Vol 3, #45

   Friday, April 30, 1999

YELLOWSTONE
WEATHER
Highs 40s, Lows20s
Scattered Snow
 

Yellowstone Net Home Page
Vacation Reservations

ROAD REPORT
The West Roads
Are Now Open!
(Mammoth to Old
Faithful & Canyon)

CHICAGO, Ill. (YNET) -- The Friends of the McKinley Park Library is once again proud and happy to have hosted Clint Wilkes of Yellowstone Net Company, for his presentation, "A
MULTIMEDIA YELLOWSTONE". Last year, the organization hosted Clint for his seminar, "MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET", which was a huge success.

In his own unique style, Clint began his presentation with a "get together warm-up welcome". After just a few minutes, it was obvious how Clint is able to read his audience, and direct his focus to their particular interests.

Throughout the presentation, his skillful blending of personal experiences in Yellowstone National Park, along with breathtaking pictures, made this a most rewarding evening. The multimedia presentation is an electronic marvel, featuring images, sounds, and text from Yellowstone. Clint narrates each slide, and allows ample time for questions and discussion. This format allows Clint's presentation to be given in all sorts of locations, from small rooms to large lecture halls, to small groups as well as large assemblies. This is a relaxing, enjoyable, and educational presentation, which I highly recommend. It is a wholesome program, which the whole family can and will enjoy! Multimedia Yellowstone is enchanting.

There was not one attendee who approached me afterwards, who had anything but praise and positive comments about Clint's presentation. As a matter of fact, the prevailing comment was, "Can we have Clint come back again next year?".  In thanks and appreciation for sharing his knowledge with our organization, Clint was presented the "1999 FOMPL Community Enrichment Award".

After the program, my wife Annamarie and I treated Clint to a local legend, Lindy's, where we enjoyed chili, a double cheeseburger with grilled onions, and onion rings. See, in preparing for Clint's Yellowstone presentation, we read his book, COLLEGE GUIDE TO A SUMMER JOB IN YELLOWSTONE. In the book, he mentions a pizza place, K-Bar, which presents a true flavor of Yellowstone hospitality and lore. Well, Clint could not leave McKinley Park without experiencing Midwest hospitality and lore. We sat, ate, and talked, until they closed. What a great evening it was!

The next day, we showed Clint Chicago, including the Lakefront, Stock Exchange, City Hall, Navy Pier, Sears Tower, and Krispy Kreme. More on this adventure another time. Clint, you need to come back again to see the rest of the city...we're already planning your day.

And by the way, Clint, we're fixin' to read your book yet again, just for the pure enjoyment of it. See you next year!

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS

Ralph Maughan
Kim Steinbacher
Kevin Sanders
Steve Brashear
Clint Wilkes
Tim Gourley
Hon. Bob Gammage
Ruth Colter-Frick
Lee Whittlesey
Tom Mazzarisi
Russ Finley
David Monteith
Denise Elmer
Dr. Bob Bara

Grizzly bears in the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk recovery zones of Idaho, Montana and Washington are in danger of extinction but will not have their status reclassified from threatened to endangered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced April 22. The federal agency decided that the need to protect other species, such as the Canada lynx, was a greater priority than extending the protections of a species that is already protected by the Endangered Species Act.

For the full story, go to www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/1999/04/042799/grizbear_2871.asp.

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A report released last week by Predator Project, a Bozeman, Montana-based conservation group, highlights the successes of wolf restoration projects in the northern Rockies, but warns against a government "downlisting" of the species. The report, "At a Crossroads: The Wolf and its Place in the Northern Rockies," examines the progress of wolf projects, but also looks at the obstacles in the way of successfully restoring wolf populations.

For the full story, go to www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/1999/04/042699/wolves_2844.asp.

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Tourists to Yellowstone will be glad to know that this year's road construction projects in the Park will not be as obstructive to traffic as the past few years.  There will be no scheduled delays longer than 30 minutes, with construction taking place only from West Thumb to the East Entrance and in the Lamar Valley.

Following is the seasonal road construction schedule listed by sections of roadway:

LAMAR VALLEY

-- March 15 through midnight May 31: Open 24 hours with up to 30 minute delays from 7:00AM to 9:00PM
-- Midnight May 31 through midnight August 28: Open 5:00AM to midnight with up to 30 minute delays. Midnight to 5:00 AM road closed
-- August 29: Open without delays

EAST ENTRANCE TO FISHING BRIDGE

-- Opening date through July 5: Open 24 hours with up to 30 minute delays.
-- July 6 through Sept. 6: Open 9:00AM to 9:00PM with up to 30 minute delays. Closed all other times.
-- Sept. 7 through Oct. 3: Open 6:00AM to 10:00AM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM. Closed all other times. Weekends: Open 6:00AM-Saturday to 10:00PM-Sunday.
-- Oct. 4: Closed for the Season

LAKE JUNCTION TO BRIDGE BAY

-- Opening date through Oct. 3: Open 24 hours with up to 30 minute delays.
-- Oct. 4 through Nov. 7: Open 6:00AM to 10:00AM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM. Closed all other times. Weekends: Open 6:00AM- Sat. to 10:00PM-Sun.

BRIDGE BAY TO WEST THUMB

-- Opening date through July 5: Open 24 hours with up to 30 minute delays from 9:00AM to 9:00PM
-- July 6 through Sept. 6: Open 9:00AM to 9:00PM with up to 30 minute delays. Closed all other times.
-- Sept. 7 through Nov. 7: Open 6:00AM to 10:00AM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM.
Weekends: road open 6:00AM Saturday to 10:00PM Sunday. Closed all other times.