planning

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Park Service approves Grand Teton plan to overhaul Jenny Lake area

A proposed overhaul of a popular hiking and recreation spot in Grand Teton National Park has been given the green light by regional managers with the National Park Service. The Intermountain Region of the National Park Service (NPS) approved and signed a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Jenny Lake Renewal Plan. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone electric power system changes approved

Officials in Yellowstone National Park announced Wednesday that they had received approval from regional supervisors for what they describe as "a plan to improve the reliability, safety and overall service quality" of the parks’s electrical power distribution. The upgrade plan was approved last week by Sue Masica, Director of the Intermountain Region, according to a statement released by the park's public affairs office. Continue Reading →

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Grand Teton seeks public input on Moose-Wilson corridor plan

The Moose-Wilson Road connecting Grand Teton National Park and Wilson, Wyo., will soon close for the season. (File photo by Acroterion/Wikimedia Commons - click to enlarge)

The National Park Service is seeking public input on a plan that will guide management of the Moose-Wilson corridor in Grand Teton National Park. Acting Superintendent Kevin Schneider announced today that the Park Service is developing a comprehensive management plan and environmental impact statement for the Moose-Wilson corridor. A public scoping period for the plan will run through Feb. 6, during which time public comments will be accepted. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone seeking public comments on utility service upgrades

The National Park Service is seeking public comment on planned infrastructure upgrades meant to improve the reliability, safety and quality of NorthWestern Energy’s electrical power distribution within Yellowstone National Park. NorthWestern Energy, an investor-owned utility that provides electricity and natural gas in the northwestern United States, has provided electrical power to Yellowstone National Park since the late 1950s using both aerial and buried transmission lines. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone seeking public comments on commercial livestock use

The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment that evaluates a plan to issue concession contracts for guided, interpretive saddle- and pack-stock tours in Yellowstone National Park. The intent of the EA is not to eliminate stock use in the park, but rather to manage commercial use in accordance with the 1998 NPS Concessions Management Improvement Act and the NPS Management Policies 2006. Continue Reading →

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Final rule for winter travel in Yellowstone gains widespread approval

Two people share a snowmobile during a January 2012 trip into Yellowstone National Park.

CODY, WYO. — After more than 15 years of contentious debate over snowmobile travel in Yellowstone National Park, the National Park Service on Tuesday released a final winter-use plan that appears to have a solid chance of avoiding legal challenges. The latest plan follows six previous failed attempts and a total of more than 1.1 million public comments. Environmental groups have said snowmobiles are loud, dirty and stressful for animals. Tour operators have said increasing travel restrictions have made it difficult to stay in business. Continue Reading →

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Reconstruction plan approved for historic Yellowstone bridge

A two-year project to reconstruct a historic bridge in Yellowstone National Park will move forward after a planning review concluded last month that the work would have no significant environmental impact. Reconstruction of the Isa Lake bridge, which spans a section of the road connecting West Thumb and Old Faithful, will proceed when funding becomes available through the Federal Lands Highway Program, according to a statement released by the park's public affairs office. Continue Reading →

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Experts seek to unlock mysteries of Old Faithful, other Yellowstone geysers

Researchers and Yellowstone National Park staff members are meeting at Old Faithful this week to review the current scientific understanding of the park's hydrothermal systems. The group will eventually develop suggestions for new research projects and design standards that could help inform and guide management of and development near Yellowstone's thermal features. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone and Grand Teton heads focus on cutting costs, raising revenues

Federal budget cuts required under the Congressional sequester will result in relatively minor cuts in services this summer for visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. But park managers say they are not optimistic about the financial outlook for next year and beyond. Continue Reading →

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