ROD Signed for Jackson Hole Airport Agreement

Jackson Hole Airport is located within Grand Teton NP

December 28, 2010

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Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Jackson Hole Airport Agreement Extension has been signed by National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels. The ROD authorizes a 20-year extension to the term of the existing 1983 agreement between the Jackson Hole Airport Board and the United States Department of the Interior (DOI).

Under this ROD, the current airport agreement will be extended through the addition of two 10-year options, allowing the Jackson Hole Airport Board to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding requirements and maintain certification for passenger air service in northwestern Wyoming in the future. The ROD also amends the existing 1983 agreement to strengthen the requirements of the Airport Board to work cooperatively with the National Park Service (NPS) on efforts to further mitigate and reduce effects of the airport on park resources.

The Jackson Hole Airport is located on 533 acres of federal land within Grand Teton National Park and currently operates under an NPS administered agreement that authorizes its operation through April 27, 2033. Under FAA regulations, an airport must either own its land or have more than 20 years remaining on its lease or agreement in order to remain eligible for grants from the FAA. Without an extension of the 1983 agreement’s term, the airport would lose its eligibility for Airport Improvement Program funding in April of 2013—20 years before the agreement expires. Grants from the FAA may cover up to 95 percent of eligible costs for airfield capital improvement or repair projects that enhance airport safety, capacity, and security, or for projects that address environmental concerns. Over the past decade, this FAA program has funded almost $28 million in projects at the Jackson Hole Airport. Similar funding will be needed to enable the airport to maintain its necessary certification and provide continued commercial air service.

In 2005, the NPS initiated a process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to address a request by the Jackson Hole Airport Board to extend the term of their use agreement. Environmental impacts associated with the alternatives defined in the Jackson Hole Airport Extension/ Final Environmental Impact Statement were thoroughly analyzed in accordance with the requirements of  NEPA, the NPS Management Policies 2006, and the NPS Director’s Order #12: Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis and Decision Making. All public comments were taken into consideration before the record of decision was prepared and signed.

“Through an extensive review and careful application of the NEPA process, we have determined that extending the current Jackson Hole Airport agreement serves the visiting public, ensures continued commercial air service to Jackson, Wyoming, and appropriately maintains the vital NPS mission to protect valuable park resources,” said Intermountain Director John Wessels.

“While this decision ensures that airport operations continue into the future, it significantly strengthens the commitment by the NPS and Airport Board to mutually work together to mitigate impacts to park resources to the greatest extent possible,” said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott.

The ROD, which documents the decision and rationale, along with the Jackson Hole Airport/FEIS, is available online at the PEPC website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. The document is also available on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grte/parkmgmt/planning.htm.

Winter Activities to Begin in Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park becomes a mecca
for winter recreation & scenic splendor

December 10, 2010

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Activities for the 2010/11 winter season begin on Wednesday, 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 management fee areas

Ranger-led snowshoe hikes begin Sunday, December 26 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 children, 8 years or older. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399.

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 website 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. Most trails are skier tracked, but not groomed. The Teton Park Road (TPR) is a designated winter trail, open to non-motorized use in winter. The TPR gets intermittently groomed for cross-country touring and skate skiing from the Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain. Grooming operations operations began Thursday, December 9, 2010. Severe winter storms or park emergencies may preempt the trail grooming schedule on occasion. Important reminder: Snowshoers should walk adjacent to the groomed 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 website at http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/maps.htm or visit the Discovery Center in Moose, Wyoming. Winter wildlife closure areas include:

Snake River floodplain from Moran to Menor's Ferry 

Buffalo Fork River floodplain within the park

Kelly Hill and Uhl Hill 

Static Peak and Prospectors Mountain

Mount Hunt areas (refer to park's X-C ski brochure)

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 plowed roadways. 

The unplowed TPR is open to visitors who wish to walk, snowshoe or ski with their leashed pet. Dogs are restricted to 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.

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

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 the regulations and approved BAT machines online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/current_batlist.htm, or stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming.

Snowmobiles may also use the Grassy Lake Road in the JDR Parkway for recreation. The 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 website at http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/winter.htm.

Colter Bay Visitor Services Plan/ EA Launched

Colter Bay Visitor Center was built in 1956
& the Indian Arts Museum opened in 1972

December 6, 2010
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Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that the National Park Service (NPS) has initiated a comprehensive review of the visitor services provided at Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park. The NPS intends to prepare an environmental assessment and develop a management plan for the long-term operation of the Colter Bay Visitor Center and other park-provided visitor services in the Colter Bay area. A principal objective of the review will be to determine the appropriate management of the David T. Vernon Collection of American Indian Art—one of Grand Teton National Park’s significant and irreplaceable cultural resources currently housed at the visitor center. Public scoping has begun, and interested persons are invited to provide ideas, concerns, and comments on this broad planning initiative.

The Colter Bay Visitor Center is located on the eastern shore of Jackson Lake, approximately 28 miles north of Moose, Wyoming, and 18 miles south of the park’s shared boundary with Yellowstone National Park. The original visitor center was built in 1956 and the Indian Arts Museum addition—built to house the David T. Vernon Collection of American Indian Art—opened to the public in 1972. The Colter Bay area is a popular destination for overnight and day users to Grand Teton, as well as for visitors traveling to or from Yellowstone. The area seasonally offers a complete range of services, facilities, and opportunities to experience the park’s spectacular scenery, wildlife, educational programs, and recreational activities.

Due to its age and deficient condition, the old visitor center building does not meet museum standards for the preservation, display, and interpretation of the David T. Vernon Collec­tion of American Indian Art. In addition, the building does not meet life safety and accessibility standards, and it is inadequate for basic administration, inter­pretation, or visitor service needs. Furthermore, the build­ing requires costly repairs and is no longer financially or environmentally sustainable.

Visitor facilities at Colter Bay are open for the summer season (May to September) and heated restroom facilities are open for winter visitors. This plan will not consider ex­panding NPS services during the winter season. The plan will address only NPS visitor services, facilities, and related infra­structure at Colter Bay; it will not address conces­sioner facilities at Colter Bay Village, which include an RV park, campground, general store and gift shop, restau­rants, guest cabins (log cabins and tent cabins), marina, stables, fuel station and convenience store, laundry and shower facility, and concession employee housing area.

The comprehensive review and plan will consider various options for how visitor services will be managed and how operational needs will be met in the Colter Bay area in the years to come. The scoping newsletter is available for review online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grte. A copy of the newsletter can be downloaded through this website, and comments can be provided electronically online. The website will also provide regular updates on the project, including additional public involvement opportunities. To be most useful in this early planning stage, please submit comments on or before December 31, 2010.

Partnership Project Provides 1945 Aerial Images of Jackson Hole

Aerial maps show changes from 1945 to 2009
on one selected area of Jackson Hole

December 2, 2010
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Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott is pleased to announce that aerial images of 1945 Jackson Hole that were stored in the park’s archives are now available for public access thanks to a partnership project between Teton Conservation District and Grand Teton National Park, along with assistance from the National Park Service Western Archaeological Conservation Center (WACC) in Tucson, Arizona and Greenwood Mapping, Inc. of Wilson, Wyoming. The project was funded through contributions by Teton Conservation District, Grand Teton National Park, Region 4 of the U.S. Forest Service, the National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming, and the Grand Teton Association—a cooperating association that supports both Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Robb Sgroi, conservation programs coordinator for the Teton Conservation District, and Kathy Mellander, geographic information systems (GIS) specialist at Grand Teton, collaborated with staff from WACC and Greenwood Mapping, Inc. to assemble numerous aerial photographs taken during 1945 and transfer them to a suitable format for better public access. Teton Conservation District also contracted with Aero-Graphics, Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah to “geographically reference and mosaic” the original 1200 aerial prints into a single, seamless aerial map. This image can now be seen through an Internet link or from a DVD.

The composite aerial map is available at http://maps.tetonconservation.org, where users can direct a web viewer to select a section of the image and perform simple functions such as zooming and panning to study different perspectives. Browsers should note that blank sections of the map will be filled with aerials from the same time period as they become available. Accessible to private sector and government agencies, as well as to the general public, the digitized 1945 aerial map may also serve as an important land use planning reference to identify and note land use changes between the 1940s and recent years.

The composite image is also stored on DVDs in .tif or .sid formats for users who have graphics or GIS software. DVDs can be obtained by contacting Teton Conservation District at 307.733.2110.

“We believe that the newly formatted image will provide an interesting window into Jackson Hole’s cultural past and allow viewers to see the old ranches and other landmarks that defined this landscape during the 1940s,” said Superintendent Scott. “We’re grateful for the financial support by the Grand Teton Association and the other major contributors who helped make this piece of history more accessible to the public, and we appreciate the cooperation from Robb Sgroi and other staff at Teton Conservation District on this a unique and illuminating project.”

Open House for Snake River Headwaters Comprehensive Management Planning

Ansel Adams' photo Tetons and the Snake River (1942)

November 22, 2010
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Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will co-host an open house on Tuesday evening, November 30 from 5–7 p.m. at Snow King Resort to gather public input regarding concurrent planning initiatives by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service for managing the newly designated Wild and Scenic Snake River Headwaters. The open house will include a presentation about the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and a discussion about planning efforts being launched by the federal agencies as a result of the recent designation. The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service will develop separate, but concurrent, management plans for river segments located with their respective administrative boundaries.

On March 30, 2009, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act that amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to add approximately 388 miles of the Snake River and its tributary rivers and streams to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The National Park Service administers 121 miles of designated river segments, while remaining areas lie within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Passage of this landmark legislation reflects the leadership and collaborative approach of the late Senator Craig Thomas who worked for five years with groups of outfitters, conservationists, business owners, sportsmen and other river users to protect the Snake River’s headwaters. This historic river protection legislation was renamed and passed as the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act of 2009 in his honor.

As required by the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act, the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service planning efforts will:

·    Document the Snake River Headwaters’ boundaries and river segment classifications (wild, scenic or recreational).

·    Provide for protection of the free-flowing condition of the Snake River Headwaters in keeping with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

·    Describe the “outstandingly remarkable values” which provide the unique, rare or exemplary characteristics that make the Snake River Headwaters eligible for inclusion in the system.

·    Establish a management program that protects the outstandingly remarkable values, free flowing condition, and water quality of the river system.

·    Address user capacity and establish the kinds and amounts of appropriate visitor use.

The designation of the Snake River Headwaters is atypical because it encompasses an entire watershed involving 13 rivers and 25 separate river segments, totaling 388 river miles. This watershed spans areas managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a portion of state and private lands. Due to the sheer size of this designation, a collaborative planning effort is vital. Members of the public are highly encouraged to join in this first step towards development of the two comprehensive river management plans.

A public meeting is also scheduled in Bozeman, Montana, on December 2, 2010 from 5–7 p.m. in the Public Library at 626 E. Main Street. This session will focus on planning efforts for river segments located within Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.


For additional information about the Snake River Headwaters planning, please visit online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/snakeriver.

Male Black Bear Euthanized in Grand Teton NP

Black bear forages on naturally occuring berries
along Moose-Wilson Road

November 1, 2010

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Grand Teton National Park officials euthanized a male black bear on Friday, October 29, out of concern for public safety. The bear gained entry into the main lodge building at Triangle X Ranch on Tuesday evening, October 26, and tracks indicated that it also visited and “nosed around” several other cabins on the property.  It returned to the ranch attempting to get inside the main lodge on Wednesday evening as well as Thursday night, when it was captured in a culvert trap. The bear damaged a portion of the lodge roof in its attempts to gain entry into the building, received food rewards, and appeared to have little concern for the presence of humans and their activities at the ranch. This human-food conditioned and habituated behavior forced park officials to make the difficult decision to remove the bear from the population in order to reduce future threats to people and their safety.

The eight to ten-year-old black bear weighed 177 pounds, but was slightly underweight. The bear’s history and previous habits are unknown; it did not have ear tags or other identification that would mark it as a previously captured bear. However, a bear with a similar description got into a dumpster at Dornan’s earlier this year. Park officials are following up with Triangle X Ranch representatives to determine why the bear received food rewards and to mitigate any identified problems.

After transporting the captured bear to park headquarters to gather information on its physical condition (weight, tooth wear, blood samples, etc.), park biologist discovered that both the trap and the bear were inexplicably coated with bear spray. Park rangers subsequently questioned ranch managers about this situation and learned that one of the ranch employees disobeyed an agreement to not approach the trap, and also discharged a canister of bear spray at the animal early Thursday morning while it was confined in the trap. An investigation into this incident is ongoing; however, the individual ranch employee was issued a mandatory court appearance for cruelty to animals and will appear before the federal magistrate on these charges.

This is the only bear euthanized in Grand Teton National Park this year. In fact, park rangers and biologists did not capture or taken any management actions on bears—black or grizzly—during the past year. The availability and relative abundance of naturally occurring berries may have helped to keep bears in undeveloped portions of the park and away from developed areas and human food sources.

Once a bear acquires human food, it often loses its fear of people and may become dangerous. Park officials strongly remind local residents and visitors that proper storage of food items and disposal of garbage is extremely important. Thoughtless actions of people can literally lead to a life or death situation for bears that easily become corrupted by the availability of human food and garbage. Human carelessness doesn’t just endanger people; it can also result in a bear’s death.

Bears roam near park developments and throughout the backcountry. Consequently, for the health and safety of bears and people, park visitors and local residents must adhere to food storage rules. Detailed information about how to behave in bear country is available at park visitor centers or online at www.nps.gov/grte. With information and proper actions, people can help keep a bear from becoming human-food conditioned and possibly save its life.

Reminder of Seasonal Road Closures & Hours

October 26, 2010
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Jackson residents and park visitors are reminded that two roads within Grand Teton National Park will close to vehicle traffic for the winter season beginning Sunday evening, October 31, 2010. Vehicle closures include the length of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake parking area and the Signal Mountain Lodge parking lot, as well as the Moose-Wilson Road between Granite Canyon and Death Canyon trailheads.

In addition to the annual road closures, the Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations will temporarily close for the month of November and early December; they are scheduled to reopen on December 15 for the winter season. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming is open year-round; however, hours of operation for the winter season will be adjusted to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Annually, the Teton Park Road is not plowed after the first of November. During the time that the Teton Park Road remains free of snow, visitors are welcome to use the roadway for non-motorized recreation such as walking, bicycling, and in-line skating. Once the snow begins to accumulate on the roadbed, winter season activities such as cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snow-shoeing become possible.

Pets are permitted on park roadways; however, pet owners are reminded that dogs must be leashed and under physical restraint at all times. Dog owners are required to clean-up their pet’s waste, and mutt mitt stations are provided for that purpose during the off season months.

In addition to road closures in Grand Teton National Park, the Grassy Lake Road within the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway will close for the winter season with the first major snowstorm.

Grand Teton Begins Fall Pile Burning Operations

October 25, 2010
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With the recent snowfall and seasonal moisture, Teton Interagency fire personnel initiated pile burning operations at certain locations in Grand Teton National Park. Pile burning activities began today near the 4 Lazy F Ranch. Other primary target areas include Flagg Ranch, Shadow Mountain, Signal Mountain campground, Death Canyon Road, and the Murie Ranch in Moose, Wyoming.

The slash piles are located in and around developed areas where fire crews previously completed fuels reduction projects that involved the thinning and removal of lower limbs from trees and the removal of dead wood and brush from the forest floor.

The fuels reduction projects were designed to increase firefighter and public safety, reduce the risk of losing structures to a wildfire, and increase open spaces to help moderate fire behavior during a wildfire. Firefighters place the forest debris in tepee-shaped piles and let them cure for a year before burning them.

Smoke will be evident from these scheduled pile burns during the day of the operation. Please check http://www.tetonfires.com/ for updates on the pile burning activities in the coming days and weeks.

Kayakers Rescued on Snake River by Moonlight

Reduced flow of the Snake River requires longer float time

October 24, 2010
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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued two local kayakers from the Snake River during an operation that took place by moonlight on Thursday night, October 21. Jackson resident Dave Muskat and Ann Marie Letko of Moose, Wyoming, became stranded, about 7 p.m.—a half hour after sunset—on an island between two channels of the river near the historic Bar BC Ranch after Letko struck a snag, flipped her kayak and lost it to the current. Rangers located the uninjured boaters at approximately 9 p.m. and subsequently launched a raft to reach the two and ferry them safely to the western bank of the river, about three miles upstream from the Moose Landing.

Rangers initiated a search and rescue operation at 7:15 p.m. after a call for help was received by the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center. Muskat was unsure of their exact location on the river. That uncertainty—coupled with the late hour—caused rangers to use the headlights from their patrol vehicles in an effort to pinpoint the kayakers’ position on the river. In their search for the boaters, two rangers traveled by foot along the river bank south from Schwabacher’s Landing, while two other rangers hiked from Glacier View turnout on Highway 26/89/191 to reach the river and begin  searching upstream toward Schwabacher’s Landing. In addition, four rangers drove along the River Road—a gravel road on the west side of the Snake River—to determine the site of the stranded boaters. After searching for well over an hour, rangers eventually found the kayakers near the historic Bar BC Ranch and launched a raft to rescue them from the island in the stream where they were stranded. The rescue operation concluded about 9:35 p.m. after Muskat and Letko were driven by patrol vehicle from the Bar BC area to the Moose Landing.

The current flow on the Snake River between Deadman’s Bar and Moose Landing is running about 635 cubic feet per second, which means that a river trip requires a significantly longer period of time to complete than during the higher flows of summer and early fall. Boaters should make every attempt to complete their river trip before darkness falls, since natural obstacles such as snags and logjams are difficult to see after sunset— even with the diffused light of a full moon.

Stranded Climber Rescued from Teewinot

Aerial view of Teewinot Mountain

October 21, 2010
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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a stranded climber from the east face of Teewinot Mountain on Wednesday evening, October 20 with the assistance of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter. Eric Steinmann, age 26, of Wilson, Wyoming called a friend via cell phone to report that he was in a location on the mountain from which he could not continue climbing without risk of falling. The friend then contacted Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 3:55 p.m. to report Steinmann’s predicament, and rangers launched a rescue mission to reach Steinmann and bring him to safety. Due to the late hour of the day, rangers ultimately used a helicopter-assisted evacuation.

During a reconnaissance flight at 4:50 p.m., Steinmann was located on a steep pinnacle, high on the east face of Teewinot. With little remaining daylight and predicted cold overnight temperatures, a decision was made to insert one ranger via the short-haul technique and place Steinmann in an aerial evacuation suit for a short-haul extraction from the peak. The ranger reached the stranded Steinmann at 5:55 p.m. and prepared him for a flight to the Lupine Meadows rescue cache. The rescue concluded at 6:20 p.m.—just 40 minutes before “pumpkin hour,” the designated time beyond which the ship cannot fly according to FAA regulations.

Steinmann told rangers that he intended to climb the 4th class route up the east face of Teewinot Mountain. Being somewhat new to mountaineering, Steinmann had climbed multiple peaks in the park this summer with various partners; however, this was his first solo climb in the Teton Range. When Steinmann realized that he could no longer continue to climb without great risk of falling, he made the prudent decision to call for help.  

Although mountain rescue operations have become relatively routine for Grand Teton National Park rangers, these operations demand a high level of preparation, technical skill and expertise—as well as focused safety deliberations—before a mission is executed. Many variables can delay or impede a rescue operation and climbers should never take for granted that a rescue is possible. Consequently, climbers should be prepared to initiate a self rescue as a first option.

Park rangers remind climbers to become familiar with the intended route and carry a route description along during their climb. Also, mountaineers should never climb into a position from which they cannot safely retreat: in other words, get “cliffed out.” Furthermore, rangers recommend that climbers go with a partner or partners as an added measure of safety.

Rangers also stress that backcountry users should carry extra clothing, food and water in the event of an unexpected night out in the Tetons. Ultimately, the responsibility for a mountaineer’s safety rests with himself/herself and their climbing partners, plus their experience and preparation.

Bear-resistant Food Storage Boxes Installed

Bear-resistant food storage boxes get installed
at Grand Teton campgrounds

October 21, 2010
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Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that
52 new bear-resistant food storage boxes were recently installed in Grand Teton National Park, thanks in part to financial support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation (GTNPF) and concessioner franchise fees. Durable bear-resistant food boxes provide an important and convenient method for visitors to properly store human foods away from the reach of bears, and the acquisition of these sturdy boxes has been a high priority of the park’s bear management program for several years. To date, a total of 208 boxes have been purchased and placed at campgrounds and picnic areas located throughout the park. The latest boxes were installed at Flagg Ranch, Lizard Creek, Colter Bay and Signal Mountain campgrounds.

In an effort to help reduce human-bear conflicts, the GTNPF began a target campaign in 2008 to secure money for the purchase of food storage boxes; the Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Grand Teton National Park by raising funds for special programs and projects. In addition, the Grand Teton Lodge Company, an authorized park concessioner, supplied further funding in 2008 through a campground improvement program required under their concessions contract. Other funding was supplied by the National Park Service through concessioner franchise fees.

More than 3.5 million visitors come to Grand Teton each year—most during the summer months—and thousands of them picnic or stay overnight at one of the park’s 1,230 campsites. Rangers document almost daily violations of food storage regulations by careless or uninformed visitors during the course of the tourist season. Although overall compliance with food storage regulations is high, it only takes one incident of a bear obtaining food for it to get “human food-conditioned” and become a potential nuisance bear. For public safety reasons, it often becomes necessary to euthanize food-conditioned bears.

Proper food storage is vital to prevent bears from becoming human food-conditioned as they search for available food sources throughout the park; however, nearly 75% of the park’s front country campsites lack these important food storage containers. The park has identified approximately 800 front country sites that are suitable for the placement of bear-resistant food storage boxes. By being widely available for visitors to use, these boxes can prevent bears from becoming food-conditioned and better ensure that they remain wild, naturally foraging animals.

Bear-resistant food storage boxes cost approximately $1,100 each. The GTNPF donors have generously provided funding for 94 boxes since their bear box campaign began in 2008. The generosity of individual GTNPF donors is often acknowledged though the placement of recognition plaques on a particular box. For further information about the bear box campaign, contact Leslie Mattson at 307.732.0629, or email leslie@gtnpf.org.

Injured Hiker Rescued from Amphitheater Lake

October 11, 2010
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Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued an injured hiker from the Amphitheater Lake area on Saturday afternoon, October 10, using the Teton Interagency contract helicopter. Ashley Hymel, age 23, from Moose, Wyoming was hiking with a party of two hikers on a section of trail with a sloping ledge when she fell about 20 feet and landed on her back.

Hymel was hiking on an unmaintained trail near the base of Disappointment Peak from Amphitheater Lake to an overlook of the Teton Glacier when the incident occurred just around 4 p.m. A hiker in a nearby separate party witnessed the entire event and was able to call for help on a cell phone after running down the trail for cell reception. One member of Hymel’s party was able to safely scramble down and assist her until rescuers arrived.

Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received the report at 4:06 p.m. and immediately initiated a short-haul rescue response. Two rangers were flown to a helicopter landing zone near Amphitheater Lake and they hiked a short distance to the accident site. Rangers provided Hymel with emergency medical care, and then placed her into a rescue litter for an aerial evacuation. Just after 6 p.m., Hymel and an attending ranger were flown via short-haul to Lupine Meadows where a park ambulance was waiting to transport her to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson.

Short-haul, a technique to insert rescue personnel into or extract injured persons from a remote accident site where safe helicopter landings are not possible, involves the use of a rescue rope attached to a helicopter's center of gravity. It allows rescuers to expeditiously remove a seriously injured person from an inaccessible location.

Death Canyon Trailhead Road to Reopen Thursday Morning

September 29, 2010
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The Death Canyon trailhead road and connector trail from the trailhead parking area to the Valley Trail will reopen at dawn on Thursday, Sept. 30. Fire managers on the Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire request that people avoid the burned area adjacent to the trailhead due to safety concerns.

The two-acre test burn area still has some fire and heat in the duff and logs, as well as some charred snags and standing dead trees that may be unstable and ready to topple. The test fire area also has other hazards—such as burned out stump holes, loose rocks and logs—that make walking hazardous.

Fire managers decided to postpone burning the 84-acre unit after fire behavior during the test fire exceeded ecological objectives. The fire burned actively through the two acres in the test site, primarily due to unseasonably warm and dry weather. An engine crew will be monitoring the area for the next few days.

For more information on the Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire or other wildland fires in the area, please log on to http://www.tetonfires.com/.

Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire Postponed

September 27, 2010

Fire managers on the Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire decided to postpone burning the 84-acre unit after fire behavior during a test fire exceeded ecological objectives. The fire burned actively through the 5-acre test site, primarily due to unseasonably warm, dry weather. The 45 firefighters assigned to the prescribed fire are remaining in place to keep the test fire within the established perimeter.

The prescribed fire project objectives are to reduce the amount of dead and down trees on the forest floor and to increase spacing between trees, which will reduce the chance of a future wildfire spreading toward developed areas.

“The test fire showed that at the upper end of the prescription—which is the predetermined weather and fuel conditions—the prescribed fire would consume more than our desired objectives,” said Burn Boss Deb Flowers. “We stopped igniting and will re-evaluate burning this unit when we have a cooler, damper weather window.”

Death Canyon Road and the Death Canyon Trail from the trailhead parking area to the Valley Trail junction will remain closed at least through Wednesday September 29. Please check www.tetonfires.com under prescribed fire for updates.

The Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire, combined with the mechanical treatment completed in 2008, is designed to increase the buffer between a wildfire and developed areas. The primary fire management goal for Grand Teton National Park is to allow the natural process of fire to persist within the park while protecting lives and property. The intent of the Phelps Moraine prescribed fire project is to reduce burnable live and dead vegetation to give higher confidence and more flexibility for managers in response to naturally ignited fires.

Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire Scheduled

Interagency firefighters completed fuels reduction work in 2008 

 along the Death Canyon Road and the Phelps Lake moraine area

September 23, 2010
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Teton Interagency fire personnel plan to implement an 84-acre prescribed fire in Grand Teton National Park near Phelps Lake moraine—in an area west of the Death Canyon Road and south of the White Grass Ranger Station—on Monday, September 27. The Phelps Moraine prescribed fire is planned to supplement a mechanical treatment project completed in 2008. Some temporary road and trail closures will be in place during the prescribed fire, including the Death Canyon Road and the Death Canyon Trail from the trailhead parking area to the Valley Trail junction. Please check for closures and updates at http://www.tetonfires.com/.

Teton Interagency fire managers plan extensively for prescribed fires, and make sure conditions remain within predetermined parameters throughout the burning process. Prescribed fires are implemented only when the target fuels and weather conditions are within prescription. In addition, several firefighters, as well as engines and helicopters, are typically assigned to conduct a prescribed fire and keep it within a project area. The Phelps Moraine project lies in a shaded and damp area that needed to dry out before a prescribed fire could be effective, which led to a late September operation.

Grand Teton National Park’s primary fire management goal is to allow the natural process of fire to persist within the park while protecting lives and property. The purpose of the Phelps Moraine prescribed fire project is to reduce burnable live and dead vegetation and provide more flexibility for fire managers in responding to naturally ignited fires in the area. Since 1960, eight wildfires have started in the Phelps Moraine area, however, none grew larger than a tenth acre. Fire managers chose to aggressively suppress those wildfires because of the potential threat for spread toward developed areas, including private residences. Those suppression efforts have allowed for a change in the fuel conditions over time.

The combined benefit of the prescribed fire and the previous mechanical treatment will allow for an increase buffer between a wildfire and developed areas, providing agency administrators with opportunities to allow fire to naturally affect the ecosystem in the future.

The Death Canyon Road will close Sunday evening, September 26, at 5 p.m. The road closure will be re-evaluated on Wednesday afternoon, and the road may reopen on Thursday or Friday. For updates on the road opening, please call Traci Weaver, Teton Interagency fire information officer, at 307.739.3692.

Final EIS Released for JH Airport Agreement

September 23, 2010
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Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that the Jackson Hole Airport Agreement Extension/Final Environmental Impact Statement (Airport/FEIS) is available on the National Park Service (NPS) Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. The Airport/FEIS addresses continued air transportation services at the Jackson Hole Airport through an extension of the term of the 1983 agreement with the United States Department of the Interior (DOI).

The Airport/FEIS takes into account public and agency comments received on the draft environmental impact statement issued in April 2009, and incorporates additional analyses and information collected since that time. The Airport/FEIS considers two alternatives regarding the 1983 agreement: a no action alternative and an NPS preferred alternative.

Under the no action alternative, the 1983 agreement would remain unchanged and would expire on April 27, 2033. Beginning in 2013, however, the amount of time remaining on the agreement would no longer satisfy Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for funding. Without FAA funding, the Jackson Hole Airport Board would likely be unable to maintain certification for scheduled passenger service for more than a few years. Under the NPS preferred alternative, the authorized term of 1983 agreement would be extended by 20 years through the addition of two 10-year options, thereby allowing the Airport Board to meet FAA funding requirements. The agreement would also be amended to strengthen the requirements of the Airport Board and the NPS to further mitigate and reduce the effects of the airport on park resources.

The NPS intends to issue a Record of Decision at least 30 days after the date of publication of a Notice of Availability by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Federal Register.

In 2005, the NPS initiated a process under the National Environmental Policy Act to address the Jackson Hole Airport Board’s request to extend the term of their agreement. The airport is located on 533 acres of federal land within Grand Teton National Park and operates under the terms of a 1983 agreement between the Airport Board and the DOI. The NPS administers the agreement, which currently authorizes the operation of the airport until April 27, 2033. Under FAA regulations, an airport must own its land or have more than 20 years remaining on its lease or agreement in order to remain eligible for grants from the FAA. Without an extension of the agreement’s term, the airport would lose its eligibility for Airport Improvement Program funding in April of 2013—20 years before the current agreement expires.

Grants from the FAA cover 95 percent of the eligible costs for airfield capital improvement or repair projects that enhance airport safety, capacity, or security, and for projects that address environmental concerns. Over the past decade, this program has funded almost $28 million in projects at the Jackson Hole Airport. Similar funding will be needed in the future to enable the airport to maintain the certification that enables it to provide scheduled commercial passenger service.

A copy of the Airport/FEIS is available online at the PEPC website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/. Navigate to Grand Teton National Park; select the link for airport agreement and then select the link for document list. The document is also available on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grte/parkmgmt/planning.htm.

Fire Danger Rating Elevated to High

September 21, 2010
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Teton Interagency fire managers elevated the fire danger rating to “High” for both the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park as of Tuesday, September 21. Dry vegetation—combined with seasonable temperatures, low humidity and afternoon winds—has increased the potential for fire activity.

When determining fire danger ratings, fire managers use several indices such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, the projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), the ability of fire to spread after ignition, and the availability of firefighting resources across the country. A high fire danger rating means that fires can start easily and spread quickly.

Local residents and visitors alike should exercise an extra measure of caution and practice heightened fire safety at all times. Responsible steps include making sure that a campfire is thoroughly extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving a campsite.

Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended, and should always prepare for the unexpected by having a water bucket and shovel on hand. This season in the Teton Interagency area, careless campers have left 104 campfires unattended.

Firefighters continue to work on several lightning-caused wildland fires in the Teton Interagency area, managing these for multiple objectives including the improvement of forage conditions for wildlife habitat and for the decrease of fuel build-up to reduce the potential of high-risk wildfires.

The Willow Draw Fire in the Buffalo District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is .10 of an acre in size  and about 1/2 mile from the boundary of Grand Teton and the national forest. There are no trail or area closures at this time and smoke may be visible in the afternoon.

Fire personnel are patrolling the 4,422-acre Bull Fire. Firefighters and equipment may be added to meet objectives as fire activity increases, or scaled back during quiet periods of the fire. If windy and warmer weather continues, fire activity will become more visible from the road and trails in the area. While there are no closures in place, visitors to the area are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the Bull Fire and be aware of high winds and the hazard of falling trees.

The Crystal  Fire, located in the Gros Ventre Wilderness in the Jackson Ranger District, near Crystal Slide and 1/2 mile from the Crystal Creek Trail, is 120 acres. Fire managers are staffing the fire for long-term management. The fire is spreading west and into the Hidden Basin area and backing slowly towards the Crystal Creek Trail. There are no trail or area closures at this time.

Teton Interagency firefighters are also managing several prescribed fires for resource benefits: the most active of which is the 3,530-acre Lower Gros Ventre Fire on the north of Slide Lake, south of the Ditch Creek drainage. While no formal closures are in place, visitors are asked to stay out of the Middle Fork of Ditch Creek until fire activity subsides, and to use caution in the vicinity of the fire.

To report a fire or smoke in either area, call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630. For more fire information, please visit the Web at http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/index.html or http://www.tetonfires.com/, or follow GrandTetonNPS or BridgerTetonNF on Twitter.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

Fall colors frame Mount Moran
near the Oxbow Bend of the Snake River

September 21, 2010
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In recognition of the 17th annual National Public Lands Day, Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees (including commercial tour fees) on Saturday, September 25. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that admission fees will be waived to all National Park Service sites as part of an initiative to encourage individuals, families and communities to reconnect with nature and explore America’s great outdoors.

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 during National Public Lands Day and beyond.

“September is a perfect month to experience the beauty and bounty of Grand Teton National Park,” said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. “This time of year provides incredible opportunities for visitors to catch the brilliant fall colors and watch fascinating wildlife such as elk, moose, bears and pikas as they exhibit their traditional autumn behavior. We hope many people take advantage of this entry fee day and come to visit Grand Teton to enjoy great activities like hiking, fishing, boating and photography.”

National Public Lands Day is the only time that entrance fees are systematically waived on all public lands across America. Fees will be waived at the national park units, as well as 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.

Visitors are reminded that the fee waiver applies to entrance fees only and does not affect use fees for camping or boating. For more information on fee-free opportunities in park units around the country, please visit www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Black Bear Cub Killed by Vehicle in Grand Teton

September 17, 2010
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A female black bear cub was hit and killed by a motorist about
10 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, on Highway 26/89/191 just north of the junction for Meadow Road in Grand Teton National Park. The young cub of the year was following its mother and a sibling cub across the highway when it was hit by a resident of Moran, Wyoming.

The local driver reported the incident and waited on scene for the arrival of a park ranger. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a motor vehicle operator is required to report an accident involving property damage, personal injury, or death—which includes the injury or death of wildlife. The driver told the ranger that he swerved to avoid the animals crossing the road, but hit the cub that was the last in line.

This is the second bear fatality caused by a vehicle on park roads this year. In early June, a 3 1/2-year-old male grizzly bear was hit and killed on Highway 89/191 just south of the Spread Creek Bridge. Three other incidents involving vehicles hitting bears have also been reported this summer. On August 13, a black bear cub was hit on Highway 89/191 near the Snake River Overlook, but it ran away and its welfare after the accident is unknown. Two other bears (unverified species) were hit by vehicles: one incident occurred on July 26 near Pilgrim Creek Road, and the other happened August 19 south of the Triangle X Ranch. In both cases, the bears ran away from the accident scene with unknown injuries.

Each year in Grand Teton, an average of one or more bears (grizzly and/or black bears) are involved in vehicle collisions that result in the injury or death of the animal. In the past five years, vehicle-related deaths of bears include: 2006, one black bear; 2007, two black bears and one grizzly bear cub; 2009, one black bear; and 2010, one grizzly bear, one black bear cub, and one black bear cub and two other bears (unverified species) that were injured but left the scene.

These encounters between vehicles and bears —among other wildlife accidents—serve as a reminder that animals actively cross and use park roads. Motorists are reminded to drive the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop suddenly for wildlife along or on park roadways. Driving slower than indicated speed limits—especially at night—can increase the margin of safety for people and animals. Collisions between motor vehicles and wildlife may result in severe damage to a vehicle, serious or fatal injuries to the occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.

In addition to bears, other wildlife such as wolves, elk, moose, bison, deer, pronghorn antelope, as well as smaller creatures such as beavers, marmots, and porcupines may also be encountered on or near park roads. Many of these animals have been killed by vehicle collisions during the past few months. As of the first week of August, a total of 107 animals have been hit and killed on park roads, compared to 71 animals killed during the same period in 2009.

More than 35 animals have been killed this year compared to last and the fall migration has yet to begin. Wildlife mortalities from vehicles generally increase during the fall and spring migration of large animals such as elk, bison, moose and deer.

Vehicles take a significant toll on park wildlife, resulting in the deaths of well over 100 animals per year.

Visitor Use Study Published on Grand Teton NP

Fifty-two percent of visitors rated hiking/walking as their second

most important activity—scenery/scenic driving rated as #1.

Visitors relax in lobby of Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton NP.

Overall satisfaction with park facilities rated high (96 percent).

September 7, 2010
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A visitor use study recently published by the Park Studies Unit at the University of Idaho shows the changing dynamics in visitation trends at Grand Teton National Park in the past eleven years. A similar study was conducted in 1997 and the comparison with the 2008 survey indicates that fewer children and a slightly older population are now visiting Grand Teton. In addition, two-thirds of the people surveyed were visiting for the first time, and spending more time and more money in the park. Eighty-six percent of visitor groups used one vehicle to arrive at the park, and many used the internet as a primary source for planning their trip.

In an effort to gather demographic and other information about Grand Teton’s 3.8 million annual visitors, the new visitor use survey was conducted by University of Idaho and park staff from July 13-19, 2008. Not surprising perhaps, was the fact that three-quarters
(77 percent) of visitors to Grand Teton reported their primary activity to be viewing scenery and/or taking a scenic drive; hiking/walking rated as the second most important activity at
52 percent. When polled about which location received the greatest focus and use, the Jenny Lake area proved to be the most popular.

Visitor spending more than doubled since the last study was conducted in 1997. In 2008, each visitor group spent on average $1,388 compared to $575 per visitor group in 1997. According to a 2004 report by Loomis and Koontz, visitor spending contributes
$590 million annually to the greater Jackson Hole area economy and the economic effect of park visitation is responsible for 30 percent of the local income and 56 percent of jobs in both Teton County, Wyoming and Teton County, Idaho.

The 2008 visitor survey showed that more local residents are getting out and enjoying their backyard park with 5 percent visitation from Teton County compared to just 2 percent in 1997; and more international visitors are traveling to Grand Teton. Domestic visitation came mostly from California (12 percent), Utah (7 percent) and Wyoming (7 percent). Ten percent of total visitation was from international visitors. The greatest number of international visitors hailed from Canada (18 percent), the United Kingdom (17 percent), Germany (10 percent) and the Netherlands (10 percent).

Survey respondents ranked the park brochure/map as the most commonly used and most important source of information. Also,
92 percent of visitors rated assistance from park staff as their most valued source of information. The overall quality of visitor facilities, services and recreational activities were rated as very good, and the overall satisfaction with services increased from 92 percent in 1997 to 96 percent in 2008.

For a summary of the 2008 report, visit http://psu.uidaho.edu/files/vsp/summaries/206_GRTE_sum.pdf, view the whole report at http://psu.uidaho.edu/files/vsp/reports/206_GRTE_rept.pdf.

Road Construction on Pacific Creek Road

September 7, 2010
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Construction work on Pacific Creek Road in Grand Teton National Park will begin next week. Roadwork will be underway from one mile north of the junction with Highway 26/287 to the Two Ocean Lake Road. Park visitors and residents of Pacific Creek Road are advised to plan for travel restrictions to be in place Monday through Friday from Monday, September 13 to mid-November. Construction activities will require temporary delays of up to 30 minutes and possible road closures. No weekend work is expected at this time, but may occur if necessary to complete the project before winter weather sets in.

Residents and visitors who wish to access Pacific Creek Road, Two Ocean Lake Road, trails to Two Ocean and Emma Matilda lakes,
and the Bridger Teton National Forest should expect delays of up to 30 minutes at any time of the day or night during weekdays. Additionally, full road closures may be implemented between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday in order to complete the project. Passage of emergency vehicles will be accommodated whenever necessary.

Notification of road closures will be given approximately one week in advance. Updates will be recorded on the park’s road information hotline at 307.739.3614. Information will also be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte.

The Pacific Creek Road construction project is necessary to repair a section of the roadbed that was damaged by the erosion of a supporting hillside and the subsequent collapse of a portion of the road’s edge. The project will stabilize the embankment, widen the road through a steep cutbank area, and provide long-term protection for this secondary park road that serves visitors and residents of the Pacific Creek subdivision near Grand Teton’s northeast boundary. In 2007, concrete barriers were placed on the narrowed section of eroded roadway as a safety precaution; however, the creek continued to wear away the embankment and threaten the integrity of the road itself. Stabilization of the steep cutbank slope is necessary to ensure that the road remains useable and safe.

The project’s design calls for certain steps to be taken to minimize impacts to the wild and scenic character of Pacific Creek. Those steps include reseeding of the cutbank with native plants and the placement of logs to screen boulders that will be placed at the toe of the slope to stabilize the cutbank and reduce its continued erosion.

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

Ranger-led Programs on Tap for September

Special ranger-led hikes & programs
will be offered throughout September.

September 3, 2010
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To celebrate the special nature of autumn in the Tetons, a variety of programs will be offered beginning Tuesday, September 7. These ranger-led activities provide visitors with opportunities to learn about geology, history, and wildlife while enjoying fall colors and other park activities. The 2010 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.
• Teton Highlights, a 30-minute travel planner, 11 a.m. daily in Colter Bay Visitor Center auditorium.
• Autumn at the Preserve, an informal chat with a ranger about the unique changes that occur in animals and plants during the fall season. Between 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. daily on the LSR Preserve Center porch.
• Eco Chat, a 30-minute chat about our changing landscape and the sustainability features of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, 2 p.m. daily at the LSR Preserve Center.
• 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. Travel to various locations throughout the park to look for and learn about wildlife; ends just before dark when elk begin to bugle. Limited to 10 vehicles. Reservations required; call 739.3399 or stop by a visitor center to secure a spot. Dress warmly and bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes.
• Autumn Stroll, a 2.5-hour moderate hike to Taggart Lake, 1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only. Meet at the Taggart Lake trailhead; Bring water and be prepared for variable weather.
• Wildlife Watch at Oxbow Bend, a 90-minute wildlife watch offered at 6 p.m. daily at Oxbow Bend Scenic Turnout. Bring binoculars, cameras and questions.
• Jenny Lake Twilight Talk, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at Jenny Lake Campground Circle.
• Signal Mountain Campfire Program, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Signal Mountain Campground Amphitheater.

Most of the fall programs will be offered through September 26; 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 2010 season on September 26, and the Colter Bay Visitor Center closes on October 11. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is open year-round.