Vol 3, # 62

   Monday, June 21, 1999

YELLOWSTONE
WEATHER
Highs 70s, Lows 40s
Mostly Sunny
 

Yellowstone Net Home Page
Vacation Reservations

ROAD REPORT
All entrances
are now open.
There are some
construction
delays in the
Park.

PROTECTING YELLOWSTONE
by Bruce Gourley

Yellowstone is a national treasure which is owned by the American public.  Protecting Yellowstone is the responsibility of the American public.   This weekly feature will help identify and explore the issues which are crucial to the ongoing, healthy existence of the "Crown Jewel" of America's National Park system.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (YNET) -- Each year, millions vacation in Yellowstone National Park.  The National Park Service works hard to make sure that every visitor has a wonderful experience, and has issued the following list of helpful guidelines in regards to protection of Yellowstone's wildlife, as well as that of the visitor:

This spring, numerous visitors to Yellowstone National Park have had the opportunity to view grizzly and black bears along roadsides throughout the park. Along with this increase in bear activity, park officials have also noted several incidents where park visitors have approached bears too closely and/or may have attempted to feed them.

When park visitors approach bears and other wildlife too closely or attempt to feed them, they set in motion a set of events that too often result in injuries to themselves and the tragedy of a bear or other wildlife having to be relocated or possibly destroyed. During the spring, wildlife can be even more aggressive as they protect their recently born young. All park animals are wild and may-and often do-act aggressively to protect themselves or their young or to obtain food. For their safety, visitors are encouraged to view and photograph bears and other wildlife from a safe distance or the safety of their vehicle. For these reasons, it is against the law to approach within 100 yards of bears or within 25 yards of other wildlife or nesting birds or any distance which causes disturbance or displacement of wildlife.

Feeding bears or leaving food where they can get it is extremely dangerous for both bears and people. A bear that eats human food or garbage-even once-may become conditioned to this food source and actively seek it out around people. These bears often become increasingly aggressive and dangerous and can cause injury to humans, requiring their removal. This is why it is illegal to feed bears-or any wildlife-in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone's wildlife is just one of Yellowstone's precious resources. Park visitors are encouraged to help the park protect this important resource by obeying park regulations. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife; if wildlife react to your presence, you are too close. Last, it is illegal to feed any wildlife in the park. Park visitors observed feeding or harassing wildlife are subject to a citation and fine.

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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

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. -- Buffalo Field Campaign started the summer campaign June 1.  The summer campaign will focus on public outreach and education to tourists and travelers that go through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. There are volunteers setting up tables inside the parks to pass out our newsletter and to talk with folks about the slaughter of America's last wild herd of buffalo.

If you will be in the Yellowstone area this summer; please contact us.  We have food and board for only a limited number of volunteers due to our budget, but can make arrangements to put up visitors for a night if they have their own food.  Please contact us a week or two in advance if you would like to come out and volunteer or visit.

The summer campaign will wrap up around September 5 and then we can start working for the upcoming winter.  So if you are going to Yellowstone or Teton, look for the Buffalo Field Campaign table for more information or just to say hello.

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The appeal of a court decision to remove reintroduced gray wolves from Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho, postponed because of illness, has been rescheduled for July 29. Environmentalists were scheduled to have their court day in May to appeal the 1997 ruling by District Court Judge William Downes that declared the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park a violation of the Endangered Species Act. However, the judge who was supposed to hear the appeal fell ill in May and the date has been postponed.

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The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for those 62 years or older. The Golden Age Passport has a one time processing charge of $10. You must purchase a Golden Age Passport in person (it is not available by mail or telephone). This can be done, at any NPS entrance fee area. At time of purchase you must show proof of age (be 62 years or older) and be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

The Golden Age Passport admits the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Where entry is not by private vehicle, the passport admits the pass holder, spouse, children, and parents.

The Golden Age Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as fees for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

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