Does The Park Have One???

Native Fish Conservation

20 YEAR EFFORT

Comment Now

no whiners

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.. The NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION PLAN is designed as a major effort to respond to the diminished stocks of native fish in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The Environmental Assessment is now open for public comment.

.. Mark your calendars; only two public meetings are scheduled:

* Bozeman, Montana: January 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Comfort Inn, 1 370 North 7th Avenue
* Cody, Wyoming: January 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, 1701 Sheridan Avenue.

.. Written comments may be submitted through the project web site, in person, by mail, or at either of the scheduled public meetings. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax, or e-mail. All public comments must be received or postmarked by midnight, January 31, 2011.
..  Here are the important Links:
==> Project Home Page,
==> Project Plan Process,
==> Meeting Notices,
==> Project Links,
==> Document List,
==> Comment Form.

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.. The scoping meeting in West Yellowstone last April was poorly attended. No feather merchants were present, one local guide was present, and a handful of concerned fishers attended.
.. Input by these few interested parties helped shape the current document that is now open for review.
.. The EA addresses Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake, other invasive species throughout the rivers in the park, the effects of climate change on native species, and disease.
.. Conservation efforts addressed include: increased gill netting in Yellowstone Lake, establishing barriers and weirs, removing non native species, restoring native populations, and a host of other actions including poisoning fish populations.
.. The key concept is conservation. The actions taken to implement this can be extensive, varied, and vast.
.. It's important that input at this time be concise, reasoned and rational. It will help steer the project and will certainly affect the fishscape of the future.
.. Please understand that, at base, this addresses the question of "What Is The Purpose Of Yellowstone National Park." Several guides have remarked that it does no good to replace one trout with another. They are just concerned with catching any fish.

.. Many guides and fishers of the park will be voicing opinions that catching fish, (the more - the better,) is what the park should provide.
.. There are others that feel it's important to remove all invasive species such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Brook Trout to foster the recovery of native Cutthroat Trout & Grayling(?).
.. Many feather merchants feel that the role of Yellowstone National Park is to provide fishing opportunities for recreational fishing, (and an economic base for their enterprise.)
.. Some conservationists believe that the only way to enable preservation of native fish is to "restore" the park to "natural" conditions, including removal all planted stocks of fish, (which is a large segment of the current fishable populations.)
.. Definition of terms and concepts will be argued and explored at the public meetings and in the submitted comments. Many oxen could be gored by this project.

.. The subtext of comments will be interesting to observe, as will the rationale behind the proposed actions in those comments.
.. Some fishers of Yellowstone have opined that since Brown Trout have been in the rivers for over 100 years that they are "native."
.. Does that make Lake Trout native if they survive another 70 years?
.. In another 100 years what will the descendants of those fishers say about Rock Snot, New Zealand Mud Snails, and other yet unforeseen invasive species?

.. As the waters warm will we see Yellowstone become a trophy fishery for Carp and Chubs and Largemouth Bass?
.. What will happen if some fool decides to dump Northern Pike or Muskellunge or Lake Trout in Hebgen Reservoir, right at Yellowstone's door?
.. Your input is necessary for the decision making process. We're talking about the future and how history will view the legacy that we leave.
.. Make no mistake about it, this is a significant project. It will last for 20 years, (1/5 of the next 100 years.) It will significantly affect the definition of Yellowstone National Park and it's role in species conservation and recovery.
.. It will also determine who fishes where and for what in the park. It is an historic effort that demands you input and your concern for how Yellowstone is defined: a fun and profitable fishery for visitors seeking "non-native," invasive trout or a refuge for indigenous species - or both.

LET'S HAVE $27,000.000

REALISTIC VIEW

From New York

.. With the opening of the "Visitor Education Center" at Old Faithful comes an interesting and insightful note in the New York Times.
.. Try it - see if you like it.
.. The project, according to the FAST COMPANY, has given us the "Greening of Yellowstone."  Now that's just dandy. Given the visitation it needs it.

Three Active Fires

DOAN, BEACH, SLOUGH

Two Being Fought

-- There are three fires burning in Yellowstone National Park:

==> Doan Mountain,

==> Slough Creek,

==> Beach.

-- The Slough Creek and Beach fires are being actively fought. The Doan Mountain fire is smoldering and being monitored.

-- For complete information go to the InciWeb Yellowstone Page.

SNOW CLOSURES

MANY ROADS CLOSED

Call Ahead

use the web

-- Periodic closures of some roads and entrances are occurring as the current spate of snow storms pass through the region.
==> Yellowstone Road Conditions: HERE.
==> Telephone: 307-344-2117
.

Hear All About It

USPS + NPS = $$$$

Push Toward Centennial

.. Federal News Radio lets us know about the new coffee table book combining historic stamps and pretty pictures of some of the parks. The original idea came from an entrepreneurial postal employee.
.. Hear all about it HERE. See the book HERE.

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.

Quick Peek

JUST A QUICK VIDEO

..

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.

Annual Arrival

The White's At Bullwinkle's

arriving as you read this

photos tomorrow

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.

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.

Busy Beavers

GROWTH IN RESOURCES

YNP Web Site Goodies

nice work guys
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.. In the every expanding website for Yellowstone National Park is a section on "Publications Related To Yellowstone." From information on campgrounds to the Associated Tribes this resource gives a list of publications available for online consultation.
.. Most of the publications are in PDF format. One excellent, (and very large,) map of the park can be found HERE, this is the same map you receive when you enter the park.
.. Other resources include: Bison Natural History, Where are the Bloomin' Wildflowers?, Yellowstone and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Exploring the History of Yellowstone National Park with John Colter.
.. Of course there are many other resources listed about the geology and biology and other topics relating to Yellowstone National Park. Many of these resources have existed previously on the site - it's nice to see them in a single place.
.. This page provides an excellent starting point for visitors and allows information to be appreciated prior to visiting the park.
.. Thanks go to the staff for keeping the site dynamic, and pertinent.

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click on image for large size

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]

Giant Privy

THE LATEST IN BIG ATTRACTIONS

The Mammoth Restroom

Ranger Smith's New Tires

YOGI WATCHING CLOSELY

New Skins For Jellystone Fleet

.. On the first day of April, (irony?) the Michelin Man announced his take over of the commercial battleground known as Yellowstone National Park.
.. Michelin is now the "OFFICIAL TIRE OF THE YELLOWSTONE PARK FOUNDATION." Read it HERE.
.. The tire giant proposes ". . . to provide Michelin energy-saving tires to the Yellowstone National Park vehicle fleet. Adding Michelin tires will improve the fleet's fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions by an estimated 8 to 10 percent."
.. They will also ". . . engage in programs for Yellowstone employees that demonstrate how to improve fuel efficiency and maximize tire life through proper tire inflation."
.. It is important to remember that tires need to be properly inflated, as pointed out by the raft of lawsuits in the early part of this decade.
.. The Michelin Tire Company, (Michelin, B.F. Goodrich, Uniroyal and Kleber brands,) knows full well the implications of poorly inflated and defective tires, as illustrated by a raft of lawsuits: ( SOURCES, #1, #2, #3, #4.) Their experience and history should inform their program curricula for Yellowstone employees.
.. The benefits to Michelin and Yellowstone should soon become apparent. The park gets tires and service on the tires for it's fleet, (depending on how many vehicles this could be a substantial cost saving for the park.)
.. The tire giant gets advertising opportunities and the association with Yellowstone, (for better or worse.)
.. This is just the latest in a long list of commercial exploitations of Yellowstone. Little nibbles and bits continue to gnaw around the edges. Each is touted as "GOOD" - we'll wait and see. Toyota, Canon, Michelin, etc. - soon . . . . well, we will wait.

That's A Hot Name

OUT OF THE PAST

"Bear With Me"

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

..