January 09, 2012
Grand Teton National Park to Offer Free Entry for Martin Luther King Weekend
Grand Teton National Park—along with the 397 units of the national park system—will waive entrance fees during the coming Martin Luther King holiday weekend (January 14-16) as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage families and individuals to visit and experience the many natural, cultural and historic wonders of their national parks across America. The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks normally costs $25 for seven days.
December 08, 2011
Winter Season Activities to Begin in Grand Teton National Park
Activities for the 2011/12 winter season begin on Thursday, 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.
November 15, 2011
Kevin Schneider Selected to be Deputy Superintendent at Grand Teton National Park
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott is pleased to announce that Kevin Schneider has been selected to serve as deputy superintendent at Grand Teton National Park. Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels confirmed Schneider's selection this week, and he will begin his new post in mid December. As deputy superintendent, Schneider will oversee the day-to-day operations of Grand Teton and directly supervise numerous park projects and programs. Schneider replaces Bob Vogel who transferred to Washington, D.C. in late July to become superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks.
November 09, 2011
Hunter Charged for Illegally Killing a Bison in Grand Teton National Park
An Idaho man was charged with illegally taking wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. Daniel Kluth, 48, of Kimberly, Idaho shot and killed a bull bison on Sunday, November 6 around 11:00 a.m. Kluth had a permit to take a bison in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
November 08, 2011
New Chief of Interpretation Named for Grand Teton National Park
Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott is pleased to announce the selection of Victoria (Vickie) Mates to the position of chief of interpretation and partnerships for Grand Teton National Park. Mates comes to Grand Teton from Yosemite National Park where she is currently the deputy chief of interpretation and education. She will begin her new post in early December.
October 31, 2011
Seasonal Road Closures and Hours of Operation Reminder
Jackson residents and park visitors are reminded that two roads within Grand Teton National Park will close to vehicle traffic for the winter season November 1, 2011. Vehicle closures include the length of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake parking area and the Siganl Mountain Lodge parking lot, as well as the Moose-Wilson Road between Granite Canyon and Death Canyon trailheads.
October 31, 2011
Identity of Man Injured by Bear in Grand Teton Released
The 32 year-old man who was injured by a bear on Sunday, October 30 in Grand Teton National Park has been identified as Timothy Hix of Jackson, Wyoming. Hix was scouting for an elk in the Snake River bottom south of Glacier View overlook when the incident occurred. While the investigation is on-going, rangers believe this was a surprise encounter with a single grizzly bear. Park managers temporarily closed approximately a quarter mile around the area where the mauling occurred.
October 30, 2011
Man Injured By Bear in Grand Teton National Park
A hunter in Grand Teton National Park was injured by a bear just after 11:30 a.m. Sunday October 30. The incident occurred along the east side of the Snake River between Blacktail Ponds and Glacier View Overlooks. Bear frequenting area signs have been placed in the area.
October 12, 2011
Moose-Wilson Road Closure to Continue Due to Presence of Grizzly Bears
A temporary closure of the Moose-Wilson Road will continue indefinitely due to the repeated presence of several grizzly bears, including a sow with cubs, which are currently foraging on chokecherry and hawthorn bushes that line this narrow road. Intermittent closures have been in effect since 9 a.m. Friday, October 7, when numerous vehicles and crowds of people congregated just feet away from foraging bears. Because of its narrow surface lined with dense vegetation, hillsides and wetlands, the Moose-Wilson Road does not allow for a safe distance between people and bears, creating situations where both may be at risk for injury. Combined, these factors make it extremely difficult to safely manage a large wildlife jam.
October 07, 2011
Expect Intermittent Closures of Moose-Wilson Road During October
A temporary closure of the Moose-Wilson Road went into effect again on Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Visitors and park users should expect intermittent closures of the Moose-Wilson Road in the coming weeks due to grizzly bear activity near the road. There is no immediate timeframe for re-opening the road.
October 07, 2011
Moose-Wilson Road Temporarily Closed Due to Grizzly Bear
Effective 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2011: A travel closure is in effect for the Moose-Wilson Road within Grand Teton National Park. The road has been closed due to the presence of a grizzly bear in close proximity to the road. For the safety of both the bear and park users, Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott in consultation with wildlife biologist and other park mangers made the determination just before 9:00 a.m on Friday.
October 05, 2011
Annual Elk Reduction Program Begins in Grand Teton National Park
The annual Elk Reduction Program in Grand Teton National Park will begin on Saturday, October 8, 2011. 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. The legislation also directs the park to jointly develop the annual program with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and for the Governor of Wyoming and Secretary of Interior to approve the plan each year. Biologists and administrators from both agencies reviewed available biological data and concluded that the elk reduction program is necessary in 2011 to help keep the Jackson elk herd at or near objective, and to facilitate maintaining a desired summer distribution of elk in the herd's range.
October 02, 2011
Grand Teton Rangers Rescue Hiker in Overnight Operation
Rangers in Grand Teton National Park rescued a 30 year-old solo hiker from the head of Open Canyon in an overnight rescue operation Friday, September 31 and Saturday, October 1. Mark Wilcox of Jackson, Wyoming was glissading down a steep snowfield when he lost control and slid about 75 feet before running into rocks at the base of the snowfield sustaining serious injuries.
September 30, 2011
Second Man Charged for Illegally Hunting in Grand Teton National Park
A second hunter in less than two weeks was issued a citation for illegally hunting in Grand Teton National Park. Rangers charged Wayne Boydstun, 51, of Layton, Utah on Thursday, September 29 with a mandatory appearance for the taking of wildlife in the park.
September 29, 2011
Citation Issued for Grand Teton Rescue Triggered by SPOT Locator Device
Grand Teton National Park rangers finalized an investigation stemming from a search and rescue response in August that was initiated by the activation of a SPOT rescue locator. Dave Shade, 33, from Missoula, Montana was issued a citation because his actions that day created a hazardous situation during a late-hour rescue operation to retrieve his stranded climbing partner, Jesse Selwyn of Florence, Michigan. Shade was charged with disorderly conduct.
September 27, 2011
Rangers Cite Man for Illegally Hunting in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park rangers responded to two reports of possible illegal hunting in the park on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, and issued a citation to one of the individuals. Rangers determined that one elk had been taken legally and the other illegally. September 20 was the opening day for hunting season on the Bridger-Teton National Forest adjacent to Grand Teton National Park.
September 23, 2011
Phelps Moraine Prescribed Fire Slated for September 29
Teton Interagency Fire personnel will conduct an 84-acre prescribed fire on the Phelps Lake moraine just west of Death Canyon Road in Grand Teton National Park. The goal is to augment a mechanical treatment project completed in 2008. The burn is planned for September 29—October 2, conditions permitting.
September 22, 2011
Grand Teton National Park Installs New Air Quality Monitoring Station
Grand Teton National Park recently installed an air quality monitoring station at Teton Science Schools' Kelly Campus and operations at the new station began this week. This station will collect meteorological data and provide online information about visual air quality, as well as levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide, fine particles and a suite of pollutants tracked by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program to produce scientific evidence for assessing risks to park resources and Teton County residents and their health. Prior to September 2011, air quality data for Grand Teton and the greater Jackson Hole area came only from stations located at Yellowstone Lake and Pinedale, Wyoming.
September 16, 2011
Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees (including commercial tour fees) on Saturday, September 24 in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar declared that admission fees shall be waived at all National Park Service sites in an effort to encourage individuals, families and communities to reconnect with nature and explore America's great outdoors. National Public Lands Day is also a time for individuals to volunteer their time and energy through beneficial projects.
September 15, 2011
Signal Mountain Lodge, L.L.C. Selected for Award of Concession Contract
Today in Denver, Colorado, National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels announced that Signal Mountain Lodge, L.L.C. has been selected to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail and marina services, camping and other amenities at Grand Teton National Park under concession contract GRTE003-12. The contract will begin January 1, 2012 with a term of 15 years.
September 09, 2011
Temporary Closure Slated for Park Pathway
The multi-use paved pathway that extends from the Snake River Bridge at Moose to South Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park will be closed to all public use for several days next week. This closure is necessary to facilitate the application of a protective sealant and new striping. The temporary closure will take place from Tuesday, September 13 through Friday, September 16.
September 06, 2011
Closing Dates for Visitor Services in Grand Teton NP
Visitor services at Grand Teton National Park will make the annual transition from fall to winter season during the next few weeks. The following list reflects the closing dates that will occur during September and October.
September 02, 2011
Teton Interagency Fire Managers Plan Several Fall Prescribed Fires
Teton Interagency fire managers are preparing for several prescribed fires this fall, if weather conditions are favorable. Fire managers have worked with other resource managers for several years to plan and write a specific "prescription" for each of the planned burns. Preparations necessary for conducting a prescribed fire take into account considerations for wind speed and direction, relative humidity, fuel moisture for live and dead burnable vegetation and more. Each plan also delineates the types and numbers of resources needed to safely conduct a prescribed burn and support contingency plans.
August 29, 2011
Lightning Ignites Fires in Grand Teton NP & Bridger-Teton NF
More than 6,700 lightning strikes were recorded Friday, August 26, through early Monday morning, August 29, in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the surrounding area. Numerous strikes ignited at least three new fires in the park and four new fires on the forest. Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received several smoke reports despite rain across much of the area on Sunday. Teton Interagency firefighters remain on alert for additional starts as weather conditions become breezy and drier.
August 23, 2011
Late Summer Cattle Drive to Cause Minor Traffic Delays near Moran Junction
Motorists may experience a minor travel delay along Highway 26/89/191 between Elk Ranch Flats and Moran Junction on Saturday morning, August 27. The temporary delay will take place between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to allow for the safe movement of cattle from the Elk Ranch summer pastures just south of Moran Junction to the Pinto Ranch in Buffalo Valley. Park rangers will provide traffic control during this cattle drive.
August 21, 2011
Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from Death Canyon
In another operation pushing darkness—the second in as many nights—Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 25-year-old female who fell about 25 feet while climbing a popular route in Death Canyon called The Snaz. On Saturday, August 20, Lauren McLean from Lake Oswego, Oregon sustained significant injuries when she fell, because her belay system failed, and landed feet first on a ledge at the base of the last pitch.
August 20, 2011
Climber Rescued from N. Ridge of Grand Teton
Just before dark on Friday August 19, Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 28-year-old climber after he became stranded near the top of the Grand Stand below the North Face of the Grand Teton. Jesse Selwyn of Florence, Montana and his climbing partner intended to climb the Black Ice Couloir on the northwest side of the Grand. Selwyn and his companion could not find the entrance to the Black Ice Couloir and got off route. They ended up on the Grand Stand instead.
August 19, 2011
Temp Closure of Moose-Wilson Road on Aug. 24
A brief travel closure will be in effect on the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road within Grand Teton National Park for about 28 hours, beginning at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24. The road is scheduled to reopen by 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 25. The temporary closure is scheduled to accommodate dust abatement work; this is the third application this summer.
August 19, 2011
Fire Danger Rating Elevated to High 2011
On Thursday, August 18, Teton Interagency fire managers elevated the fire danger rating to "high" for both Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. Dry vegetation—combined with seasonable temperatures, low humidity and afternoon winds—has increased the potential for fire activity.
August 18, 2011
Rangers Rescue Ultralight Pilot after Crash Landing near Fox Creek Pass
Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued the pilot of an ultralight aircraft Tuesday night, August 16, after he crashed his single seat aircraft between Spearhead Peak and Fox Creek Pass in the southern portion of the Teton Range. James Mauch, 57, of Louisville, Kentucky received only minor injuries during his crash landing.
August 17, 2011
Teton Interagency Firefighters Suppress Fire at Colter Bay Area in Grand Teton NP
Teton Interagency firefighters suppressed a small fire yesterday afternoon, August 16, near the Colter Bay Tent Village in Grand Teton National Park. The cause of the fire is unknown, although a thunderstorm recently passed through the Colter Bay area.
August 11, 2011
Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from Nez Perce
Grand Teton National Park rangers performed a 1,200-foot technical lowering operation on the north side of Nez Perce Peak to rescue a 21-year-old climber who fell about 100 feet and suffered injuries that made it impossible for her to hike further. Laura Mason of Royal Oak, Michigan was glissading a snowfield to the west of the Hourglass Couloirs when she was unable to control her speed and ran into the rocks at the base of the snowfield.
August 10, 2011
Local Resident Dies While Biking in Park
With great sadness, Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that Wilson, Wyoming resident Huntley Baldwin, 72, died while bicycling in Grand Teton National Park on Tuesday, August 9. Mr. Baldwin was pronounced dead on scene by Dr. Will Smith, the park's co-medical director, at 11:47 a.m.
August 09, 2011
Rangers Rescue Injured Climber from the Middle Teton
A climber, attempting to scale the Middle Teton, required rescue by Grand Teton National Park rangers on Tuesday, August 9, after sustaining injuries from a fall. Steven Zaleski, 43, of Madison, Wisconsin and two companions were on the approach to the Buckingham Ridge, the southeast ridge of the Middle Teton, when Zaleski pulled off a loose block of rock and fell about 15 feet.
August 08, 2011
Firefighters Suppress Cow Lake Fire
Teton Interagency firefighters suppressed a small lightning-caused fire in Grand Teton National Park on Sunday, August 7. The passage of a thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon ignited a single snag fire just south of Signal Mountain, near a small pothole pond called Cow Lake.
August 08, 2011
Prescribed Fire Planned for Hunter Ranch Area
Teton Interagency fire personnel and Grand Teton National Park natural resource managers are planning a 186-acre prescribed fire for mid to late August, whenever conditions are favorable. The burn unit is part of a 4,057-acre native rangeland restoration project in the Hunter Ranch area of the park. This project involves a multistage effort to convert pasture land back to native vegetation as part of the 2007 Bison and Elk Management Plan for the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park.
August 08, 2011
Rangers Perform Rescues in Garnet Canyon
Grand Teton National Park Rangers with the help of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter performed multiple rescues in Garnet Canyon on Saturday August 6. The first incident was reported to the Jenny Lake Ranger Station at 11 a.m. Saturday. While on scene with the first incident, rangers were notified of another individual just above the Petzolt Caves in Garnet Canyon who also needed assistance.
August 05, 2011
Michael Coleman Bronze Sculpture Donated to Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott is pleased to announce that a bronze sculpture of a mature bull moose was recently donated to the park by two members of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Steve and Roberta Denning. The statuesque moose stands near the courtyard of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and serves as a symbolic ambassador for Grand Teton as it greets visitors from near and far.
August 03, 2011
Selection of New Concession Contract for Services in Rockefeller Memorial Parkway
The National Park Service (NPS) selected Flagg Ranch Company, an affiliate of the Grand Teton Lodge Company, to provide lodging, food and beverage, campground, retail, service station, and other related visitor services in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway under concession contract JODR002-11. NPS Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels made the announcement today in Denver, Colorado. The contract will begin November 1, 2011 with a term of 15 years.
August 02, 2011
Rangers Recover Body of Fallen Climber near the Grand Teton
With the assistance of a Teton Interagency contract helicopter, Grand Teton National Park rangers located the body of climber who fell approximately 2,500 feet to his death on the northwest side of the Grand Teton sometime on Sunday, July 31. After searching by foot for nearly seven hours on Monday, August 1, rangers eventually spotted the deceased climber from the air. Don Ivie, age 44, of Springfield, Missouri had undertaken a solo, one-day climb of the Grand Teton, but failed to return at an appointed time late Sunday evening and was reported overdue at 8:45 p.m.
July 29, 2011
Critically Injured Hiker Rescued from the Ellingwood Couloir on Middle Teton
Grand Teton National Park rangers rescued a 20-year-old hiker, who took a tumbling 1,200-foot fall just after 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 29 and sustained critical injuries. Ryan Haymaker of Houston, Texas was glissading down the Ellingwood Couloir on the south side of the Middle Teton when he lost control and hit a rock causing him to flip over and continue head first down the couloir.
July 29, 2011
Summer Speaker Series Continues
A series of special presentations that began in June will continue throughout the month of August in the new auditorium at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Starting Wednesday, August 3, local residents and park visitors can join a captivating group of speakers to learn about western culture and folk music, climate change and Teton weather, as well as the intriguing story of Sacajawea. All talks are free to the public.
July 27, 2011
Grand Teton NP Clarifies Supt's Compendium for Wildlife Protection & Public Safety
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott today authorized a clarification of the 2011 Superintendent's Compendium to more clearly describe regulations for safe wildlife viewing and allowable distances between visitors and wildlife. The clarification was prompted by the increased size and complexity of "wildlife jams" associated with the presence of grizzly bears near park roadways.
July 25, 2011
Rare Grizzly Bear Cub Exchange Observed
Grand Teton National Park biologists report that an interesting turn of events occurred late last week when two female grizzly bears apparently "exchanged" one cub with one another. The two female grizzlies are related (mother and daughter), and have occupied overlapping home ranges since they both emerged from hibernation with their newborn cubs this past spring. The adoption or fostering of cubs between two female bears is rare, but not unprecedented.
July 15, 2011
Grand Teton National Park to Present Artwork from Harrison Crandall Private Archive
Grand Teton National Park will host a special lecture by Dr. Ken Barrick titled, "Harrison Crandall: Historic Images from the Personal Archives of the Official Grand Teton National Park Photographer" at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center auditorium. This program is free and open to the public.
July 08, 2011
Rangers Extinguish RV Fire at Park Campground
Grand Teton National Park rangers, with the help of Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, extinguished a sizeable fire in a 30-foot motor coach at the Colter Bay RV Park on the evening of July 7. Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received notification of the fire at 9:30 p.m., and a ranger reached the campsite just two minutes later. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
July 08, 2011
Temp Closure of Moose-Wilson Road on July 13
A brief travel closure will be in effect on the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road within Grand Teton National Park for about 28 hours, beginning at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13. The road is scheduled to reopen by 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, barring equipment malfunction or rainy weather. The temporary closure is scheduled to accommodate dust abatement work; this is the second application this summer.
July 05, 2011
Park Supports Bear Spray Recycle Program
Grand Teton National Park is proud to announce its participation in a new sustainability effort that recycles a specialized item commonly used in bear country: bear spray. In coordination, with other federal partners at Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge and surrounding national forests, Grand Teton recently placed collection bins at several locations to gather unwanted bear spray canisters and prepare them for recycling.
July 03, 2011
Seriously Injured Skier Rescued from the Ellingwood Couloir
Grand Teton National Park rangers conducted a short-haul operation for a 33 year-old skier, who took a tumbling 800 foot fall just after 10 a.m. on Saturday, July, 2. Ryan Redmond of Delafield, Wisconsin was skiing down the Ellingwood Couloir (11,500 ft) on the south side of the Middle Teton when he lost control and slid down the gully. Rangers believe snow conditions were a contributing factor in this accident.
June 30, 2011
Fourth of July Fireworks Restrictions Apply
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, or in Teton County. It is essential that everyone comply with this regulation, especially given the warmer temperatures and drying conditions taking place across the greater Jackson Hole area.
June 28, 2011
Film Festival Highlights Nature & Celebrates New Craig Thomas Visitor Center Auditorium
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott invites the public to a special three-day film festival to be held on July 7 – 9 in the new Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center auditorium at Moose, Wyoming. Modeled after similar events like the Telluride and Banff film festivals, the inaugural Grand Teton Film Festival will feature an exciting slate of films profiling environmental issues, and highlighting parks and protected areas from the Alaska Peninsula to North Carolina's Outer Banks, and from the high Sierras of California to the high desert of New Mexico. All films explore and interpret humankind's place in the natural world, and most will be screened in high definition. The festival offers an opportunity for visitors and area residents to experience the visitor center's new 150-seat auditorium with its state-of-the-art projection and large screen. The festival is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
June 27, 2011
Grand Teton to Welcome Dr. Bob Smith as Part of Summer Speaker Series
Grand Teton National Park will welcome Dr. Bob Smith, distinguished professor and professor emeritus of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, June 30 for a retrospective presentation on his prominent work in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The lecture is the third in a new summer speaker series sponsored by the park. Smith's presentation titled, A Living, Breathing, Shaking Career, will provide a window into his career researching and studying the powerful forces that have shaped the Teton and Yellowstone landscapes.
June 26, 2011
Rangers Rescue Climber from Guides' Wall
Grand Teton National Park rangers short-hauled a 47-year-old injured climber off of Guides' Wall in Cascade Canyon on Saturday, June 25. Dagmar Rapp of Farmington, Connecticut was on a guided trip with Exum Mountain Guides when she fell about 15 feet on the Flake pitch, the fifth pitch of six on the route.
June 24, 2011
Baxter’s Pinnacle and Southwest Descent Gully Closed for Nesting Peregrine Falcons
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced that beginning Friday, June 24, Baxter's Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully are closed due to a peregrine falcon aerie. Baxter's Pinnacle is a popular climbing route in Cascade Canyon. This closure is in effect to protect both climbers and the falcons.
June 24, 2011
Fourth Annual Grand Teton Music Festival Concerts in the Park
Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton Music Festival have once again joined together to host the fourth year of special programs promoting the connection between nature and music. Created through a special partnership, the "Music in Nature" concert series runs from June 28 through July 22. The Grand Teton Music Festival's Axiom Brass Quintet will perform 30-minute programs of music inspired by nature; a park ranger will host each performance. The concerts are free and open to the public.
June 24, 2011
Summer Speaker Series Begins
Grand Teton National Park will host a series of special presentations this summer in the new auditorium at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming. Beginning Monday, June 27, local residents and park visitors can join a fascinating group of speakers to learn about migration corridors, regional and park history, geology, and meteorology. All talks are free and open to the general public.
June 21, 2011
Teton Interagency Firefighters & Equipment Respond to Southwest Fires
Sixty-four firefighters from the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park, along with essential firefighting equipment, have responded to support wildfire response in the Southwest and southern United States. Teton area firefighters are available to assist firefighting efforts on large-scale fires across the country because local conditions in Wyoming remain exceptionally green after a prolonged winter and a wet, cool spring.
June 17, 2011
Late Season Avalanche Hazard Cause for Concern in Snowy Teton Range
The Teton Range contains an unprecedented amount of snowpack for this time of year. Unusual conditions exist due to an unseasonably cool and wet spring following a record winter snowfall with 732 inches recorded at the Raymer plot on Rendezvous Mountain (elevation 9,300 feet). The normal transition from winter to spring to summer is substantially delayed, and the snowpack has not yet consolidated. Avalanche danger is expected to remain elevated during this slow transition period. As a consequence, Grand Teton National Park rangers advise extreme caution for any backcountry travel (hiking, skiing or climbing), as well as for backcountry camping.
June 16, 2011
Grand Teton Offers Free Entry in Celebration of Summer Solstice
In celebration of summer solstice and the first day of summer, Grand Teton National Park—along with other national parks across the country—will offer free entry on Tuesday, June 21. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees on several days during 2011 as part of an initiative to encourage people to visit, explore and enjoy America's national park areas.
June 15, 2011
National Park Foundation Awards Grant To Grand Teton National Park
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that Grand Teton National Park was chosen to receive a grant sponsored by the National Park Foundation (NPF) to support an innovative program for multi-cultural youth. This grant is part of the NPF's America's Best Idea initiative: a nationwide program that connects underserved populations across the United States with national parks through meaningful and innovative ways.
June 09, 2011
Grand Teton Prepares for Potential Flooding
As the record winter snowpack melts, Grand Teton National Park is making preparations for potential flooding along the Snake River and its tributaries. A high-water incident management team has been assembled to prepare for possible flooding and other weather-related damage throughout the park. This team will direct the response to situations that may arise as the snowpack recedes in the Tetons and melt-waters swell the creeks and streams.
June 07, 2011
Annual Cattle Drive to Cause Minor Traffic Delays near Moran Junction
Motorists may experience a minor travel delay along Hwy 26/89/191 from Moran Junction to the Elk Ranch flats (one mile south of the junction) on Saturday morning, June 11, between the hours of 6:45 and 8:30 a.m. The temporary delay will allow for the safe movement of cattle from the Pinto Ranch of Buffalo Valley to the Elk Ranch pastures, which lie south of Moran Junction and the Buffalo Fork River. Park rangers will provide traffic control for the cattle drive.
June 07, 2011
Annual Roadside Clean-up on Thursday, June 9
Grand Teton National Park employees will join with park partners and concessioners to conduct the annual roadside clean-up on Thursday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. This date is a bit later than previous years due to late season melting from a record winter snowpack.
June 04, 2011
Jackson Resident Rescued From Teewinot
Grand Teton National Park rangers enlisted the help of Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) and their contract helicopter to rescue a backcountry hiker/skier who was seriously injured after taking a tumbling fall about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, while ascending Teewinot Mountain (elevation 12,325 feet) with two companions.
June 02, 2011
Grizzly Bear Research Trapping Begins in GTNP Public Advised to Heed Posted Warning Signs
Wildlife biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin trapping operations in Grand Teton National Park to capture grizzly bears and gather data for research purposes. These operations will begin June 8th and continue through the end of July. To alert the public of these trapping operations, warning signs will be posted at major access points where capture activities are underway. It is critical that all members of the public heed the warning signs and remain well away from the posted areas.
May 31, 2011
Teton Interagency Fire Employees Receive 2010 Regional Awards
On behalf of the National Park Service Intermountain Region (IMR), Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott and Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor Jacque Buchanan presented Teton Interagency Fire employees with awards for excellence in fire management. Grand Teton National Park Assistant Fire Management Officer Mack McFarland received the IMR Interagency Fire Management Leadership Award and Martha Williamson, Teton Interagency fire planner, received the IMR Fire Management Achievement Award.
May 24, 2011
Park Officials Troubled by Increase in Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
Grand Teton National Park plans to redouble efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions on park roads. Each year, motor vehicles cause the deaths of well over 100 animals, resulting in a significant toll to park wildlife. Over the past few years, park rangers and biologists have documented trends related to wildlife-vehicle collisions in an attempt to make park roads safer for both people and animals.
May 20, 2011
Temp Closure of Moose-Wilson Road on May 25
A brief travel closure will be in effect on the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road within Grand Teton National Park for about 28 hours, beginning at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25. The road is scheduled to reopen by 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, barring equipment malfunction or rainy weather. The temporary closure is scheduled to accommodate dust abatement work.
May 19, 2011
Volunteers Needed as Pathway Ambassadors
For the third year, Grand Teton National Park is recruiting for volunteers interested in serving as ambassadors for the multi-use pathway that extends from Dornan's in the Moose area to South Jenny Lake. Volunteer ambassadors will patrol the eight-mile-long paved pathway on foot, bicycle or roller blades to meet and greet other pathway users and offer information about the "rules of the road," as well as provide emergency assistance in the event of an accident, injury, or equipment malfunction.
May 16, 2011
Road & Pathway Construction Projects for 2011
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that road and pathway construction projects will be underway at various locations throughout the park, resulting in reduced speed limits and minor traffic delays for much of the 2011 summer season. Travelers are advised to call the road conditions line at 307.739.3614 for current and specific information. The park's newspaper, Grand Teton Guide, includes a road construction map for further reference and can be picked up at any park entrance station or visitor center or found online at www.nps.gov/grte.
May 16, 2011
American Indian Guest Artists 2011 Schedule
Each year, Grand Teton National Park sponsors a program for visiting American Indian artists at the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum. For the past 36 years, artists from diverse tribes have demonstrated their traditional and contemporary art forms, providing visitors an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for, and understanding of American Indian art and culture.
May 11, 2011
Bicyclist Injured in Collision w/ Delivery Truck
A 54-year-old Jackson, Wyoming resident received multiple injuries when he was struck by the rearview mirror of a delivery truck while biking on Highway 26/89/191, about 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11. The delivery truck, driven by a 54-year-old Jackson man, and the bicyclist were both northbound on the highway when the accident occurred approximately one mile north of the Airport Junction in Grand Teton National Park. The cyclist was wearing a bike helmet.
May 10, 2011
Fleet of Hybrid Vehicles Arrives in Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park recently accepted delivery of five, 2011 Ford Escape hybrid vehicles through a program sponsored by Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition (YTCEC). Purchase of the hybrid vehicles—worth $146,175 dollars—was made possible through a $547,645 grant secured by YTCEC in partnership with Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. The program and grant were developed to support a variety of clean transportation projects in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA).
May 06, 2011
"Go Wild, Go Birding!" on Migratory Bird Day
Grand Teton National Park will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with a bird-watching caravan on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Park ranger naturalist Andrew Langford will visit areas throughout the park that provide excellent opportunities to locate, identify, and record birds as part of the North American Migration Count. The free activity begins at 8 a.m. in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at Moose and finishes by 4 p.m. at Christian Pond near Jackson Lake Lodge. Reservations are not required.
May 03, 2011
Teton Interagency Fire Managers Plan Spring Prescribed Fires
Teton interagency fire managers plan to conduct several prescribed fires during the month of May. If weather conditions are conducive, fire managers for Grand Teton National Park and the North Zone of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will initiate the following projects: Lava Creek, Shadow Mountain, Elbo West, Upper Palmer Creek, and Lower Gros Ventre.
May 02, 2011
Moose Water System
Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced today that an environmental assessment/assessment of effect document is being prepared to analyze a range of project alternatives for replacement of a wastewater system near park headquarters in Moose, Wyoming. The project will also address critical deficiencies in the water system serving the Moose area. The National Park Service requests that public comments on the Moose Wastewater and Water System EA/AE projects be submitted no later than June 2, 2011.
April 28, 2011
2011 Boyd Evison Graduate Fellowship
Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton Association (GTA) are pleased to announce that Stefan Ekernas has received the Boyd Evison Graduate Fellowship for 2011. Ekernas, the seventh recipient of an Evison Fellowship, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana in Missoula. He plans to use his fellowship award to study the impacts of climate change on food webs in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), looking specifically at white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii) and pronghorn (Antilocapra Americana). The Evison Graduate Fellowship began in 2005 to support studies throughout the Greater Yellowstone Area.
April 27, 2011
Snowdesk Broadcasts
Over the past few months, ranger naturalists brought the winter world of Grand Teton National Park to classrooms across the United States. Rangers made "virtual visits" to classrooms in Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming by using video conferencing technology. Although some of the locations were experiencing more spring-like weather, students were transported live to Moose, Wyoming where temperatures were generally sub-freezing during broadcasts outside of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Each classroom held a special connection to Grand Teton because their teachers were past participants in the National Park Service (NPS) Teacher to Ranger to Teacher (TRT) program.
April 26, 2011
Facility Opening Dates for 2011 Season
The official 2011 opening dates for facilities in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are announced
April 24, 2011
Missing Skiers Found after Six-Day Search
On the evening of Saturday, April 23, after a long day of searching an avalanche debris field in Garnet Canyon Meadows, a Grand Teton National Park ranger picked up two discernible beacon signals deep in the snowpack. Due to the late hour—coupled with the need to evacuate all search teams from the Teton canyon and cease helicopter operations before day's end—a handful of rescuers were not able to dig deep enough to locate the source of the signals. Early Sunday morning, a core group of park rangers flew back into Garnet Canyon to resume digging. After two hours, they reached Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick, buried under 13 feet of snow near a large boulder in the avalanche path.
April 23, 2011
Search for Missing Skiers Enters Sixth Day
The search for Walker Pannell Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah and Gregory Seftick, age 31, of Columbia Falls, Montana resumed today, Saturday, April 23 in Grand Teton National Park. Kuhl and Seftick began an overnight camping and skiing trip one week ago, and were reported missing on Monday, April 18, when Kuhl failed to show up for work. This marks the sixth day for a concentrated search to locate the missing skiers.
April 22, 2011
Garnet Canyon Closed to Public Entry on Saturday - April 23
4:30 p.m.Garnet Canyon will be close to public entry on Saturday, April 23 to conduct ongoing search operations.
April 22, 2011
Search for Walker Pannell Kuhl and Greg Seftick to Resume Saturday
Grand Teton National Park rangers plan to resume the search for Walker Pannell Kuhl and Greg Seftick on Saturday, April 23. A forecast for better weather conditions this weekend prompted rangers to prepare for another sizeable search period. Several rescuers and search dog teams will be airlifted to a helispot in the Platforms area of Garnet Canyon. Search teams will focus their attention on a large avalanche debris field that lies in Garnet Canyon Meadows.
April 21, 2011
Search Operations for Missing Skiers Suspended Due to Inclement Weather
Grand Teton National Park rangers were forced to suspend the search for missing skiers Walker Pannell Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gregory Seftick, age 31 of Columbia Falls, Montana today, April 21, due to adverse weather conditions. The Teton Range and Jackson Hole experienced continual winter-like storms with heavy snow and gusty winds throughout the day. These conditions made it impossible to insert rescue teams and K9 search teams into the Teton backcountry.
April 21, 2011
Missing Skiers Not Found Despite Extensive Search on Wednesday
Rescue teams on the ground and in the air, along with two search dog teams with Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue, conducted a thorough and extensive search of multiple locations in Garnet Canyon on Wednesday, April 20; still no clues were discovered that might lead to the whereabouts of Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick—missing for four days after they entered Garnet Canyon on Saturday, April 16, for on an overnight camping and ski trip.
April 20, 2011
Search Continues for Missing Skiers in Garnet Canyon
Several rescue teams were flown by helicopter into the Meadows area of Garnet Canyon early this morning, April 20, to resume a methodical search for Walker Kuhl, age 27, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Gregory Seftick, age 31 of Columbia Falls, Montana. The two men skied into Garnet Canyon at Grand Teton National Park on Saturday, April 16, with plans to camp overnight and explore areas around the Grand Teton. They were reported overdue for work at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, April 18.
April 19, 2011
Overdue Skiers Prompt Large-Scale Search
Grand Teton National Park rangers organized a full-scale search for two overdue backcountry skiers on Tuesday morning, April 19, after an initial search late Monday proved unsuccessful. Approximately 40 rescuers and support staff assembled at first light on Tuesday to begin an extensive search of the Meadows area and other locations within Garnet Canyon near the Grand Teton and other high peaks. Walker Kuhl, age 27, from Salt Lake City, Utah and Gregory Seftick, age 31, of Columbia Falls, Montana set out to camp overnight in the Teton Range on Saturday, April 16.
April 12, 2011
Celebrate National Park Wee and View Sage Grouse
To celebrate the arrival of spring and National Park Week (April 16-24), park ranger naturalists will lead early-morning tours to observe strutting sage grouse as they perform their annual mating dance on an historic lek (strutting arena) located just off the Antelope Flats Road near Mormon Row. Strutting grouse trips will be offered on both Saturdays and Sundays of the following weekends: April 16–17, April 23–24, and April 30–May 1, 2011.
April 04, 2011
Backcountry Skier Triggers Avalanche on Shadow Peak
A backcountry skier escaped injury in a large avalanche he triggered on the south aspect of Shadow Peak in the "Four Hour Couloir" in Grand Teton National Park Friday. The Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 2:20 p.m. Friday reporting a large slide originally thought to be on Albright Peak, but later corrected to be Shadow Peak. Park rangers mobilized for a search and rescue, but stood down at 3 p.m. when the reporting party called back to say everyone was safe and uninjured.
March 29, 2011
Roads Open to Traditional Spring Activities
No abstract supplied.
March 15, 2011
Backcountry Skier Injured during Avalanche in Granite Canyon
Grand Teton National Park rangers enlisted the help of the Teton County contract helicopter to rescue a backcountry skier who was injured during an avalanche on Tuesday morning, March 15. Benjamin Shortledge, a 32-year-old Jackson resident, triggered an avalanche around 11:20 a.m. while skiing with friends on the northwest side of Cardiac Ridge in Granite Canyon. He received several injuries as a two-foot deep and 40-foot wide soft slab avalanche carried him about 400 feet down a slope near a feature known as Shady Lady.
March 04, 2011
NPS Academy Designed for College Students
Grand Teton National Park is working in partnership with the Student Conservation Association and Teton Science Schools, an environmental education center, to launch an innovative program titled the National Park Service (NPS) Academy. The Grand Teton-based NPS Academy, scheduled for March 12-18, is structured as a week-long, alternative spring break program for college students with diverse backgrounds from across the United States.
March 03, 2011
Plowing of Teton Park Road Begins March 14
No abstract supplied.
February 25, 2011
Backcountry Skier Injured in Slab Avalanche in Granite Canyon
Grand Teton National Park rangers enlisted the help of a Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter to evacuate an injured backcountry skier who was caught in an avalanche in the park on Thursday afternoon, February 24.
February 15, 2011
Ira Blitzblau Named Deputy Chief Ranger at Grand Teton National Park
No abstract supplied.
February 10, 2011
February Full Moon and Winter Festival Weekend
No abstract supplied.
February 07, 2011
Rangers Evacuate Ill Snowshoer from Phelps Lake Moraine
No abstract supplied.
January 31, 2011
Public Scoping Initiated for Historic Properties Management Plan
Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott invites the public to attend a meeting regarding the development of a comprehensive plan for management of Grand Teton National Park's historic properties. The meeting will take place Tuesday, February 8, from 5–7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 43, 182 North Cache Street in Jackson, Wyoming. A short presentation on the historic properties will be followed by conversations with park staff to further inform participants about the scope of the plan and its objectives.
January 10, 2011
Special Activities on MLK Fee-Free Weekend
Grand Teton National Park will waive entrance fees during the upcoming Martin Luther King holiday weekend (January 15-17) as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage people to visit and experience the many wonders of national parks across America. Grand Teton ranger naturalists invite visitors and local residents to attend an Evening of Astronomy program at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, and join an early evening snowshoe excursion on the Teton Park Road. Both activities will take place on Saturday, January 15.
January 09, 2011
Rangers Rescue Stranded Snowboarder and Snowshoers from Backcountry on Same Day
No abstract supplied.
January 04, 2011
Grand Teton Recruits for 2011 YCP
No abstract supplied.
