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| MONDAY May 7, 2001 Vol 5, # 45 |
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| MONDAY May 7, 2001 Vol 5, # 45 |
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| Site Search | Support Yellowstone! Discussion $7.95 Internet, Email, More Email Newsletter | |
YELLOWSTONE ROAD
REPORT PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-
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 PROTECTING YELLOWSTONEby 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) -- Spring has truly arrived in Yellowstone! Bright-red and orange baby bison are trotting along beside their mothers, temperatures are easing upward, wildflowers are blooming, and mountain bluebirds are fluttering from tree to tree. In fact, the coming of spring signals the coming of the annual International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), which is held the second Saturday in May (that is, this coming Saturday). Yellowstone will be celebrating this event, as is noted in the press release below: On Saturday, May 12, 2001, visitors to Yellowstone National Park will have an opportunity to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day as they join interpretive park ranger Katy Duffy and spend 5 or 6 hours birdwatching by car caravan along the West Entrance road in the park. International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), held annually on the second Saturday in May, is an invitation to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation. Nearly 350 North American migratory bird species travel between nesting habitats in North American and non-breeding grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. In Yellowstone, more than 100 bird species found during the summer (including the osprey and peregrine falcon) spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. Yellowstone’s migratory birds are one of its most beautiful and observable resources. Visitors participating in the May 12 event will have an opportunity to not only celebrate Yellowstone’s returning birds, a symbolic harbinger of spring, but also understand the threats they face in their winter habitat (loss of habitat, pesticide use, hunting, and an increase in human development). Visitors interested in participating in this opportunity are asked to meet at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2001, at the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce parking lot on the corner of Canyon Avenue and West Yellowstone Street in West Yellowstone, Montana. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, and it could be windy or chilly on the day of the event, so dress appropriately with plenty of layers that can be added or deleted as needed—warm clothing, a windbreaker, a warm hat and gloves, etc. It is important to bring liquids to prevent dehydration, and participants are encouraged to bring something to snack or lunch on. If possible, bring a spotting scope or binoculars and field guides. Reservations are not necessary. For further information, please call (406) 646-4403. (Yellowstone Net provides you opportunity to voice your opinion regarding the various Yellowstone issues to your congresspersons and to editorial sections of magazines and newspapers by clicking here.) |
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Russ Finley
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ROAD
OPENINGS UPDATE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- All of Yellowstone's entrances, with the exception of the South entrance, are now open to automobile traffic. However, although the Northeast entrance is open, it can only be accessed via the Chief Joseph Scenic highway. The Beartooth Highway is not expected to be open for several more weeks. Also, there is ongoing construction between the East gate and Cody, Wyoming. Norris to Canyon opened several days earlier than anticipated last week, and it is possible that the South entrance may open earlier than the projected date, which is this Friday. In addition, low snow cover may lead to an early opening of Dunraven Pass, which usually does not open before the month of June. For more information on Yellowstone's roads, click here. |
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| MADISON AREA VISITOR
FACILITIES by National Park Service
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| SPRING WILDLIFE UPDATE News Brief YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- Yellowstone's wildlife are visible in abundance. Herds of bison, including many baby bison, can now be spotted from the West gate to Madison and from Madison to Old Faithful in particular. Elk are visible throughout much of the Park. And for much of last week, a grizzly sow and two yearling cubs were camped out near the road just north of Roaring Mountain between Norris and Mammoth. Other recent grizzly sightings have included in the Pelican Creek area, in the Canyon area and between the East gate and Cody. Some trails in the Park are currently closed because of grizzly activity. Visitors are reminded not to approach wildlife, as they are dangerous. |
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (NPS) --
The Madison Information Station dates from 1929-30 and is a National Historic
Landmark. Located at Madison Junction in the Madison Picnic Area, it is built from wood
and stone materials. The building sits near the site of the legendary campfire circle of
the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition. Although no evidence can confirm the authenticity
of this tale, the legend gives us a strong theme for discussion of the establishment of
Yellowstone National Park. In previous years, this building has been used as a museum, has
housed the Arts Yellowstone program, and has sat empty and abandoned. It began its new
life as an information station and Yellowstone Association bookstore during the summer of
1995. The station contains only touch-table exhibits at present, but plans are underway to
design and install orientation panels. A wayside exhibit just outside the building
commemorates the "campfire story," and a commemorative plaque honors Stephen T.
Mather.