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| WEDNESDAY January 31, 2001 Vol 5, # 10 |
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| WEDNESDAY January 31, 2001 Vol 5, # 10 |
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| Site Search | Support Yellowstone! Discussion Free Internet, Email, More Email Newsletter | |
YELLOWSTONE ROAD
REPORT PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-
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FROM THE BANKS OF THE
FIREHOLE by Matthew McLean This is the latest in a series of articles written by Matthew McLean, Associate Editor of The Wyoming Companion and contributor to Yellowstone Net, who is living and working in Yellowstone this winter. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- Unfortunately I do not have any new snow around here to tell you about. Old Faithful still has not seen a decent snowstorm in over a month and I cannot say that I have heard of any in the forecast. In addition to that, it is getting above freezing almost every afternoon and puddles are forming each time in front of the Snow Lodge. It is very frustrating to have my first winter in Yellowstone be such a mild one. Please do a snow dance for me! Anyway, I will stop begging for snow and tell all about my trip this week. My girlfriend Mary and I decided that a trip to Mammoth Hot Springs would be a nice break from Old Faithful for a few days. The coach ride up was bumpy and long but tour guide Lee Ramella kept it interesting with his anecdotes about different roads used throughout Yellowstone's history. When we arrived I was amazed by all of the Magpies and Rabbits around the buildings at Mammoth. These are animals that we hardly ever see at Old Faithful. After connecting with our friends at Mammoth, we settled down to prepare for whatever we might find to do the next day. We were awaken the next morning by the sounds of wolves and coyotes on the ridge behind the cabins. Some people that we know informed us that a wolf pack as been frequenting the Mammoth area. We didn't get to see them, but it was exciting to hear them. To continue our pursuit of exotic animals we decided to take an offer of a ride out to Lamar for the afternoon. I had not been out to the Lamar Valley since I was a child so I was excited by the opportunity. On our way to Lamar we were treated with some great sights. We were able to see Undine Falls almost completely frozen. A herd of about ten bull elk had found a spot to graze near Wraith Falls. And, once again, Lee showed us many of the old routes used by early travelers to the park including the Bannock Trail and the old coach road from Mammoth to Roosevelt and Cooke City. Upon reaching the Lamar we had our first animal sighting. It was a coyote standing in the middle of the road and he did not look too happy to see us. After we passed him he proceeded to chase us! Guess the car looked like a tasty meal. The valley was beautiful. The many elk made Specimen Ridge look like an anthill. Bison were scattered about in groups of two and three. The valley had a much greater amount of snow than Old Faithful. In fact, when we reached Soda Butte, a huge snowstorm hit and reduced visibility to only a few hundred feet. I had almost forgotten what a snowstorm looked like. We didn't see any wolves, but the coyotes were plentiful. I got a great photo of one near Soda Butte. Also, on our way out we encountered one who had captured a meal. He was proudly (yet protectively) carrying around a porcupine. Tried to get some shots of him too, but he was quick to hide his meal so I am not sure how they will turn out. So, all in all it was a great break away from Old Faithful. It is amazing to me how many different types of flora, fauna, and scenery that can be found within a hundred miles of where I live. It is even more wonderful how winter adds a whole new aspect to everything. I would have to say for those of you who have only visited during the summer - you wouldn't even recognize the place! |
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Russ Finley |
PBS
YELLOWSTONE WOLF PROGRAM TONIGHT BELGRADE, Mont. -- The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) television station will air a one hour program titled "Living Edens" tonight, Wednesday, January 31st, at 8:00 p.m. (EST). The program will report on the ecosystemic balance that has been achieved in Yellowstone National Park after the reintroduction of wolves. Wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park in 1995, and biologists consider the reintroduction to have been highly successful. The public is supportive of wolves being back in Yellowstone, and wolf sightings in the Park are among the most prized experiences of Yellowstone visitors. |
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| GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
HAS ARCHEOLOGY OPENING National Park Service GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (NPS) -- The park is seeking applicants for a four-year term archeologist position at the GS 9/11 level. Applicants should have conducted fieldwork in the northern High Plains and Rocky Mountain region, possess experience as a contracting officer's technical representative, and have knowledge of the Section 106 compliance process. The ability to work with GIS and technical databases is also desirable, as is the ability to verbally communicate with other park division staff, universities, and archeological centers. The person selected will work directly for the park's cultural resource program manager. For more information, contact Greg Kendrick at 303-969-2894. |
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| FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN
RANGER SOUGHT National Park Service WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPS) -- The American Indian Liaison Office is trying to identify the first American Indian ranger. Francis X. Guardipee, who was the first American Indian ranger at Glacier NP (1933-1947) might qualify, but there may have been others before him. If you can provide additional information, please contact Ronnie Emery at 202-208-5732. |
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