Vol 3, #63

   Friday, June 25, 1999

YELLOWSTONE
WEATHER
Highs 70s, Lows 30s
Partly Sunny
 

Yellowstone Net Home Page
 

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

SEWER POND THREAT AT LAKE AREA IS OVER
by Bruce Gourley

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (YNET) -- Earlier this month, the Park Service began discharging a half-million gallons of treated sewage daily from a holding pond at Yellowstone's sewage treatment plant in the Fishing Bridge / Lake Yellowstone area.  Officials were fearful that if the holding pond overflowed, the earthen dike would burst, and the surrounding wetlands would have been swamped with millions of gallons of sewage.

This week, however, Park service officials declared that the danger is over, and that the siphoning off of excessive treated sewage has been halted.

The holding pond had been in a precarious situation thanks partially to a wetter-than-usual spring which led to ground water seeping into the sewage lines and flowing into the sewage treatment plant.

The root of the problem, however, goes far beyond this year's wetter-than-usual spring.   Most of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of the U.S. Congress, which for the past two decades has refused to allocate adequate funding to Yellowstone National Park for even the routine maintenance and replacement of the Park's infrastructure.   Congressional leaders and members have displayed an amazing lack of interest in the public's desire for the adequate caretaking of Yellowstone.

Fortunately, the cries of the American people may finally be reaching the ears of Congress.  Money has recently been allocated to replace some of the aging and overburdened sewer systems in Yellowstone.  After years of neglect, however, much more funding is needed to return Yellowstone to a state which is befitting its status as the "first and foremost of all national parks."

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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

Late June marks the beginning of the peak tourism season in Yellowstone.  From now through Memorial Day weekend, the Park will host the largest number of visitors.  More than three million people are expected to visit Yellowstone this summer.  If you are visiting the Park in the coming weeks, here are a few things to be aware of:

-- Road Construction is underway between Roosevelt and the Northeast entrance, with delays of up to fifteen minutes; road construction is also underway between West Thumb and Lake Yellowstone and between Fishing Bridge and the East Entrance.

-- For the past few weeks, numerous buffalo have been migrating along the roadway south of Madison and just north of the Fountain Flats area, causing lengthy traffic jams.

-- Some areas of the Park remain closed for Bear Management through the end of June.  Inquire about current closings at one of the Park's ranger stations.  Also, bear sightings along the Park's main roads have been higher than usual thus far this summer.  Grizzlies are dangerous, and it is unlawful to approach closely to them.

-- The Yellowstone River and its tributaries between the Lake and the Canyon area are closed to fishing until July 15.

Have a safe and enjoyable time in Yellowstone this summer!

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The Golden Eagle passport is an entrance pass to those national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Eagle Passport costs $50 and is valid for one year from date of purchase. You may purchase a Golden Eagle Passport at any NPS entrance fee area or by mail. To purchase by mail send a $50 check or money order (do not send cash) to:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle 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 Eagle Passport does not cover or reduce use fees, such as fees for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It is valid for entrance fees only.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (YNET) -- Yellowstone's fishing season is well underway by this point, although high runoffs are making an impact at the moment.  The Yellowstone River continues to run high, but should be settling down by the time fishing opens on the River and its tributaries on July 15.  Fishing is reportedly good on the Firehole and Gallatin rivers, as well as in Yellowstone Lake, where the Park is hoping that anglers will once again help in the campaign to eradicate the non-native Lake Trout.

Yellowstone's fishing season will run through Memorial Day weekend.  Anglers 16 years of age or older must purchase a Park fishing permit (which is separate from any state permits).  A ten day permit costs $10, while a season permit costs $20.  Children between the ages of 12 and 15 must get a "non-fee" permit, and those under the age of twelve do not need a permit, although they should be supervised by an adult.  Fishing permits are sold at all ranger stations and visitor centers, as well as at Hamilton Stores within the Park.