park; a fact that suggests pikas may eventually reach an elevation limit in their response to increasing temperatures. In addition, habitat models recently developed by April Craighead, with Craighead Environmental Research Institute, and Scott Loarie, with the Carnegie Institute, predict that pikas may disappear from over 80% of their current range by the turn of the century. The majority of this disappearance is expected to occur in the pikas’ lower elevation range where temperatures may exceed thresholds for their survival.

Evidence linking changes in pika numbers and their distribution to a warming climate prompted the Center for Biological Diversity to petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2007 to list pikas under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While a decision has not yet been issued on this petition, if listed, the American pika will become the first mammal species outside of Alaska to be protected under the ESA due to climate change threats.

Using geographic information system (GIS), Grand Teton biologists modeled suitable pika habitat located between Rendezvous Mountain and Paintbrush Canyon based on characteristics derived from published literature and related studies. Suitable habitat was defined as talus slopes less than 35 degrees in angle and no more than 400 meters from an established or “social” trail. Biologists selected 250 random locations to serve as established points for the survey. At each point, technicians assessed the area for habitat suitability and proceeded to locate physical evidence (scat, hay piles) as well as visual and/or vocal activity. Investigators then made population estimates in each plot and placed small sensors at ten survey sites that measure temperature several times a day. The sensors will be left in the field for one year, after which time they will be collected and the temperature data downloaded. Preliminary results from this year’s survey indicate that, within Grand Teton, observers found evidence of pika occupancy in or surrounding 47 of 49 plots, which ranged from 2000-3500 meters in elevation.

Grand Teton’s pika monitoring surveys were relatively simple and cost effective to implement. Based on this initial project, there is growing interest among Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem land management agencies in expanding surveys to include national forest areas, and other locations across the ecosystem.

This project serves as a critical first step in documenting where pika populations exist and ultimately will help biologists understand how those populations may change under different climate scenarios. Information from this project will be used to evaluate the health of Grand Teton’s pika population and comes at a time when pikas throughout the western United States are predicted to disappear in the near future due to climate change.

Boyd Evison Fellowship Applications Available

Boyd Evison
December 11, 2009
09-108
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott and Grand Teton Association Executive Director Jan Lynch announce that applications are available for the 2010 Boyd Evison Graduate Research Fellowship. Supported by donations to the Grand Teton Association (GTA), the Evison Fellowship provides whole or substantial support for new graduate studies that increase public awareness of the importance of science to parks, and of parks to science. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for research of the intangible and disappearing attributes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, and public or private lands surrounding the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA).

Proposals for the Evison Fellowship are encouraged to focus on new research studies or surveys; they may include studies which have not yet begun, or which have been initiated within the past year but are not fully funded. Emphasis areas may include topics such as: natural soundscapes; air and water; lesser-known ecosystem elements (plants, fish, insects, amphibians, fungi, snails, bacteria; geologic or other processes); and social science related to public understanding of natural resources and their use or management.

Fellowships average $5000-$10,000 per project, and may include housing at Grand Teton. In addition to a summary report or publication, students will be expected to provide one or more educational products to facilitate information transfer beyond the scientific audience, such as a presentation to resource managers, a public seminar, CD, or non-technical article.

Recent recipients of the Boyd Evison Fellowship include: Nicholas Dowie (2009, University of Wyoming) who is studying the symbiotic relationship between three organisms in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks: conifer trees, pinedrops, and a non-photosynthetic fungus that associates with conifers to obtain carbon; Emilene Ostlind (2008, University of Wyoming) who is writing a series of nonfiction essays about the pronghorn antelope herd that summers in Grand Teton and winters in the Upper Green River Basin as a means to promote designation of a national migration corridor for their protection; and Lyman Persico (2007, University of New Mexico) who is using his award to continue research in stream response to environmental change in the western United States, including the long-term effects that beavers and drought have placed on streams in the GYA.

In 2005, Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton Natural History Association collaborated to begin a new graduate research fellowship in memory of Boyd Evison, who died in October 2002. Evison retired in 1994 from an exemplary 42-year career with the National Park Service (NPS) in which he rose from being a park ranger and resource manager to superintendent and regional director in parks from Alaska to the Rocky Mountains. Evison was one of the greatest and most influential managers of the modern NPS. During his long career, he demonstrated leadership in conservation, environmental education, and expanding scientific knowledge to help shape wise management decisions and maintain native resources. After retiring from government service, Evison became the executive director of the Grand Teton Natural History Association, Grand Teton’s principle interpretive and educational partner. In 2007 for their 70th anniversary, the Grand Teton Natural History Association was renamed Grand Teton Association.

Applications for the 2010 Boyd Evison Fellowship must be postmarked by February 12, 2010; the recipient will be announced on April 15, 2010.

For further information or to request an application, write to Boyd Evison Graduate Fellowship, Grand Teton Association, P.O. Box 170, Moose, Wyoming 83012. Applicants may also phone Jan Lynch, executive director of the Grand Teton Association, at 307.739.3406, or call Grand Teton National Park Chief of Science and Resource Management Sue Consolo Murphy at 307.739.3481.

Contracts Awarded for Concession Operations

The Snake River meanders across Grand Teton NP,
providing opportunities for guided float and/or fish trips
December 8, 2009
09-107
National Park Service Intermountain Region Director Michael D. Snyder announced today in Denver, Colorado that operators have been selected for 12 concession contracts to provide guided float trips and fishing trips on the Snake River, multi-day lake trips on Jackson Lake, and/or guided horseback rides in Grand Teton National Park. Contracts will begin on January 1, 2010, and last for a term of 10 years.

Barker Ewing Scenic Tours, Jack Dennis Fishing Trips, Snake River Angler and Float Trips, Heart 6 Ranch, National Park Float Trips, O.A.R.S., Inc., Solitude Float Trips, Lost Creek Ranch, Boy Scouts of America and R Lazy S Ranch were preferred offerors for the contracts, pursuant to the terms of 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 51—Concession Contracts and Permits. Incumbent concessioners submitted responsive proposals and were selected for the contracts to continue services within Grand Teton National Park.

Crescent H Ranch, the current holder of Concession Contract CC-GRTE014, declined to submit a proposal; therefore, no preferred offeror existed. Snake River Angler and Float trips operated by Will Dornan was selected as the new concessioner for CC-GRTE014-10.

An additional contract to provide fishing only, originating from the Moose landing and proceeding downstream, was also awarded. Grand Fishing Adventures operated by Mike Rheam was selected for the new CC-GRTE052-10 contract.

Each of the 12 concession contracts authorizes specific activities, the designated launch and takeout locations within the park, and the number of launches allowed per day and month.

The NPS solicited proposals for these business opportunities through a prospectus issued on March 24, 2009. Proposals were accepted through May 22, 2009. A review team of industry experts and NPS employees analyzed the proposals based on criteria specified under the provisions of the 1998 Concessions Management Improvement Act. The 1998 Act made a number of changes in how contracts are awarded with the intent of insuring quality visitor services, protecting park resources, and enhancing the competitive contract process for NPS concession contracts. Guidelines used to evaluate the proposals can be found online at: http://concessions.nps.gov/policy.cfm.

Winter Season Activities to Begin

Ranger-led snowshoe hikes offer fun & educational winter experience

December 7, 2009
09-106
Activities for the 2009/10 winter season begin on Tuesday, December 15 in Grand Teton National Park. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (12 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming) is open year-round and winter hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Discovery Center will be closed on December 25, to observe the Christmas holiday.

A Single Day Pass is available to winter visitors at the Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations. This winter-season permit allows a one-day entry into Grand Teton at a cost of $5 per vehicle. The single day pass is valid only in Grand Teton and cannot be used for entry into Yellowstone. Winter visitors may choose to purchase one of the following other options for entry:
$25 Seven-day Pass valid for single vehicle entry into Grand Teton and Yellowstone
$50 Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass valid for one year entry into both parks
$80 Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all federal land fee areas

Ranger-led snowshoe hikes begin Saturday, December 19 at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. This 2-hour activity is offered every day at 1:30 p.m., and previous experience is not necessary. Snowshoes are provided for a requested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for kids 8 years or older. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399. Snowshoe hikes include the following options:
Snake River Nature Loop on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Murie Ranch Historic Landmark tour on Sundays and Wednesdays

Backcountry users and mountaineers planning to stay overnight in the backcountry must get a non-fee permit before their trip at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Permits are not required for day users. To obtain weather forecasts and avalanche hazard information, stop at the Discovery Center, visit the backcountry Web site http://www.jhavalanche.org/ , or call the avalanche hotline at 307.733.2664.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the park. Trails are skier tracked, but not groomed. The Teton Park Road (TPR) is a designated winter trail, open to non-motorized use. During the winter season, the unplowed TPR will be intermittently groomed for cross-country touring and skate skiing from the Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain. Severe winter storms or park emergencies may preempt the trail grooming schedule on occasion. Important reminder: Snowshoers should walk adjacent to the groomed cross-country ski trail, as snowshoes ruin the grooved track set for skiers’ use.

Skiers and snowshoers are not restricted to established trails; however, for protection of wildlife, they are required to observe closure areas from December 15 to April 1. To obtain trail maps, closure locations, or winter information, go to the park’s Web site at http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/maps.htm or visit the Discovery Center in Moose. Winter wildlife closure areas include:
Snake River floodplain from Moran to Menor's Ferry near Moose
Buffalo Fork River floodplain within the park
Kelly Hill and Uhl Hill
Static Peak
Prospectors Mountain
Mount Hunt areas (see the park's cross-country ski brochure for descriptions)

Leashed pets are allowed on the park's plowed roads and turnouts, the unplowed Moose-Wilson Road, and the Grassy Lake Road. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry, which includes all other park areas beyond the defined roadways.

The unplowed TPR will be open to visitors who wish to walk, snowshoe or ski with their leashed pet. Dogs are restricted to the multi-use portion of the TPR winter trail, and must be restrained at all times on a leash no longer than 6-feet in length. Dogs must also be leashed while in the parking areas at Taggart Lake or Signal Mountain. Please keep dogs off the groomed ski tracks as a courtesy to other trail users.

Mutt Mitt stations are in place at the TPR trailheads to dispense plastic bags for pet waste; trash receptacles are also available for disposal of used bags. Pet owners are required to clean up their pet's waste and properly dispose of the bags in the receptacles provided. Some pet owners have left used bags along the side of the road, and when these bags become buried in snow, they cause problems for rotary snow plows during the spring road opening. If pet owners do not comply with the rules and regulations—especially with regard to pet waste disposal and leash rules—it is possible that pets will be prohibited from the TPR in the future.

Please note that allowing pets on the TPR is a provisional program that may be discontinued at any time.

Dog sleds are not allowed on the Teton Park Road or on Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JDR Parkway).

Snowmobilers may use the frozen surface of Jackson Lake for the purposes of ice fishing only. A Wyoming State fishing license and appropriate fishing gear must be in possession.

On Jackson Lake, snowmobiles must meet National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements for Best Available Technology (BAT). Before operating a snowmobile in Grand Teton, review current snowmobile regulations and approved BAT machines online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/current_batlist.htm, or stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Snowmobiles may also use the Grassy Lake Road in the JDR Parkway for recreation. For winter 2009/10 BAT machine requirement does not apply to snowmobile use on the Grassy Lake Road between Flagg Ranch Resort and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

For further information about winter activities in Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, visit the park’s Web site at http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/winter.htm.

Grand Teton NP Receives Generous Donation

Mark Kornmann of NPF presents GTA Exec. Director Jan Lynch
& Deputy Superintendent Bob Vogel with Carole Hays’ check
November 30, 2009
09-105
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott is pleased to announce that a $25,000 donation was recently presented to the Grand Teton Association by Mark Kornmann of the National Park Foundation on behalf of Carole Hays, a Foundation board member. Hays offered her generous donation as a personal thank you to Grand Teton National Park and its employees who conducted a backcountry rescue of her this past summer. Hays’ substantial donation will be used to help establish a new “friends group” in support of the park’s search and rescue (SAR) program based at Jenny Lake—a program that performs multiple SAR operations each year.

Although Grand Teton and other parks have access to a national funding source specifically designed to defray costs associated with rescue incidents, there are often shortfalls in the funding needed for proficiency training and exercises, new and advanced SAR equipment, and a myriad of other associated costs. Through this donation and the creation of a friends group for Grand Teton's SAR program, a sustainable fund source will be available to support the efforts necessary in maintaining a highly-trained rescue team and fully-equipped rescue cache. The new friends group will enable Grand Teton to perform and fund vital SAR operations now and into the future.

The Grand Teton Association, the long-term cooperating association and partner of Grand Teton National Park, has accepted Hays’ donation on behalf of the park and established a dedicated account for this and other donations that may be directed specifically to support the park’s SAR program. The donation check was presented from the National Park Foundation to the Grand Teton Association through a grant agreement, establishing the Association as the fiscal manager of a Grand Teton National Park restricted “Search and Rescue” account.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly-skilled rescue staff at Grand Teton: a staff that is continually prepared to spring into action whenever the need arises,” said Superintendent Scott. “We are also very appreciative that Carole Hays has provided such a generous gift—the seed money to begin a new funding source that will help in assisting other visitors during their greatest time of need.” Superintendent Scott added, “With this generous check, Carole has created new opportunities for Grand Teton to provide critical care to those who may find themselves in need of rescue and medical care. Her generosity will benefit countless others.”

Winter Use Rule Published in Federal Register

November 17, 2009
09-104
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that the rule implementing the winter use plan for Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, November 20, 2009. The winter use plan allows snowmobile access for the purpose of ice fishing only on the frozen surface of Jackson Lake, and allows snowmobiles to use the Grassy Lake Road between Flagg Ranch Resort and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. On Jackson Lake, snowmobiles must meet National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements for Best Available Technology (BAT). The requirement does not apply to snowmobile use on the Grassy Lake Road.

The published rule will implement a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) signed last month by National Park Service Intermountain Region Director Mike Snyder. The FONSI and the winter use environmental assessment are available online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/, and the winter use rule will be available at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/browse.html.

Highway 26/89/191 from Jackson, Wyoming to Flagg Ranch Resort in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is open and plowed for wheeled vehicles throughout the winter season. This road provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. The Teton Park Road is closed to vehicle traffic during the winter season from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge—a distance of fifteen miles. The unplowed roadway is groomed and serves as a winter trail for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing.

The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center near park headquarters at Moose, Wyoming is open year-round and offers ranger-led snowshoe hikes each day from December 26 through late March. For information about winter activities and road conditions, please contact the Discovery Center at 307.739.3399. For a full range of winter information, please visit the park’s Web site at www.nps.gov/grte.

Information on lodging, restaurants, activities and other visitor services offered in the community of Jackson, near Grand Teton, can be obtained from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at 307.733.3316 or http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/. Information is also available from the Office of Wyoming Travel and Tourism at 800.225.5996 or http://www.wyomingtourism.org/.

LSR Preserve Hosts Third Book Club Discussion

November 2, 2009
09-103
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott extends an invitation to local residents to join an upcoming Laurance S. Rockefeller (LSR) Preserve book club discussion on Vintage Lopez, a book containing essays and short stories by author Barry Lopez. The book club discussion will take place Thursday, November 19, from 4 - 6 p.m. on the historic Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. This event is being co-hosted by The Murie Center; the Teton County Library Foundation has offered to provide complimentary copies of Vintage Lopez to the first ten people that R.S.V.P. to attend the discussion.

In an effort to inspire a spirit of conversation stewardship, the LSR Preserve book club was created this past summer and designed to explore literature that examines our connection to the natural world. This will be the third LSR Preserve book club discussion. This session coincides with the Teton County Library and Library Foundation's “Page to Podium” speaker series—featuring Barry Lopez—which is scheduled for December 3, 2009 in Jackson, Wyoming.

Barry Lopez is an essayist, author, and short-story writer. He is the author of Arctic Dreams, Of Wolves and Men, Field Notes, Resistance, and Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape. His essays are collected in Crossing Open Ground, About This Life, and Vintage Lopez—a collection of five essays, an excerpt from Arctic Dreams and six short stories published in 2004. In his nonfiction, Lopez writes often about the relationship between the physical landscape and human culture. In his fiction, he frequently addresses issues of intimacy, ethics, and identity.

To sign up for the book club discussion, or learn more about this event and how to obtain a copy of the book, please call Grand Teton National Park at 307.739.3656.

Fatal Single Vehicle Rollover in GTNP

October 27, 2009

A 55-year-old man from Freedom, Idaho died this morning,
October 27, when he apparently lost control of his Chevy truck on icy conditions and slid off an embankment on Highway 26/89/191 just south of the Gros Ventre Bridge in Grand Teton National Park. After rolling over, the vehicle came to rest about 40 yards from the roadway. The single-occupant driver was ejected from his vehicle. It did not appear that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Other motorists witnessed the accident and called 911 for help. The Teton County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers then notified Teton Interagency Dispatch Center of the accident at 8:30 a.m. A member of Jackson Hole Fire/EMS arrived on the scene and park rangers, along with park emergency medical technicians, immediately responded from park headquarters at Moose. Although a passerby had initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), those efforts were terminated due to the fatal nature of injuries. Park medics confirmed that the gentleman was deceased.

Rangers believe that the gentleman was driving southbound on Highway 89 when he encountered black ice near the Gros Ventre Bridge. His vehicle crossed the northbound lane and came to rest on the east side of the highway, after rolling over.

A German shepherd dog riding in the truck with the man was taken to Spring Creek Animal Hospital for evaluation of possible injuries. The dog was determined to be in good condition.

Parks Forge International Ties through Trails

Los Glaciares NP employee Ari Aieta
Argentinean park employees Ari Aieta & “Juanjo” Landucci
with Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott, Max Ludington (L) &
Grand Teton's trail supervisor Brian Bergsma (R)
October 26, 2009
09-101
From August through September, employees from Argentina’s Parque Nacional Los Glaciares worked alongside Grand Teton National Park’s trail crews and other park employees as part of a new, innovative agreement. Two international volunteers, Aristides Aieta and Juan Jose “Juanjo” Landucci, traveled to Grand Teton to expand their knowledge of trail maintenance and park management as part of a cooperative partnership between the two parks. A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Austral Andes near the border with Chile, Los Glaciares is similar to Grand Teton in that it is a mountainous park containing rugged granite peaks, glacially-carved valleys, and a history of ranching. In 2008, the two national parks developed a “sister park” agreement, authorizing a five-year program of technical exchange and cooperation with the goal of sharing expertise to build excellence in national park management for both agencies—the National Park Service and Argentine Administracion de Parques Nacionales.

The unique partnership between Grand Teton and Los Glaciares began in October 2004 when Los Glaciares served as the host site for an International Conference on Sustainability. Park Service employees attending the conference learned that the Argentinean park needed assistance to address severe impacts to its trail system and backcountry campsites. In March 2008, local resident and climbing guide Rolando Garibotti received funding from the American Alpine Club, via a grant received from Patagonia, Inc., making it possible for several Grand Teton employees to travel to Los Glaciares to share their professional expertise and guidance. The Grand Teton team helped to create a four-year work plan to address extensive erosion on numerous user-created trails, resulting from the impacts of stock animals, visitors (mainly climbers), water, and wind: conditions compounded by the loose morainal and glacial soils common throughout the park. Their recommended improvements, including relocation and rehabilitation of poorly located trails and campsites, were designed to mitigate the adverse impacts to resources and enhance visitors’ experiences in the South American park.

This winter, a Grand Teton trail supervisor and other staff will make a third trip to Los Glaciares with direction and assistance provided by project coordinator Garibotti. The budding partnership has become an educational and beneficial endeavor for all of the participants—on both continents.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott cordially welcomed the Argentinean volunteers and looks forward to continuing a productive program between the two “sister” parks. “This international partnership is a wonderful outreach effort, allowing us to assist and educate a park with similar topography and management issues,” said Superintendent Scott. “The program also provides a valuable opportunity for Grand Teton’s staff to learn from our counterparts in Argentina about their particular management challenges and resource impacts. The lessons we learn from one another will improve park operations in these separate, but similar, parts of the world.”

New Winter Use Plan for Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

October 15, 2009

A new plan to provide for limited, regulated snowmobile access in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway has been approved. This decision provides long-term direction for winter use management for these park units.

An environmental assessment (EA) and proposed rule were released for public review last fall. Comments received have been reviewed, and a Finding of No Significant Impact has been signed. It is available online at http://www.nps.gov/grte/parkmgmt/planning.htm and http://parkplanning.nps.gov/.

Twenty-five snowmobiles per day, with no best available technology (BAT) or guiding requirement, will be allowed to travel on the Grassy Lake Road to provide access to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. On Jackson Lake, an initial daily limit of 25 BAT snowmobiles will provide access to ice fishing opportunities for persons possessing appropriate fishing gear and a valid State of Wyoming fishing license. The limit may be increased to 40 snowmobiles per day if monitoring of park resources indicates acceptable conditions. Grooming and motorized oversnow travel on the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail between Moran Junction and Flagg Ranch will be discontinued.

For Yellowstone, the plan is temporary and would be effective for the next two winters. The Yellowstone plan allows up to 318 commercially guided, BAT snowmobiles, and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches in a day for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 winter seasons. It also continues to provide for motorized oversnow travel over Sylvan Pass and the East Entrance road. During the next two years, the National Park Service will prepare a new Environmental Impact Statement and a new long term plan for winter use in Yellowstone National Park.

Rules to implement the decision will be published in the coming weeks in the Federal Register, to allow the parks to open for the winter season as scheduled on December 15, 2009.

Before operating a snowmobile in Grand Teton National Park, visitors should review current snowmobile regulations and approved BAT machines online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/current_batlist.htm or stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.

Elk Reduction Program to Begin in Grand Teton

Bull elk with "harem" of cow elk during fall rut

October 2, 2009
09-99
The annual elk reduction program in Grand Teton National Park will begin on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Under its 1950 enabling legislation, Grand Teton is mandated by federal law to conduct an elk reduction program — when necessary — for the conservation of the elk population in Jackson Hole. Because the elk herd is above its management objective of 11,000 animals, intensive management (including the reduction program) is warranted.

The elk reduction program utilizes Wyoming-licensed hunters that apply for and receive limited quota permits in hunt areas #75 and #79. As provided in the 1950 legislation, a park permit temporarily deputizes the hunters as park rangers, giving them the authority to take one elk. Permits are for either cow/calf elk, or for any elk. A map showing specific park locations open to hunters participating in the elk reduction program is available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.

As a part of their special use permit—and as an added safety measure—each participant receives a strong, proactive message alerting them to the presence of grizzly bears throughout the authorized hunt zones. In addition, hunters are required to carry bear pepper spray as a non-lethal deterrent for use during potential bear encounters. Hunters are also advised not to leave a carcass unattended and to remove their harvested elk as soon as possible. Each fall, park rangers strictly monitor and patrol the elk reduction areas located within the park to ensure compliance with rules and regulations associated with this wildlife management program.

The recent killing of grizzly bear #615 by a hunter in the Ditch Creek area east of Grand Teton makes a compelling case for hunters to carry bear spray and be alert while in the field. Scientific studies indicate that bear spray is more effective than bullets in defusing a potentially life-threatening bear-human encounter; bear spray provides more effective protection for the hunter as well as the bear. Based on his extensive research, bear biologist Dr. Stephen Herrero has concluded that the chances of a person incurring serious injury from a charging grizzly bear significantly increases when bullets are fired versus when bear spray is used as a defense.

Bears and other scavengers throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) have learned to seek out and feed on gut piles and other hunter-related carrion during the fall season. This represents an important, highly nutritious food source to these animals, and it can create circumstances when bears aggressively defend carcasses and gut piles. Hunters and other park visitors should keep in mind that dozens of grizzlies use the park regularly and may be encountered anywhere and anytime. All necessary precautions for recreating in bear country need to be strictly followed, particularly those that apply to hunters.

The Conservation Strategy for Grizzly Bears in the GYE guides the continuing efforts by land and wildlife managers to conserve bear habitat and minimize bear-human conflicts through education and compliance with appropriate regulations, including those related to keeping a safe distance when viewing bears. To ensure a healthy grizzly bear population, every effort is made to educate park visitors, concessioner employees, local residents and hunters about living and recreating responsibly in bear country.

Rangers will continue to monitor park wildlife and educate all users about their personal responsibility for maintaining a safe environment—for their own health, as well as for the welfare of the animals.

Bearpaw Bay Fire Update #3

Bearpaw Bay Fire on Tuesday Afternoon, September 29
September 30, 2009
5:30 p.m. (MDT)
09-98
With the arrival of cooler temperatures and wetter weather on Wednesday, September 30, fire activity on the Bearpaw Bay Fire in Grand Teton National Park significantly decreased. Teton Interagency firefighters were able to successfully complete control actions on Tuesday to limit fire spread towards the east and into old-growth lodgepole pine forests. Fire personnel will continue to closely monitor the fire, especially the southeast flank, to ensure that it stays within the acceptable perimeter. The Bearpaw Bay Fire remains at 2,844 acres in size, and will again be primarily managed as a resource-benefit fire.

On Wednesday morning, firefighters from the Unified Fire Authority out of Salt Lake City and Teton Interagency fire personnel pulled fire hoses, pumps and other equipment from established fire lines and completed rehabilitation work on those lines in an effort to mitigate the potential impacts of recent fire suppression work. In addition, the Type I FireHawk helicopter, which provided air support during the past two days, was released to its home base in Boise, Idaho. One Teton Interagency fire engine will monitor ongoing fire activity into the weekend, or until further fire activity dictates.

The Spalding Bay Road, trail along the eastshore of Leigh Lake, backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and several lakeshore campsites along the west shore of Jackson Lake, will remain closed as a safety precaution until hazard trees (burned snags) can be removed.

Bearpaw Bay Fire

Started: August 30, 2009, by lightning
Estimated Size: 2,844 acres
Location: Approximately two miles northeast of North Jenny Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, and west of Spalding Bay on Jackson Lake.
Overview: A lightning-caused fire, the Bearpaw Bay Fire began on August 30 and has been managed for resource benefits according to the park’s fire management plan. The fire was burning primarily in the 1981 Mystic Isle Fire area, but moved into old growth lodgepole forest late afternoon on September 25. It spread toward the Teton Park Road and the southern tip of Jackson Lake, causing fire managers to initiate suppression activities. The fire has remained within the approved area, and due to recent moisture, the fire is again being monitored and managed as a resource-benefit fire.
Recent Activity and Expectations: The Bearpaw Bay Fire will continue to burn until sufficient late season rain or snows extinguish it; however, recent moisture and cooler temperatures have reduced its activity.
Closures or Impacts to Visitors and Area Residents: The Spalding Bay Road, eastshore trail along Leigh Lake, backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and several lakeshore campsites along the west shore of Jackson Lake, all remain closed due to hazard trees and ongoing fire activity.
Fire Updates: For current fire information, go to http://www.tetonfires.com/ or visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html. For a map of the Bearpaw Bay Fire go to http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Bearpaw Bay Fire Update #2

Bearpaw Bay Fire from Jackson Lake
photo courtesy of Clay James
September 28, 2009
5:30 p.m. (MDT)
09-97
Teton Interagency firefighters continued fire suppression on the southeast flank of the Bearpaw Bay Fire in Grand Teton National Park throughout Monday, September 28. The fire was mapped during a mid-morning flight with a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and determined to be 2,844 acres.

Throughout Monday, fire managers again used one heavy helicopter (700-gallon capacity) to make water bucket drops on the southeast segment of the fire. Two fire engines (one from Sublette County and one from Grand Teton), as well as water tender from Grand Teton, continued to extinguish spot fires and hot spots along the Teton Park Road and Spalding Bay Road. Fire support from the Unified Fire Authority out of Salt Lake City and a Hot Shot crew from Carson City, Nevada continued to support firefighting activities as they have for the past two days. The Leigh Lake backcountry patrol cabin was partially wrapped in fire retardant material as a precaution; however, the fire did not reach the cabin. Fire suppression remains focused on the southeast flank of the fire to prevent it from advancing further east and into old growth lodgepole pine forests. Weather forecasts call for windy conditions on Tuesday, September 29, in advance of a cold front.

The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake. The Teton Park Road is open and has remained open throughout the recent fire activity (with the exception of one hour on Friday evening, September 25).

Heavy smoke blanketing the Jackson Hole valley is the result of fires in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well as prescribed burns on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Individuals with impaired respiratory conditions and young children are advised to stay indoors to reduce exposure to smoke. People should avoid exercise or physical exertion during the next two days while heavy smoke exists.

Bearpaw Bay Fire
Started: August 30, 2009, by lightning
Estimated Size: 2,844 acres
Location: Approximately two miles northeast of North Jenny Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, and west of Spalding Bay on Jackson Lake.
Overview: A lightning-caused fire, the Bearpaw Bay Fire began on August 30 and has been managed for resource benefits according to the park’s fire management plan. The fire was burning primarily in the 1981 Mystic Isle Fire area, but moved into old growth lodgepole forest late afternoon on September 25. It has remained within the approved area; however, firefighters are suppressing the southeast flank, near the southwestern shore of Spalding Bay, with an objective to limit any further spread to the east.
Recent Activity and Expectations: The Bearpaw Bay Fire was mapped using GPS at 2,844 acres on Monday, September 28. Weather forecasts call for winds out of the southwest on Tuesday.
Closures or Impacts to Visitors and Area Residents: The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake. The Spalding Bay Road is closed.
Fire Updates: For current fire information, go to http://www.tetonfires.com/ or visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html. For a map of the Bearpaw Bay Fire go to http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Bearpaw Bay Fire Update

Smoke column during active burning late Friday, September 25
Bearpaw Bay Fire, early Friday, September 25
September 27, 2009
3:00 p.m. (MDT)
09-96
Teton Interagency firefighters continued fire suppression on the southeast flank of the Bearpaw Bay Fire in Grand Teton National Park throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, September 26. The fire was mapped on Saturday afternoon with a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and determined to be 1,500 acres in size.

On Sunday, September 27, fire managers again used one medium helicopter (300-gallon capacity) and one heavy helicopter (700-gallon capacity) to make water bucket drops on the southeast segment of the fire. Four fire engines (three from Teton County and one from Grand Teton), as well as one Teton County water tender, are staged at various points along the Teton Park Road to extinguish spot fires that may occur with expected afternoon winds. A Type II fire crew from Salt Lake City arrived on Saturday, as well as a Hot Shot crew from Carson City, Nevada; these firefighters will continue to suppress hotspots and establish fire lines around the southeast fire perimeter throughout the afternoon and evening in an effort to limit further growth to the east. Weather forecasts call for brisk 20-mph afternoon winds out of the southwest, shifting to northwest winds in the late afternoon.

The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake. At this time, the Teton Park Road is open; however, fire activity may require temporary closures as a safety precaution.

Heavy smoke has blanketed the Jackson Hole valley during the last few days because of fires in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well as prescribed burns on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Individuals with impaired respiratory conditions and young children are advised to stay indoors to reduce exposure to smoke. People should avoid exercise or physical exertion during the next two days while heavy smoke exists.

Bearpaw Bay Fire

Started: August 30, 2009, by lightning
Estimated Size: 1,500 acres
Location: Approximately two miles northeast of North Jenny Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, and west of Spalding Bay on Jackson Lake.
Overview: A lightning-caused fire, the Bearpaw Bay Fire began on August 30 and has been managed for resource benefits according to the park’s fire management plan. The fire was burning primarily in the 1981 Mystic Isle Fire area, but moved into old growth lodgepole forest late afternoon on September 25. It has remained within the approved area; however, firefighters are suppressing the southeast flank, near the southwestern shore of Spalding Bay, with an objective to limit any further spread to the east.
Recent Activity and Expectations: The Bearpaw Bay Fire was mapped using GPS at 1,500 acres on Saturday, September 27. Weather forecasts call for increased winds out of the southwest on Sunday.
Closures or Impacts to Visitors and Area Residents: The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake. The Spalding Bay Road is closed, and the Teton Park Road may be closed as conditions warrant during Sunday.
Fire Updates: For current fire information, go to http://www.tetonfires.com/ or visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html. For a map of the Bearpaw Bay Fire go to http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Bearpaw Bay Fire Increases

September 26, 2009
12:45 p.m. (MDT)
09-95
Teton Interagency firefighters began fire suppression activities on the southeast flank of the Bearpaw Bay Fire in Grand Teton National Park on Saturday morning, September 26, after brisk northwest winds on Friday evening pushed the fire 1.5 miles south toward the Teton Park Road. The Bearpaw Bay Fire has grown from 130 acres to about 350 acres in the past 24 hours.

Fire management officers called for one medium helicopter (300-gallon capacity) and two heavy helicopters (700-gallon capacity) to make water bucket drops on the southeast segment of the Bearpaw Bay Fire early Saturday. In addition to water-drops, four fire engines are patrolling the Teton Park Road to extinguish any spot fires that might occur with afternoon heating and increased winds. A Type II fire crew will arrive mid-day and begin to establish fire lines around the southeast perimeter of the fire. Weather forecasts call for brisk afternoon winds of 20- mph out of the southwest on Saturday with similar conditions predicted for Sunday, September 27.

A temporary closure of the Teton Park Road was imposed as a safety precaution due to heavy smoke for an hour on Friday evening. The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake.

Heavy smoke has blanketed the Jackson Hole valley during the last few days because of fires in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well as prescribed burns on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Individuals with impaired respiratory conditions and young children are advised to stay indoors to reduce exposure to smoke. People should avoid exercise or physical exertion during the next two days while heavy smoke remains.

Bearpaw Bay Fire
Started: August 30, 2009
Estimated Size: 350+ acres
Location: Approximately two miles northeast of North Jenny Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, and southeast of Bearpaw Bay on Jackson Lake.
Overview: The Bearpaw Bay Fire is a lightning-caused fire that began on August 30, and has been managed for resource benefits according the park’s fire management plan. The fire was burning primarily in the 1981 Mystic Isle Fire area, but moved into old growth lodgepole forest yesterday. It has remained within the approved area for a resource-benefit fire. Firefighters are suppressing the southeast flank, near the west shore of Spalding Bay, with an objective to limit any further spread to the east.
Recent Activity and Expectations: The Bearpaw Bay Fire has grown from 130 acres to about 350 acres in the past 24 hours. Weather forecasts call for increased winds out of the south/southwest on Saturday and Sunday.
Closures or Impacts to Visitors and Area Residents: The eastshore trail along Leigh Lake is closed due to the proximity of the fire, as are several backcountry campsites on Leigh, Bearpaw and Trapper lakes, and the lakeshore campsites in the Spalding Bay area of Jackson Lake. The Teton Park Road may be closed as conditions warrant during Saturday and Sunday.
Fire Updates: For current fire information, go to http://www.tetonfires.com/ or visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html. For a map of the Bearpaw Bay Fire go to http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Hiker Falls to his Death on Teewinot

Aerial view of Teewinot Mountain
September 23, 2009
09-94
Grand Teton National Park rangers used the Teton interagency contract helicopter to locate and retrieve the body of a backcountry hiker who apparently fell to his death on Teewinot Mountain about
1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22. Eliot Kalmbach, age 24, from Pennsylvania and his partner Jon Winiasz, age 23, of Vermilion, Ohio were traversing a steep slope on Teewinot when Kalmbach fell and tumbled approximately 300 feet and sustained fatal injuries. Because the two men only intended to hike and scramble, neither was wearing a helmet or carrying climbing gear.

Kalmbach and Winiasz arrived in Grand Teton a few days before the accident. After consulting with park rangers about various backcountry hiking and climbing possibilities, they hiked to Delta Lake on Sunday, September 20, and climbed the Southwest Couloir on Middle Teton on Monday. On Tuesday morning, they parked at the Lupine Meadows trailhead and hiked up a portion of the Apex Trail to reach and explore the east flank of Teewinot. During their excursion, they got off course and onto a more vertical slope than they intended, and Kalmbach accidentally fell while trying to scramble across technical terrain. After Kalmbach came to rest, Winiasz scrambled down to him and realized that his friend was unconscious, not breathing and without a pulse. Winiasz used Kalmbach’s cell phone to call 911 and the emergency call was transferred to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 1:28 p.m.

Park rangers summoned the contract helicopter that was already working in the vicinity, and used the ship to pinpoint the hikers’ location from the air. Rangers determined that no suitable landing spot was available from which they could stage a mountain-based rescue operation, so they conducted a short-haul mission from the park’s rescue cache at Lupine Meadows on the valley floor.

One ranger with emergency gear was inserted via short-haul into the accident site at 3:30 p.m. Upon arriving, he confirmed that Kalmbach was deceased. A second ranger was inserted with a rescue litter, and the two placed Winiasz into an evacuation suit for a short-haul flight to the Lupine Meadows rescue cache. The helicopter made a second flight at 4:30 p.m. to evacuate Kalmbach. Teton County Coroner Bob Campbell then met the rangers at Lupine Meadows to transport Kalmbach by vehicle to Jackson, Wyoming.

Celebrate America’s Best Idea: National Parks

Oxbow Bend Fall Splendor
photo by Heather Voster, NPS
September 21, 2009
09-93
In celebration of the premiere broadcast of the new Ken Burns film, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton Lodge Company, WyomingPBS and WETA Television, and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival are pleased to announce a co-sponsored community event to be held on Sunday evening, September 27. Please join family, friends, neighbors and other national park fans for a viewing of Episode One of the 12-hour, 6-part series about national parks created by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and his partner Dayton Duncan.

This public event will be held in the Explorer Room at Jackson Lake Lodge. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-reception cash bar and Jackson Lake Lodge’s signature treats for purchase. Grand Teton Lodge Company will also provide popcorn during the movie. The premiere viewing will follow at 7 p.m. with a Blu-ray high-definition disc played on a large-format television screen, offering viewers an unprecedented visual experience. Seating will be limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open to the Explorer Room at 6:30 p.m.; those planning to attend should come early.

Burns and Duncan, co-producer and script writer, began work on their documentary film over six years ago. The filmmakers wanted to capture what they believe to be a story of an idea as uniquely American, and just as radical, as the Declaration of Independence. This new series follows in the tradition of Burns’ exploration of other American inventions, such as baseball and jazz, and it weaves together a fascinating tale of how the most exceptional places in our Nation were preserved for everyone—not for just royalty or the rich—to experience and enjoy.

Wallace Stegner called our national parks “the best idea we ever had,” and it was this sentiment that inspired the title for the series. The filmmakers and their production company, Florentine Films, visited both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks several times in order to capture stories and scenic footage during the making of their documentary. The fruits of their labor have grown into an inspiring and educational journey into the history of the making of our National Park System.

Repair Work on the Snake River Bridge at Moose

September 18, 2009
09-92
Minor repair work will be underway on the Snake River Bridge
at Moose, in Grand Teton National Park, beginning Monday, September 21. This project will require one-lane closures and traffic delays of up to 15 minutes while crews repari and paint portions of the bridge and its steel railings and girders. The work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and continue until mid-October.

Local residents, park visitors and commercial services drivers should plan for minimal travel delays between Dornan’s and the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Flaggers will manage the traffic flow and make every attempt to minimize any inconvenience that this bridge work may cause; however, motorists are advised to allow for extra time in getting to their destination.

In order to reduce congestion and improve safety, parking near the Snake River Bridge will not be permitted while construction work is underway.

Prescribed-burns Planned in Grand Teton

Slash piles from fuels reduction work
will be burned late fall/early winter
September 17, 2009
09-91
Teton interagency fire personnel and Grand Teton National Park natural resource managers are planning a 182-acre prescribed burn as part of a 4,000-acre native rangeland restoration project. The Elbo West Prescribed Fire will cover an area on Antelope Flats that lies southeast of the Ditch Creek Road and Teton Science Schools’ Kelly campus.

This project involves a multi-stage effort to convert old pastureland to native vegetation as directed by the 2007 Bison and Elk Management Plan for the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park. The Elbo West burn unit was an irrigated hayfield prior to the 1970s. Despite a decades-long recovery time, non-native grasses—and a host of noxious weeds—still dominate this area.

Another project in Grand Teton involves a 208-acre unit located on Signal Mountain. The Signal Mountain Prescribed Fire would mitigate a potential threat to life, and damage to property, from wildfire by reducing accumulated vegetation and downed trees and creating a mosaic of burned and unburned areas. Reducing the density and continuity of fuels (trees and underbrush) using prescribed fire would increase options for wildfire containment and provide for better protection of Signal Mountain Lodge, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart and the Brinkerhoff Cabin in the event of a wildfire. Because of higher than normal fuel moisture this year, the Signal Mountain Prescribed Fire may not take place this fall; however, fire managers have a plan ready in case weather and fuel conditions become favorable to meet project objectives.

Interagency fire personnel will also burn several “slash piles” in the park after early winter snowfall occurs. The primary target areas are Death Canyon, Ditch Creek and Flagg Ranch. These piles are mostly in developed areas where fire crews have removed dead wood and brush from the forest floor to increase firefighter and public safety and to lower the risk of losing structures in the event of a wildfire. Firefighters place the slash in tepee-shaped piles and let them cure for a year before burning them.

Prescribed fire ignitions will proceed only when favorable weather and fire behavior conditions exist. Smoke will be evident during the day of the burn, and may persist for several days after—especially in mountain valleys during early morning and evening hours. Local residents and visitors should exercise caution in the vicinity of the prescribed fires. Minimal traffic restrictions may occur to allow for public and firefighter safety, and fire equipment access.

Celebrate Nat'l Public Lands Day & Volunteer

Teton Range framed by fall colors
September 15, 2009
09-90
In recognition of the 16th annual National Public Lands Day, Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees (including commercial tour fees) on Saturday, September 26. National Public Lands Day also serves as the nation’s largest volunteer undertaking: an opportunity for individuals and communities to improve the natural and cultural treasures that Americans enjoy and value. As part of the 2009 event, Grand Teton is calling for a “Grand Day of Public Service for America’s Best Idea: the National Parks” by inviting volunteers to join park staff in accomplishing several hands-on projects.

Anyone volunteering at Grand Teton on September 26 will be invited to begin their day of service by viewing a 45-minute video by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, titled This is America, at 8 a.m. in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. After the film, volunteers will help with projects such as the rehabilitation and revegetation of Schwabacher’s Landing on the Snake River, replacement of wooden benches at the Jenny Lake campground circle, exhibit cleaning at the Discovery Center, and various fence removal projects across the park. The day of service culminates with a picnic lunch at 1 p.m. sponsored by the Grand Teton Association—the park’s non-profit partner of 72 years. To sign up for this community volunteer day, please call the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at 307.739.3391.

Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott invites members of the Jackson Hole community to join park staff in making the 2009 National Public Lands Day especially memorable. “September is such a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of Grand Teton and its wildlife,” said Superintendent Scott. “Thanks to the new Ken Burns documentary film highlighting national parks, this year promises to be an even more compelling time to visit any one of the 391 national park units, to get involved, and show your personal appreciation through volunteering.”

Episode one of Ken Burns’ 6-part documentary series—titled The National Parks: America’s Best Idea— is scheduled to air on WyomingPBS on Sunday evening, September 27.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with a purpose to increase awareness of the value of all public lands, to foster shared stewardship of America’s national resources, and to encourage people to volunteer their time. Federal land agencies have created partnerships with private individuals and citizen groups in an effort to improve, restore or enhance public lands and to provide opportunities for education, outdoor recreation, and enjoyment. Eight federal agencies and many state and local partners, plus dozens of non-profit organizations, several national sponsors, and tens of thousands of individuals are expected to participate in this annual day of caring for our shared lands. Last year, 120,000 volunteers participated in projects across the country; many dedicated individuals and organizations are expected to help this year.

National Public Lands Day is the only time that entrance fees are systematically waived on public lands across America. In addition to national park units, fees will be waived at other land management sites, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Forest Service areas. In addition to National Public Lands Day, United States veterans are admitted free to national parks each year on Veteran’s Day in November.

Rangers Charge Two for Attempted Poaching and Other Violations

September 11, 2009
09-89
Grand Teton National Park rangers arrested one man and cited another on Thursday, September 10, during an investigation of an attempted poaching of a bull elk in the park. Ryan Palmer, age 25, and his 32-year-old brother Tracy Palmer, both residents of Rawlins, Wyoming, were cited for resource violations, drug violations, and weapons violations. They will each face a mandatory appearance in federal court for multiple charges.

About 2 a.m. on Thursday, Ryan Palmer was driving his Chevy truck down Highway 26/89/191 near the Snake River Overlook when a Teton County deputy sheriff stopped him for swerving in the road. The deputy sheriff performed an investigation for alcohol-related violations, and consequently cited Palmer for possession of an open container. During the investigation, the deputy sheriff also learned that Ryan’s brother, Tracy, had been let off near the Triangle X Ranch in pursuit of a bull elk with a bow and arrow. The deputy sheriff notified the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center, and park rangers responded to both locate Tracy and conduct an interview of Ryan in the investigation of a possible wildlife poaching. During the roadside interview with Ryan, other violations were discovered; as a result of the evidence, rangers arrested Ryan and took him into custody.

Rangers discovered that the Palmer brothers had driven to Jackson Hole to hunt elk on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. In the early hours of Thursday morning, the brothers decided to spotlight wildlife—an illegal activity in Grand Teton National Park. They spotted a bull elk with its harem of cows about one mile south of Triangle X Ranch, and armed with a bow and quiver of arrows, Tracy got out of the vehicle to shoot the animal. Ryan apparently drove on down the highway after seeing the deputy sheriff’s patrol car, leaving his brother behind in the brush.

After a systematic search, park rangers eventually located Tracy about 9:30 in the morning as he emerged from the underbrush and approached the road in an effort to hitch a ride. Tracy Palmer was subsequently charged with illegally spotlighting, discharging of a weapon in a national park, and attempting the illegal take of wildlife; he was cited and released.

During the interview of Ryan, evidence of other illegal activity was discovered; rangers found illegal drugs (methamphetamine) and paraphernalia, as well as several loaded firearms in his vehicle. Ryan Palmer was charged with illegally spotlighting, possession of drugs, and illegal possession of loaded firearms, in addition to the citation he received from the deputy sheriff for possession of an open container. Ryan is being held in the Teton County jail pending a more serious charge for felony possession of firearms.

Rangers later returned to the area of the possible poaching and searched for evidence of blood or an animal carcass, but none was found. At this time, it appears that Tracy missed his intended target; however, the investigation is ongoing.

Law enforcement officers from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Hole Police Department were instrumental in the apprehension of these two brothers. Their assistance to park rangers serves as another great example of the cooperative support that local law enforcement agencies provide to one another throughout the greater Jackson Hole area.

Grand Teton to Host America’s Best Idea Events

September 10, 2009
09-88
Over the next several weeks, Grand Teton National Park will highlight the significance of national parks and their importance to our Nation’s rich heritage by offering several special programs in advance of the television broadcast on WyomingPBS of Ken Burns’ new documentary titled, National Parks: America’s Best Idea. These programs are free and open to the public.

September 12: Old Bill’s Fun Run. Join park ranger naturalists for fun, educational activities at Grand Teton Association’s booth during the community event on the Jackson Town Square. For more information, phone the Jenny Lake Visitor Center at 307.739.3392.

September 14-18: Untold Stories Film Festival. Watch selections from Ken Burns’ Florentine Films that highlight diverse groups who have been instrumental in the creation of America’s national parks. Viewings occur daily in the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at
10 a.m. and in Colter Bay Visitor Center at 4 p.m. For details on these films, call the Colter Bay VC at 307.739.3594 or the Craig Thomas Center at 307.739.3399. Films include:
· City Kids in National Parks
· Manzanar: “Never Again”
· Mount Rushmore: Telling America’s Stories
· San Antonio Missions: Keeping History Alive
· Yosemite’s Buffalo Soldiers

September 17: Nature Journaling and Sketching. Join rangers at the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve to learn about journaling techniques and how to make sketches of natural objects. All experience levels are welcome, but space is limited; to reserve a spot, call the LSR Preserve Center at 307.739.3654.

September 24: Book Club Discussion. Attend a fireside conversation on "Creating the National Parks: the Missing Years" by Horace Albright & Marion Albright Schenk at the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve Center’s Resource Room from 4-6 p.m. For more information, phone the LSR Preserve Center at 307.739.3654.

September 26: A Grand Day of Public Service for America's Best Idea: the National Parks Join park staff for a public viewing of This is America, a 45-minute film by Ken Burns, followed by volunteer projects (fence removal on Antelope Flats, reduction of social trails on LSR Preserve & other trails rehab projects, painting projects, etc.) The day of service culminates with a picnic sponsored by the Grand Teton Association. The film debut starts at 8 a.m. at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, and the picnic will conclude about 2 p.m. To sign up for this community volunteer day event, please call the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at 307.739.3399.

Closing Dates for Visitor Services in GTNP

September 10, 2009
09-87
Grand Teton National Park's facility operations will make the annual transition from fall to winter season during the next few weeks. The following dates reflect the closing dates that will occur during September and October.

SEPTEMBER CLOSURES
Campgrounds
Lizard Creek: September 1 (closed)
Flagg Ranch: September 20 (12 noon)
Jenny Lake: September 27 (11 am)
Colter Bay: September 27 (11 am)
Ranger Stations & Visitor Centers
Flagg Ranch Info Station: September 7 (closed)
Jenny Lake Ranger Station: September 20 (5 pm)
Jenny Lake Visitor Center: September 27 (4:30 pm)
LSR Preserve Center: September 27 (5 pm)

OCTOBER CLOSURES
Campgrounds
Gros Ventre: October 9 (11 am)
Signal Mountain: October 18 (11 am)
Ranger Stations & Visitor Centers
Colter Bay Visitor Center: October 12 (5 pm)
Entrance Stations
Granite Canyon: October 31 (5 pm)
Moose: October 31 (5 pm)
Moran: October 31 (5 pm)
Road Closures
Moose-Wilson Road: October 31 (evening)
Teton Park Road: October 31 (evening)

CONCESSIONER LODGING CLOSURES
Colter Bay Village: September 27 (11 am)
Flagg Ranch: September 28 (Noon)
Jackson Lake Lodge: October 4 (11 am)
Jenny Lake Lodge: October 11 (Noon)
Signal Mountain Lodge: October 18 (11 am)
Triangle X Ranch: October 31

For detailed information on closures, please call 307.739.3300, or consult the park newspaper, Teewinot, at http://www.nps.gov/.

The winter operation schedule will be announced in December.

Rangers Rescue Stranded Boaters from Snake River

September 4, 2009
09-86
Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued two stranded boaters from the Bourbon Street Channel of the Snake River today, September 4, at approximately 3:45 p.m. A boatman and his partner apparently flipped their dory (drift boat) while floating the side channel and were unable to right their craft. One man was stranded atop the boat, which was lodged against the root-ball of a half submerged snag in the channel; the other man was able to get to the riverbank. Neither of the two men was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a cell phone call at 2:00 p.m. from a passing boater that reported seeing a man who was stranded in the river channel and clinging to the keel of his upturned boat. Park rangers launched two rescue rafts from the Moose Landing, while additional park staff drove to a remote river access point and approached the location on foot. In addition, Teton County Search and Rescue personnel launched a motorboat from the Wilson Landing, located 12 miles downstream. The rangers on foot were not able to reach the stranded boater and instructed him to stay atop his dory until rescue boats could get to him by water. Rangers reached the stranded boatman, safely transferred him to the rescue raft and floated him to a downstream landing. His partner was also transported to safety.

The identities of the two men have not been reported at this time.

Increased August Visitation Recorded for GTNP

September 3, 2009
09-85
Recreational visits to Grand Teton National Park during the 2009 summer season showed a notable increase for the second consecutive month (July and August), over visitation numbers for the same months in 2008. A total of 568,122 visitors were recorded during August of 2009 compared with 527,256 visitors in August of 2008, making a 7.75% increase in visitation.

Grand Teton’s July 2009 visitation numbers showed an increase of 5.91% over visitation totals for July of 2008. Although the year-to-date, total visitation is down a slight .81%, the increased numbers of visitors during July and August are encouraging. “Given the economic concerns across America, these visitation numbers are promising,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. “We believe that families and individuals look to our national parks for an economical, value-packed, quality vacation. In addition, visitors know that national parks are special places with the capacity to enrich our lives and provide education, enjoyment, and adventure.”

The month of September affords one of the most enjoyable times to visit Grand Teton National Park. With spectacular autumn colors on display and exciting wildlife activity to watch, it’s a truly special season in which to visit the park. Several free, ranger-led programs, along with many concessioner-operated activities, are available for fall visitors to Grand Teton. For a list of these activities, visit the park’s Web site at www.npg.gov/grte or go to the following URL:
http://gtnpnews.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-09-03T09%3A55%3A00-06%3A00.

Second Lightning-caused Fire near Jackson Lake

September 3, 2009
09-84
Teton interagency firefighters will monitor—and manage for resource benefit—a second lightning-caused fire in Grand Teton National Park. The Bearpaw Bay Fire likely ignited during the passing of the same thunderstorm on Sunday, August 30, that also started the Third Creek Fire. This new fire is located one-half mile southeast of Bearpaw Bay on Jackson Lake. Although reported as a single tree fire on Wednesday afternoon, it grew to 2.5 acres by evening and produced smoke that was visible from several locations in the park and across Jackson Hole.

The Bearpaw Bay Fire is located at the northern edge of an area that burned in 1981 during the Mystic Isle Fire. Prevailing winds will push the fire toward the west shore of Jackson Lake.

The Third Creek Fire, also near Jackson Lake, has grown to .9 of an acre in size. It has burned a small grove of trees and a grassy meadow area; however, the fire has spread to the creek bank, which may limit its growth.

No public closures are in effect for trails or lakeshore campsites in the vicinities of the Bearpaw Bay or Third Creek fires.

The current fire danger rating for Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest is “High.”

For local fire information, please visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html, or go to http://www.tetonfires.com/. For a map and additional information on the Bearpaw Bay and Third Creek fires, go to
http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Ranger-led Programs during September

Autumn foliage adds a splash of color to the park's landscape
September 2, 2009
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To celebrate the special nature of autumn in Grand Teton National Park, a variety of programs will be offered beginning Tuesday, September 8. These ranger-led activities provide visitors with opportunities to learn about geology, history, and wildlife while enjoying fall colors and the seasonal antics of park animals. The 2009 fall schedule includes:
  • Inspiration Point Hike, a 2.5-hour hike to Hidden Falls and a scenic overlook above Jenny Lake, 9:30 a.m. daily. Check in at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Boat ride costs $10.00 for adults (roundtrip).
  • Explore the Preserve Hike, a 2.5-hour hike to Phelps Lake to experience the pristine setting of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, 9:30 a.m. daily. Reservations recommended. Call 307.739.3654.
  • Map Chat, a 30-minute talk about geology, park wildlife, and the stories behind the scenery, 11:30 a.m. daily at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center fireplace. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Teton Highlights, a 30-minute travel planner, 11 a.m. daily in Colter Bay Visitor Center auditorium. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Autumn at the Preserve, a chat about fall changes for wildlife and plants, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily on the porch of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Walk into the Past, a 45-minute stroll around Menor's Ferry historic district near park headquarters at Moose, 1:30 p.m. daily through September 15 from Menor’s Ferry General Store. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Building Green, a 30-minute talk about the innovative design and sustainable features of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, 3 p.m. daily at the LSR Preserve Center. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Museum Grand Tour, a 45-minute tour of the David T. Vernon Indian Arts collection, 3 p.m. daily in the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum.
  • Wildlife Caravan, a 3-hour wildlife auto-tour, 5-8 p.m. daily from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Limited to 10 vehicles. Reservations are required; call 739.3399 or stop by a visitor center to secure a spot. Dress warmly and bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes.
  • Wildlife Watch at Oxbow Bend, a 90-minute wildlife watch offered at 6 p.m. daily through September 25 at Oxbow Bend Scenic Turnout. Bring binoculars, cameras and questions. Wheelchair accessible.
  • Jenny Lake Twilight Talk, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Jenny Lake Campground Circle.
  • Signal Mountain Campfire Program, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Signal Mountain Campground Amphitheater.

Most of the fall programs will be offered through September 27; however, the schedule is subject to change. For weekly updates on programs, or further information on any of the listed activities—as well as information on special programs being offered throughout September—please call the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at 307.739.3399, the Colter Bay Visitor Center at 307.739.3594 or the LSR Preserve Center at 307.739.3654.

The Craig Thomas, Colter Bay, Jenny Lake and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve visitor centers are open daily during the month of September. The Jenny Lake and Rockefeller Preserve visitor centers both close for the 2009 season on September 27, and the Colter Bay Visitor Center closes on October 12. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is open year-round.

Lightning-Caused Fire in Willow Flats Area

September 2, 2009
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Teton interagency firefighters will monitor the activity of a new lightning-caused fire in Grand Teton National Park and manage it for resource benefit. The Third Creek Fire started during the passage of a thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon, August 30, in the Willow Flats area northwest of Jackson Lake Dam. The one-tenth acre fire is burning in a moist willow thicket, just north of the high-water line on Jackson Lake and about one-half mile east of the Hermitage Point Trail.

Smoke from the Third Creek Fire was visible yesterday from points along the Teton Park Road, as well as from Jackson Lake Lodge and Signal Mountain Lodge. The fire may periodically produce noticeable smoke for the next several days due to afternoon heating and increased winds.

No trail closures are in effect because of the Third Creek Fire.

The current fire danger rating for Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest is “High.”

For local fire information, visit the Teton Interagency Fire Web site at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html, or use the redirect from http://www.tetonfires.com/. For a map and information on the Third Creek Fire, go to
http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/information/current-fires/index.html.

Injured Climber Rescued from Death Canyon

August 26, 2009
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Park rangers used the assistance of a Teton interagency helicopter to rescue a 23-year-old local man from a climbing route in Death Canyon at Grand Teton National Park on Tuesday, August 25. The climber, a resident of Jackson, Wyoming, and his partner were ascending the first pitch on a route called Caveat Emptor when they pulled off several rocks, causing them to fall about 30-40 feet. Although both climbers were wearing helmets at the time of the incident, one received injuries to his face and shoulder and required evacuation by helicopter.

Two off-duty guides from Exum Mountaineering were climbing in the vicinity at the time of the accident and were able to reach the injured man and make an emergency cell phone call to the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center to alert park personnel of the situation. Rangers responded to the scene on foot and by helicopter and provided emergency medical care to the injured climber.

With the assistance of the two Exum guides, rangers lowered the injured climber to a ledge below a route called the Snaz, where he was then airlifted via short-haul to a landing zone near the Death Canyon patrol cabin. A park ambulance then transported the injured man to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson.

Park rangers salute the Exum Mountain guides for their quick response and assistance during this rescue operation. Other climbers – both professional and amateur – are frequently the first persons on the scene of a backcountry accident; the information they provide to responding rangers, and the assistance they offer, are often instrumental in the positive outcome of a rescue effort.

Chip Seal Project to Begin on Hwy 89 in GTNP

Conditions of park roads have greatly improved from early days of travel
August 17, 2009
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Beginning Monday, August 24, motorists traveling on Highway 26/89/191 between Cunningham Cabin (near Triangle X Ranch) and the park’s south boundary (four miles north of Jackson) should expect delays of up to 30 minutes while a chip-seal project is underway. To facilitate the staging of project materials and construction equipment, Teton Point Turnout will be closed as of today, August 17, and remain closed throughout the duration of the project. Weather permitting, road crews plan to complete this chip-seal project before the Labor Day weekend.

The chip-seal application will progress north to south, moving from Cunningham Cabin on the northern portion of Highway 26/89/191 to one mile north of Moose Junction, then concluding with the southern segment of the highway from Moose Junction to Fish Hatchery Hill. Motorists are advised to drive slowly throughout the work zone in order to prevent windshield damage.

Travelers may choose to drive alternate routes to avoid the chip-seal work zone, and flashing message boards will be placed at the Moose, Moran, and Jackson Lake junctions, suggesting appropriate routes. The alternate routes will include the Teton Park Road, Antelope Flats Road, and Moose-Wilson Road, depending on where road work is currently taking place.

Bridge maintenance work is still underway and motorists should expect 15-minute travel delays at two locations: the Buffalo Fork Bridge near Moran Junction and the Spread Creek Bridge just south of Elk Ranch Flats.

Reconstruction of the North Park Road, between Lizard Creek campground in Grand Teton and Flagg Ranch Resort in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, is progressing. Motorists are advised to expect travel delays of up to 30 minutes from now through the end of November.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, and schedule extra time for their travel through Grand Teton National Park during the next several weeks. While road improvement work is underway, every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to drivers using park roads; however, traffic will be held up for short periods of time. These road construction projects are necessary to improve safety, as well as provide routine maintenance.

For current road construction information, travelers are advised to call the park’s information hotline at 307.739.3614. The park’s newspaper, Teewinot, includes a road construction map for reference; it can also be found online at www.nps.gov/grte, or picked up at any entrance station or visitor center.

Temporary Closure of Moose-Wilson Road

August 14, 2009
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Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that a brief travel closure will be in effect on the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road within Grand Teton National Park for about thirty-six hours beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21. The road is scheduled to reopen by 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, barring equipment malfunction or rainy weather. The temporary closure is scheduled to allow for dust abatement work to be done on the unpaved roadbed.

Road crews will complete the project in the shortest time possible; however, because this temporary closure prevents the ability to make a “through trip” on the Moose-Wilson Road, local residents and park visitors are advised to plan accordingly and use an alternate route. For those wishing to reach the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon trailhead, access will be possible by driving south from the junction with the Teton Park Road near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.

To alert travelers of the expected daytime road closure, electronic signs will be in place on Wyoming Highway #390, beginning Wednesday, August 19. For motorists heading south to Teton Village, signs will also be placed at the junction of the Teton Park Road in Moose.

The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride. It is the same product that is used to treat dirt roads in and around Jackson Hole. This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles; therefore, motorists who drive this portion of the Moose-Wilson Road after it reopens on Saturday evening may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.

Roadwork schedules may change, or be delayed, due to weather conditions, equipment malfunction, or other extenuating circumstances.

Rangers Rescue Three Boaters from Snake River

August 12, 2009
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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued three boaters from the Snake River on Tuesday afternoon, August 11, after they flipped their canoe and fell into the river. Will Shafer, age 23, of Ogden, Utah and two of his relatives, a 16-year-old young man and a 5-year-old boy, were canoeing on the river just one mile downstream of the historic Bar BC Ranch when the accident occurred. Only the 5-year-old boy was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident; Shafer and his other relative were not wearing their life preservers and lost them to the river’s current when the canoe capsized.

After his canoe upset in the river, Shafer was able to hold onto the vessel as it continued to float downstream. He was diverted into a debris-choked side channel where the canoe became pinned against a logjam. This channel lies river left of the main current and is not navigable. The teenager and young boy were swept downstream until, with some difficulty, they were eventually able to grab hold of an exposed tree root and pull themselves out of the river and onto the bank. The two parties lost sight of one another and were unsure about each other’s welfare for several minutes.

A river guide with Triangle X Ranch came upon the stranded canoeists and called the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 3:10 p.m. to report the situation. The river guide then proceeded to help the three boaters until a park ranger could arrive by raft to rescue them from their separate locations along the riverbank. The ranger then floated all three canoeists to the Moose Landing where other family members were waiting; the rescued party reached the boat landing at 3:35 p.m.

Rangers give credit to the Triangle X Ranch river guide for his invaluable assistance in this rescue operation, and for his help in directing rescue personnel to the exact location of the stranded boaters. Commercial river guides are often the first responders to river accidents because they consistently float the Snake River; their initial response can be a critical part of a successful river rescue, as was the case in this particular incident.

Rangers remind boaters that life preservers can save lives, and it’s prudent to wear a life jacket whenever floating the Snake River because of its swift current and cold water temperature. According to park regulations, children under 13 years of age are required to be wearing a life jacket whenever a vessel is in motion, and any boat operating on park waters is required to have life jackets for each person on board.

Rangers were unable to dislodge and recover the rental canoe. Additional attempts will be made once the seasonal river flow recedes.