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| MONDAY Sept 10, 2001 Vol 5, # 79 |
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| MONDAY Sept 10, 2001 Vol 5, # 79 |
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| Site Search | Support Yellowstone! Discussion $9.95 Internet, Email, More Email Newsletter | |
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) -- After weeks of dry, hot weather, the Yellowstone region finally received some welcome moisture, accompanied by cool weather, this past week. Thankfully, the moisture and cool weather has served to dampen the fires in and around Yellowstone (although the Moose Fire in and near Glacier National Park is far from being contained; see story below). However, throughout Montana and Wyoming, even more moisture over the long term is desperately needed, as the last four years have witnessed relatively little moisture, leading to potentially prolonged drought conditions. The coming of cooler weather signals the impending arrival of fall, which is a favorite time of year for many folks who live in the area. Unlike the big crowds of July and August, September and October witness a relatively small number of visitors. This, coupled with the mild (at least at times) weather and the visibility of many animals (especially the elk during rutting season), allows for some good quality time in the Park, whether in the frontcountry or the backcountry. If you are traveling in the Yellowstone region these next few months, do remember that the weather at this time of year is unpredictable, and the chance of snow and freezing temperatures is increasing daily. (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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LAW
ENFORCEMENT INCIDENT IN YELLOWSTONE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (NPS) -- A search for three individuals involved in a law enforcement incident ended successfully when the three were apprehended in Hayden Valley at around 6:00 p.m. this evening. Thomas Oflanagan, Patrick Engelbrecht, and a female juvenile were apprehended by members of a Gallatin County, Montana, Sheriff's Office tactical team and park rangers. The incident began around 5:40 a.m. this morning when a Yellowstone National Park ranger noted that a pickup truck was parked out of bounds (camping outside a designated campground) in a pullout in the Hayden Valley area of the park and stopped and contacted the individuals. After he had finished his contact, word was received that a vehicle check done on the 1996 Black Chevy pickup showed the vehicle was stolen and associated with a home invasion in Minnesota. The ranger called for backup assistance and followed the vehicle to the Fishing Bridge area of the park, where the pickup stopped. The ranger was out of sight of the vehicle for a short time while he waited for assistance. Because of the concern for public safety, several hundred park staff and visitors were immediately evacuated and the area was closed to the public. Law enforcement rangers from throughout the park responded to the area, and a tactical team from Gallatin County, Montana, was requested to assist. Park County, Wyoming, Sheriff's Office, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Bozeman Police Department, and Grand Teton National Park also provided assistance. Around 40 law enforcement staff were involved in the incident. The Gallatin Country tactical team arrived at the area around 1 p.m. At around 1:30 p.m., they approached the vehicle and found that the individuals had left the vehicle during the short time the vehicle was out of sight earlier in the day while it was still dark. An immediate search of Fishing Bridge and the surrounding area was started. All vehicle traffic through Hayden Valley was stopped, and the Fishing Bridge area and East Entrance remained closed while the search continued. Entrance stations cautioned visitors entering the park about the situation, and vehicles exiting the park were searched. At around 4 p.m., park visitors contacted Canyon rangers and stated that they had seen three individuals matching the suspects' description near LeHardy Rapids, approximately 3.5 miles from Fishing Bridge. At around the same time, researchers in the park also reported that they had seen the same individuals in the area around 2 p.m. Rangers and other law enforcement immediately responded to the area and began a search. One of the searchers glanced toward some trees and saw one of the suspects. The suspects tried to run from the area but were quickly apprehended. They offered no resistance, and no one was injured during the capture operation. One handgun, a knife and a hammer were found with the suspects. The three suspects were in good condition, although wet and cold. One of the suspects is being held at facilities at Mammoth Hot Springs; the other two will be transported to either Cody or Jackson, Wyoming. The East Entrance, Fishing Bridge and Hayden Valley areas have reopened to the public. |
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| YELLOWSTONE FIRE UPDATE by National Park Service
 Some backcountry trails and campsites remain closed to all day and
night use. Visitors planning to day hike or stay overnight in the backcountry are
encouraged to call the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 for specific trail closure
information and other possible restrictions.
Although fire restrictions have been lifted, visitors are asked to be extremely cautious when using fire and are reminded that fire restrictions could be reinstituted if conditions change. |
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| GLACIER FIRE UPDATE News Brief GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. -- The Moose Fire in Northwest Montana had grown to over 66,000 acres as of Sunday. A higher percentage of the fire is within Glacier National Park (about 18,000 acres) than was previously estimated. As of Sunday, the fire was 30% contained. Over seven hundred fire fighters remain on the fire, including twenty crews, nine engines and eight helicopters. Cooler weather in the region is assisting in containment efforts. |
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (NPS) --Due to recent rainy
weather, high humidity, and low fire activity, Yellowstone National Park officials
announce that ALL fire restrictions are being lifted INSIDE Yellowstone National Park. As
of Friday, September 7, 2001, 8 a.m., wood and/or charcoal fires will be allowed at
frontcountry and backcountry campsites, picnic areas, parking areas, and employee housing
as long as they are limited to established fire pits or grates or as long as fire pans or
barbecues are used. Backcountry fires are allowed only in established fire rings and must
be attended at all times. Only dead and down wood may be used as firewood. Smoking
restrictions have also been lifted for the park.