A Bit Of Information

SnoBear SEEN IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

ALL DECKED OUT IN COMMERCIAL COLORS AND TOUTING AVAILABLE USES

.. FACT: There is a new SnoBear dealership in West Yellowstone.
.. FACT: There are two SnoBear vehicles in the neighborhood.
.. FACT: One vehicle is in Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park, and areas nearby with enough snow to use it.
.. FACT: One vehicle is in West Yellowstone, Montana and occasionally on Hebgen Lake, Parade Rest Guest Ranch, and environs.
FACT: The vehicles are light, nimble, clean, quiet, modern, and initially designed for ice fishing.
FACT: Aircraft-design windows do not fog up when in use.

RUMOR: Yellowstone National Park is exploring the possibility of buying a fleet of these vehicles, (or a larger custom-built model,) to replace or augment their aging fleet of van-conversions and Bombardier vehicles.
RUMOR: A custom built, (to Park specifications,) vehicle should arrive in Mammoth within a month, or six weeks at the latest.
RUMOR: A ski shuttle business is in the offing for back country areas around West Yellowstone and perhaps in Yellowstone National Park.
RUMOR: These vehicles are cleaner and quieter than any winter use vehicle currently mandated by Yellowstone National Park for winter over-the-snow tourism.
RUMOR: These vehicles provide comfort and convenience that is light-years beyond that of any vehicle currently being used for winter tourism in Yellowstone National Park.
RUMOR: Yellowstone National Park officials believe that the winter visitor experience will be greatly enhanced by the use of these vehicles.
RUMOR: Winter-stressed animals do not even look up as these vehicles pass them.
SPECULATION: The introduction of these vehicles into the winter travel mix in Yellowstone National Park could be as revolutionary as the banning of Snow Planes, or the mandate for only commercial travel on all roads except the road to Cooke City.
SPECULATION: Yellowstone National Park is using the vehicles for VIP tours.
SPECULATION: These vehicles are being tested in an effort to comply with any current or future EIS winter-use requirements.

NEW YELLOWSTONE DATABASE

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     The Wyoming State Geological Survey has completed their Yellowstone Geologic GIS Database that explores the geological wonders of Yellowstone National Park
     A note in the WYOMING BUSINESS REPORT details the scope and intent of the newly compiled database.  A new website has been launched to showcase the data. It includes interactive sections and is well worth a click:  HERE.
     This is a compilation of resources from many research entities and is provided in a single "searchable" database. As with any new website there are a couple of broken links and "page not found" errors.
     On the whole this is a very valuable GIS database and includes integrating links to Wyoming Geology and even provides a media gallery.

Park Opens

TODAY'S THE DAY

How 'bout 1939 ?

.. In 1939 if you flew into West Yellowstone you would be greeted by this lovely terminal building just off of Iris Street at the west side of town.
.. Now that's an adventure! Read it HERE.

Gear Jammin'

THE REAL WHITE'S

Stretch Their Legs

just good fun

-- The annual Gear Jammer's outing was a success on many fronts yesterday. The original vehicles got a chance to do what they were meant to do - tour. The drivers, (the best of the best,) got a chance to relive the pains and pleasures of driving these vintage limousines in their native setting. The vehicle aficionados got the experience of enjoying Yellowstone National Park in the comfort of bygone luxury.


-- There are two fleets of these vehicles in Yellowstone National Park. One fleet is used on a daily basis. This fleet is composed of vintage coachwork and modern Ford drivetrains. This is the fleet that visitors see traveling the roads of the park during the summer. The most recent conversions to modernity were completed a couple of years ago and have proven successful, (LINK.) Earlier conversions also used Ford drivetrains and sheet metal.


-- The second fleet of vehicles are the rare, early, original, & unrestored vehicles. These are true museum pieces that have been lovingly cared for by the park and it's concessionaires through the years. These vehicles need to be exercised periodically for their own good health.
-- In addition to the periodic "short jaunts" from the barn, (around Mammoth,) an annual "Run To West Yellowstone" is a traditional event for these majestic touring contrivances.
-- This exercise allows the staff to evaluate the vehicles under "real" conditions and diagnose any problems or maintenance issues that need tending to.
-- This year one of the limousines arrived on a trailer, (a fan nut went missing in action.) It was repaired in town and suffered the indignity of returning to Mammoth in perfect working order on the same trailer. Another success, and a proof of the utility of the exercise.
-- The gear jammers group, (these folks really love these vehicles,) arrived at Bullwinkle's Saloon & Eatery in West Yellowstone, Montana about 12:45.
.. Lunch consisted of: Cornish game hens or stuffed pork loin with fresh raspberry sauce, and Frenched sauteed beans with almond-bacon dressing. Soup, salad, rolls and mashed potatoes were also on the menu along with a juice cocktail and other beverages.


-- We enjoy the annual visits because it gives us a chance to examine these wonderful White Motors Convertible Limousine's. These vehicles serve to remind us of the way it used to be. Must have been grand.

Winter Use Reports

DRAFT REPORTS

Comment Now

Old Snowcoaches nosiest
THE MONEY QUOTE

"The majority of these higher sound levels were
caused by old technology snowcoaches.
Sounds from both visitor and administrative
oversnow vehicles were included in this study."

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.. The 2009 draft reports for winter use are out. You can find them at: WINTER USE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS. The two draft reports cover: noise, air pollution, wildlife reactions, and other issues.
.. Now that the commercial four stroke snowmobile fleet is quieter than old snowcoaches we anticipate that the winter use discussion will focus on the impact to animals generated by the concentrated mass of vehicles mandated by grouping sleds together in 'guided' tours.
.. There will probably not be much change in the stance of the traditional litigants in the winter use debate. Sadly there is entrenchment by all parties and they are still using both old data and misinformation in the public debates and harangues.
.. Arguments against snowmobiles are still focused on 2-stroke pollution & pictures that are over a decade old. Arguments for Bombardier snowcoaches ignore the crowded & restrictive nature of the experience and their decibel levels; both inside and outside of the vehicle.
.. The Acoustic Ecology Institute has followed the noise of sleds in the park and found similar results to the NPS studies.
.. In addition to the noise issue there is data that suggest that the current snowmobile fleet is even cleaner than the "BAT" snowcoaches, (LINK.) this data was produced two years ago and has only been used in court cases - not the public debates in the press.
.. A recent article in the Deseret News points out the kinds of arguments being used. The sad part of the whole debate is that enormous amounts of park monies and resources are being squandered defending and reiterating the "SCIENCE" that is misinterpreted.
.. This emotional battle is being fought along lines drawn in the snow by parties with vested interests so diverse that it promises to continue for another decade or more.

More User Friendly

EASY ACCESS
FOR NEW STUFF

.. A convenient point of entry for new postings has been added to the Yellowstone National Park Website. Simply: What's New on the Yellowstone Website?
.. Now, once you become familiar with the myriad resources on the site, you can keep current with just two links:
-----> NEWS
-----> WHAT'S NEW
.. The newest of the new includes thirteen videos added this month and last month. You can find the list at: Inside Yellowstone Videos List.
.. An iTunes podcast subscription box is also included on each video page. Click HERE to see the Apollinaris Video.
.. The Yellowstone Digital Slide File continues to grow and now has over 13,000 images that are in the public domain.

Illegal In Yellowstone

KEEP THIS IN MIND-------

.. From The Big Sky Weekly:

These actions are illegal in the park:

Possessing a firearm or weapon, including state-permitted;
Concealed weapons, except: Unloaded firearms may be transported in a vehicle when rendered inoperable or are packed, cased, or stored in a manner that prevents ready use;

Speeding (radar enforced)—except for a portion of U;S; 191, all roads within the park are posted at 45 mph or slower;

Driving while intoxicated (open container law enforced);

Leaving detachable side mirrors attached when not pulling trailers;

Traveling off-road by vehicle or bicycle; (bicycling rules and riding locations are listed in a free brochure at visitor center.);

Improperly storing food;

Fishing, boating, or using a float tube without a permit Violating camping regulations & rules
Camping outside of designated camping areas
Camping in the backcountry without a permit;

Driving or riding in a vehicle without your seatbelt fastened. Each vehicle occupant must have a safety belt or child restraint system fastened when the vehicle is in motion;

Having pets off leash or on trails and boardwalks; Pets are prohibited on all trails, in the backcountry, and in hydrothermal basins; Where allowed, pets must be leashed and must remain within 100 feet (30 m) of a road or parking area; Do not leave a pet unattended or tied to an object; Boarding facilities are available outside the park;

Littering;

Swimming in hydrothermal pools
Diving or jumping off cliffs in the Firehole swim area on Firehole Canyon Drive;

Traveling off boardwalks or designated trails in hydrothermal areas;

Removing or possessing natural (antlers, rocks, vegetation, etc;) or cultural (arrowheads, etc;) features;

Spotlighting (viewing with artificial light) elk, deer, or other animals;

Calling in elk by imitating their calls or using buglers;

Imitating wolf howls and using electronic equipment capable of tracking wildlife; and willfully remaining near or approaching wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal;

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In The Act

EXPLOSION IMAGE

.. Wade Johnson, on a geology field trip led by Bob Smith of the University of Utah, captured an image of a rare event.
.. The May 17, 2009 hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin was surprising but not dangerous - rare as it is. You can read all about it in yesterday's Jackson Hole Daily.

Foul Geysers

YELLOWSTONE SCIENCE
SEES IT - SHOWS IT

A World Perspective

.. Vol. 17, #1 of Yellowstone Science has been published to the web. It's lead article is about the geysers of Yellowstone in a global perspective. The title is "HUMAN IMPACTS ON GEYSER BASINS."
.. The history of impacts and degradation to the geysers and thermal features in Yellowstone is documented.
.. The most significant cause of destruction and degradation can be laid, (directly or indirectly,) at the feet of "TOURISM."
.. And, it continues today with roads, trails, boardwalks, and other elements of the built environment encroaching on thermal basins in the name of access.
.. From the earliest days to the present the perception has been that appreciation of the features is best done "up close and personal."
.. This attitude demands destruction and degradation for the perceived need for appreciation.
.. Geothermal exploitation is also considered as a threat to the thermal features of Yellowstone. Two areas adjacent to Yellowstone National Park are mentioned, as is the monitoring of resources in the park.
.. Any persons with more than a passing interest in the history of thermal feature degradation in Yellowstone National Park should read this article.
--> PART ONE (PDF) [pages 1 - 18, includes geyser article]
--> PART TWO (PDF) [pages 19 - 37, includes other articles]

[sic]
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[CORRECT]

Google Earth Reveals Road

YOU CAN SEE IT NOW

Looks Like Two 'Overlooks'

.. The most significant road construction and closure this summer will take place between Madison Junction and Norris Geyser Basin. There will be a new road alignment and bridge construction just above Gibbon Falls.
.. Recently added imagery at Google Earth shows the new alignment and the approximate position of the new bridge. The road in it's new alignment will follow the crest of the canyon rather than the bottom of the canyon.
.. Assurances have been given that the viewscape will not be disturbed. We hope that the permits for bungee jumping are not too expensive.

That's A Hot Name

OUT OF THE PAST

"Bear With Me"

.. Via National Parks Traveler, comes this YouTube gem. 'Them Were the days.'

..

Sell Yellowstone ?

FOLLOW THE BRITS EXAMPLE ?

What's It Worth ?

.. An interesting article in Time, (on line,) poses the possibility that the U.S.A. could sell government owned assets to bail out the economy and save the "American Way Of Life."
.. The British are planning to sell the Royal Mint and the National Mapping Agency. America could generate at least 20% of the cost of the new stimulus package by selling all the National Parks.
.. So, what is Yellowstone National Park worth? Time figures that it should go for about $4 billion. Perhaps there could be a bidding war between the Northern Pacific and Union Pacific like the good ol' days.
.. Now then, when the parks are all gone, what should we sell to cover the other 80% of the massive debt?

Panoramic Grand Prismatic

via tip: Horse's Mouth
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.. Just click on the image and go! Use controls if you like. Zippy stuff!

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Grand prismatic pool in USA.
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Bryce Canyon, Utah in USA.

.. Check out the "Arches" just follow the arrow. If you have a good graphics card you can try this on your 26" monitor - WOW!

Canceled Again ?

IS THIS THE END?

other opportunities exist

.. A single brief line on the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce site says it all: CANCELED: Spring Cycle Tour. The tour was scheduled for May - If you were planning - don't!
.. Yellowstone National Park closes to over-the-snow travel on the 15th of this month. Shortly thereafter the roads are open to roller blade, tennis shoe, hiking boot, and bicycle travel - and it's free.
.. West Yellowstone is geared up to help visitors by April first and celebrates "Cycle Days" for the visitors without motorized travel.
.. We mention this now so you can watch the weather and plan your visit accordingly. The Yellowstone National Park information page is found under SPRING BICYCLING.

Atlas On Track

UNIVERSITY OF
OREGON LEADS EFFORT

Local & Regional Groups Involved

go get a coffee table
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(P.S. // HE'S Back)click on all images for detailed enlargement

.. As we reported last April, the Atlas Of Yellowstone is chugging toward completion in 2010.
.. From exploration to bison migration, from the 1988 fires to fish, and from invasive species to drainage basins, this atlas promises to be both a wonderful decoration for your coffee table, (go get one,) and a valuable resource for visitors.
.. The preview maps, thematic guidance, and table of contents reveal the depth of the project and also reflect the extensive expertise of our collaborating neighbors, ( Yellowstone National Park, the University of Wyoming, Montana State University, the Museum of the Rockies and Big Sky Institute at MSU, and the Draper Museum of Natural History at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo.)
.. Four themes have guided the compilation of the atlas: 1] variations in time and space, 2] Yellowstone is connected, 3] Human-nature interactions, 4] The importance of Yellowstone.
.. We haven't heard of, or seen any indication that spectacular fishing localities are included - BUT, you never know.
.. The atlas is planned for 300 pages and offers exceptional GIS resources. A sneak peek of the maps are included in a gallery at the information site, [[ MAP GALLERY. ]] The Table of Contents [PDF] is worth browsing for those of you that anticipate a need, (desire,) for this volume.
.. And, if you would like to help the project along there is a place for your $$$$. Your name and contribution will be listed in the atlas as a friend of Yellowstone.

500 And Counting

A CALL FOR
BETTER UNDERSTANDING

If Possible

.. Consensus is that the recent earthquake swarm may or may not be significant: -- BUT WE NEED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING. Read a cogent article HERE.

P.S. / Cycle Tour

CAN THE WEATHER
STOP OUTDOOR CYCLISTS?

Keep Up To Date

CANCELED !!

.. "in the effort to help participants plan accordingly, the Bicycle Committee will make a decision on the status of the ride at 9AM on Friday, October 10. At this time, we will assess current weather conditions and forecasts. If conditions look favorable, the ride will go on as scheduled. If conditions are deemed unsafe, the ride will be canceled."
Phone: 406-599-4465
Web: CYCLE TOUR

..

P.S. At 9am on Friday morning, the temperature in West Yellowstone hovers around 20 and there is a fresh dusting of snow on the ground. Although road conditions at this moment could support plans to go ahead with the tour, all forecasts are predicting with at least 90% certainty that a large scale Pacific storm will reach us by this afternoon leaving an accumulation of snow. With these predictions looming and riders’ safety our first priority, the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce is forced to cancel the Fall Cycle Tour scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday October 11, 2008.

They're Here