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grand tetoneewinot national park & john d. rockefeller, jr. memorial parkway news t i fall 2001 thru spring 2002 A Special Time to Visit the Park What a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it is a time of change. Each season brings opportunities for superb wildlife watching and hiking. Below are a few of the more popular activities you may want to try.

Fall through the end of December. For your Visitor activities during fall include safety, check at the Moose Visitor Center for photography, wildlife watching and hiking. specific locations open to hunting. Favorite locations for viewing or photographing fall colors and new snow Winter on the mountains include Snake River Activities for winter visitors revolve around Overlook, Oxbow Bend and the Jenny snow. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Lake area. Snowstorms may temporarily snowmobiling and ice fishing attract a hamper travel, especially to Yellowstone. growing number of visitors each winter. Before snow persists in the mountains, The north end of the Rockefeller Parkway cool weather allows a variety of hiking serves as a staging site for oversnow trips When observing or photographing wildlife in winter, take care to avoid causing animals to flee.

opportunities. Hiking the Taggart Lake, into Yellowstone National Park via Phelps Lake, Granite Canyon and snowmobiles and snowcoaches. Paintbrush Canyon trails offers scenic Photography and wildlife watching views and vibrant fall colors. enhance the winter experience. Turnouts To witness the spectacle of along Highway 89 offer chances to view during the rut (breeding season), look for and photograph the snow-clad Tetons. bulls and their harems along the Teton When observing or photographing wildlife Park Road between Signal Mountain and in winter, take care to avoid causing animals Phone Numbers Moose and in the Colter Bay area. Oxbow to flee; although animals living here have EMERGENCY 911 or 739-3300 Park Dispatch Bend and Willow Flats turnouts often adapted to winter, the rigors of winter still Visitor information (307) 739-3600 • Weather 739-3611 afford glimpses of moose. Management of pose enormous challenges for survival. TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf only) 739-3400 and 739-3544 elk within Grand Teton National Park People adapt to winter by equipping involves a reduction program through a themselves and their vehicles for low International Visitors strictly regulated hunt from October 13 temperatures, deep snow and difficult driving Des renseignements en francais sont disponibles aux centres des visiteurs dans le parc. to December 14, 2001. Legal hunting for conditions. For those who are adventurous Sie konnen Informationen auf Deutsch in den Besucherzentren bekommen. a variety of species occurs in the and prepared, the wonders of a Teton Se puede conseguir informacion en español en el Centro del Visitante. Rockefeller Parkway from September winter await! see SPECIAL TIME on pg. 7 Grand Teton National Park's website: www.nps.gov/grte/ VISITOR INFORMATION

VISITOR SERVICES INDEX Open/Close dates subject to change.

Visitor Centers Winter Activities AAC/Climber’s Ranch 307-733-7271 Mountain Guides 307-733-4979 June–September open year-round Moose Visitor Center Climbing Guides www.americanalpineclub.org www.jhmg.com (307) 739-3399 Exum Mountain Guides (307) 733-2297 Open year round, features exhibits, an Jackson Hole Mtn. Guides (307) 733-4979 Barker-Ewing Float Trips 307-733-1800 Jackson Hole Trail Rides 307-733-6992 introductory video, and an extensive book store. mid-May–late September May–September Located 12 miles north of Jackson. Cross Country Ski Tours Jackson Hole Ski Corp. (307) 739-2710 www.barkerewingscenic.com Jenny Lake Visitor Center Rendezvous Ski Tours (208) 787-2906 307-543-2811 Jackson Lake Lodge 307-543-2811 Open June through September, features geology Spring Creek Ranch (307) 733-1004 Colter Bay Cabins exhibits and book sales. Located 8 miles north of May 24–September 29 May 19–October 9 www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com the Moose Visitor Center on the Teton Park Road. Interpretive Programs Check at visitor centers for current information. Colter Bay Visitor Center Colter Bay Store & Marina 307-543-2811 Jenny Lake Lodge 307-733-4647 May 24–September 29 June 1–October 6 & Indian Arts Museum Winter Lodging www.gtlc.com (307) 739-3594 www.gtlc.com Open summer only, features a museum, an Flagg Ranch, TriangleX, and Dornan’s provide Colter Bay RV Park 307-543-2811 Leeks Marina 307-543-2494 auditorium, and a large book store. Located 42 winter lodging. May 24–September 29 Marina: mid-May–September miles north of Jackson. www.gtlc.com Pizzeria: June–September Flagg Ranch Information Station Winter Campgrounds 307-543-2811 Moose Village Store 307-733-3471 Open summer and mid-winter. Features book sales Colter Bay Campground is closed in winter; Colter Bay Tent Cabins May 24–September 15 and information about John D. Rockefeller and however, limited winter camping is available near June 7–September 2 www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com the Greater Yellowstone area. Located 16 miles the visitor center for $5.00 per day. north of Colter Bay Junction. Diamond Cross Ranch 307-543-2015 National Park Float Trips 307-733-6445 June–September May–September www.trianglex.com

Dornans 307-733-2522 OARS 800-346-6277 Teton Weather Open year-round mid-June–mid-September www.dornans.com www.oars.com Winter Spring Exum Mountain Guides 307-733-2297 Signal Mountain Lodge 307-543-2831 Snow blankets the mountains and valley. From late April to early June, mild days and Open year-round May 11–October 13 www.signalmtnlodge.com Travel is not advised and roads may be cold nights alternate with rain and www.exumguides.com closed during blizzards; winter driving occasional snow. Valley snow begins melting Flagg Ranch Resort 307-543-2861/800-443-2311 Solitude Float Trips 307-733-2871 conditions persist. Between storms, days are in the valley in April and valley trails are late May–Oct. & mid-Dec.–mid-March May–September www.solitudefloattrips.com sunny and nights are frigid. snow-covered until late May. www.flaggranch.com 307-733-2703 Fort Jackson Float Trips 307-733-2583 Teton Boating Company May–September June–September Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr [email protected] Temperature Grand Teton Lodge Company 307-543-2811 Triangle X Ranch 307-733-2183 Average High ˚F 57 39 28 25 31 38 48 www.gtlc.com 800-628-9988 Dec. 26–March 30 & May 22–mid-November Average Low ˚F 24 15 3 2 5 11 22 www.trianglex.com Heart Six Ranch Float Trips 307-543-2477 Triangle X-Osprey Float Trips 307-733-5500 Precipitation May–September May–September Average Snowfall (inches) 5" 25" 40" 49" 33" 24" 11" www.heartsix.com www.trianglex.com Average Clear Days 15 13 13 13 11 12 11 Jack Dennis Fishing Trips 307-733-3270 May–September Call 307-739-3611 for current weather info. www.jackdennis.com IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SAFETY FISHING FLOATING THE SNAKE RIVER BOATING Protect yourself. Know your equipment and Anglers may test their skills by trying to Only hand-propelled rafts, canoes, dories and A boat permit is required. For motorized craft, your capabilities and limitations. Never ski, catch whitefish and cutthroat, lake and brown kayaks are allowed on the Snake River within the fee is $10 for a 7-day permit and $20 for snowshoe or snowmobile alone. Let someone trout in lakes and rivers of the park and the park and parkway. Register non-motorized an annual permit; for non-motorized craft, the who remains behind know your planned parkway. Fishing conforms with National vessels (fee charged) at the Moose Visitor fee is $5 for a 7-day permit and $10 for an destination, route and expected time of return. Park Service and regulations. A Center permits desk each year. Read the launch annual permit. Obtain permits and boat Hypothermia is a major cause of human fatality Wyoming fishing license is required for site bulletin boards for current river conditions. regulations at the Moose Visitor Center. in mountain country. When the temperature fishing in the park and parkway. Jackson On the surface, the Snake does not seem very drops within the core of the body, the brain fails Lake is open to fishing year-round, except powerful, but only experienced floaters should OVERSNOW VEHICLES to function properly. Carry extra layers of dry during the spawn from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Jenny, attempt this swift, cold river. The Snake River clothing and put them on in time to prevent Leigh, Phelps and Two Ocean Lakes are open within the park is closed to floating from Snowmobiles are allowed on designated routes; hypothermia. Never leave a member of your year-round. The Snake River is open Apr. 1 December 15 – March 31. permits are not required. A driver’s license is party alone. If someone you are with begins to through Oct. 31. Obtain fishing regulations at required to operate a snowmobile. Snowmobiles act or talk abnormally, make him or her put on the Moose Visitor Center. Be careful when allowed on Jackson Lake. Ice conditions on more clothing, drink warm liquids, etc. Study wearing waders in or near swift water. Jackson Lake are extremely variable. Use of first aid for hypothermia before your trip. WILDLIFE the new biodegradable motor oil is encouraged Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. PETS Keep a respectful distance from all animals to to reduce environmental impacts. avoid disturbing their natural routines. Large The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail Snow and weather conditions vary considerably Restrain pets on a leash at all times. Pets must animals are quick, powerful and unpredictable. (CDST) opens after December 20 when from day to day. Check conditions before you be kept within 50 feet of roadways; pets are Getting too close can result in serious injury. sufficient snow has accumulated to allow safe venture out. not allowed on trails or in the backcountry, in Take special care to avoid encounters with travel. This groomed trail connects the East Be alert for avalanche hazards, especially in boats on the Snake River, in boats on lakes bears and to help maintain their natural fear park boundary with the South Entrance of mountain canyons. Check with park rangers other than Jackson Lake or in visitor centers. of humans. Yellowstone National Park. The CDST is about current and forecasted avalanche hazard During the winter, pets are not allowed off To protect wildlife during winter, stay out of located adjacent to the plowed road; conditions. plowed roadways or parking areas, except dogs closed areas. Do not approach wildlife to snowmobiles are allowed only on the trail, not pulling dogsleds. Leashed dogs may travel in obtain photographs. Wildlife uses roads as on the plowed road surface, except where the all areas open to snowmobiles. FIREARMS travel corridors. Do not chase animals with trail crosses the highway at Jackson Lake All firearms, including state-permitted concealed CLIMBING & BACKPACKING your vehicle; stop your vehicle and wait until Junction and from Jackson Lake Dam south to weapons, are prohibited in the park and parkway, Obtain the required backcountry permit for animals leave the road. Signal Mountain. Check at entrance stations, except when actively pursuing game during overnight trips at the Moose Visitor Center. Park regulations prohibit wildlife feeding and the Moose Visitor Center (year-round) or the legal hunting seasons. Unloaded firearms may Climbing registration is voluntary. Weather and harassment. Many small animals can carry Flagg Ranch Information Station (mid- be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is avalanche hazard forecasts are available. Only diseases and should never be touched or December to mid-March) for additional cased, broken down or rendered inoperable. experienced mountaineers with ice axes and handled. Their natural diet assures their regulations and safety concerns before other essential equipment should travel on steep health and survival. operating a snowmobile on the CDST. snow slopes. 2 READING THE LANDSCAPE The dominates Grand Teton National Park, attracting the attention of all who pass through Jackson Hole. The natural processes that resulted in mountain building and sculpting also have determined where plants grow in the park. Herbivores, plant-eating animals like moose, and elk, occur where their food source exists. Carnivores, meat-eating animals like or rivers of ice, flowed from high elevation parts of the day. bears, coyotes and weasels, follow the cirques and gouged out U-shaped canyons When the climate herbivores they prey upon. Geologic between the peaks. Mountain glaciers warmed and glacial ice melted, water carried much more water in the past. events created the dramatic scenery of spilled from the canyons to the valley broke through the moraines and swirled Along the Snake River grow Jackson Hole and indirectly account for floor, forming basins occupied today by south through the valley, carrying away cottonwoods and blue spruces where bald the distribution and abundance of lakes like Leigh, Jenny, Bradley, Taggart soil. Today the southern part of Jackson eagles nest. Beavers occasionally dam side wildlife and plants found here. and Phelps. Ridges of glacial debris, Hole contains less developed, dry, rocky channels of the Snake River, establishing The Tetons owe their existence to called moraines, surround these lakes and soils. Only vegetation like sagebrush and ponds that Canada geese and ducks use movement along a fault found where the mark the edge of the glacier's flow. certain grasses and wildflowers can thrive for nesting and feeding. Moose and mountains meet the valley. Starting 2-3 While small glaciers flowed in the in such desert-like conditions. Despite beavers eat willows that flourish in million years ago, movement with massive Teton Range, a massive glacier covered the hot and dry conditions, some wetlands along the river. Willows and earthquakes occurred every thousand much of what is now Yellowstone mammals and birds favor the sagebrush other wetland plants provide cover and years or so along the fault. The mountain National Park 25,000 years ago. This flats. Bison graze on grasses growing nest sites for a multitude of songbirds. block uplifted on the west side of the river of ice flowed south, forming the among the sagebrush, while As you explore Grand Teton fault while the valley block dropped- depression that Jackson Lake fills today, eat sagebrush itself. Sage grouse, large National Park, read its landscape. Note down east of the fault. Today the and carried debris as far as Snake River chicken-like birds, eat sagebrush buds. the work of glaciers on the mountains and mountains rise more than a mile above Overlook, eight miles north of Moose on For the past 10,000 years or so, the canyons and the old river terraces carved Jackson Hole, with total displacement of Highway 26-89-191. Today moraines Snake River has cut through glacial in the past by the Snake River. Watch for 30,000 feet along the fault. support forests of lodgepole pine and moraines and flowed from Jackson Lake wildlife. The presence of wildlife provides Ice performed the sculpting and other conifers. Elk and black bears seek and out the southern end of Jackson clues to the ancient processes that formed carving of the Tetons. As recently as refuge and shade in morainal forests and Hole. Old river terraces paralleling and shaped this area. 15,000 years ago, small mountain glaciers, graze in nearby meadows during cooler today's Snake indicate that the Snake

Mt. Owen 12,928 feet Mt. Moran 12,605 feet Grand Teton Middle Teton 13,770 feet Teewinot Mt. Mt. Wister 12,804 feet 12,325 feet 11,490 feet Buck Mountain Nez Perce Peak 11,938 feet Static Peak 11,901 feet 11,303 feet St. John Mountain 11,430 feet

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. MEMORIAL PARKWAY

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK In 1972 Congress dedicated a 24,000 acre parcel of land as the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway "…for the purpose of commemorating the many significant contributions to the cause of conservation in the United

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. States, which have been made by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and to provide 89 MEMORIAL PARKWAY both symbolic and desirable physical connection between the world's first 191 287 GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK national park, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park." Jackson Lake Junction Congress also named 82 miles of road, from The parkway contains features characteristic 26 287 26 West Thumb in Yellowstone to the south entrance of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Here the 89 Moran Junction 191 of Grand Teton National Park, in honor of Teton Range tapers to a gentle slope, while rocks Rockefeller. born of volcanic flows from Yellowstone line the The Rockefeller Parkway is located at the Snake River and form outcroppings scattered atop heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and hills and ridges. The Snake River floodplain connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone National provides important habitat for a variety of animal Moose Junction Parks. The late conservationist and philanthropist species. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was instrumental in the Grand Teton National Park administers the

26 89 creation of Grand Teton National Park and made parkway as a national recreation area. Hunting 191 significant contributions to several other national and fishing is permitted in accordance with federal parks including Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and state laws. Jackson and Virgin Islands. 3 WILDLIFE IN WINTER Where to Look for Wildlife Wildlife in spring and fall ANTELOPE FLATS - KELLY AREA (east of Moose). Look for grazing bison and pronghorn, especially where grasses have grown thick since the 1994 Row Fire removed sagebrush. SAWMILL PONDS (southwest of Moose on the Moose-Wilson Road). At dusk elk emerge from forests cloaking the ridges west of Sawmill Ponds. Moose sometimes browse on shrubs at the ponds’ edge. Puddle ducks feed in the ponds. TIMBERED ISLAND (southeast of Jenny Lake). Elk venture from the security of this forested island into the sagebrush flats to eat grasses and other non-woody WILLOW FLATS - JACKSON LAKE for animals. They have depleted body fat Moran Junction). Extensive willow meadows plants. Pronghorn, fastest land mammal in JUNCTION AREA. Abundant willows stored the previous summer in order to attract numerous moose. North America, browse on sagebrush and attract moose. Grassy meadows scattered survive winter and cannot replenish this fat GROS VENTRE ROAD (at the east end of eat grasses as they migrate to and from among the willow shrubs harbor elk. Beavers until plants start to grow again. Please the park). forage on their wintering ranges south and east of have dammed creeks forming ponds where observe animals from a distance. windswept, south-facing slopes. the park. waterfowl gather. Wildlife in winter Winter places enormous stress on wildlife. JACKSON LAKE DAM (north of Signal OXBOW BEND (west of Moran Junction). Observe animals from a distance. If you Mountain). Canada geese, American white Trumpeter swans, Canada geese and a variety SAGEBRUSH FLATS AROUND cause an animal to move, you are too close. pelicans, a myriad of duck species and of ducks gather when open water is present. BLACKTAIL BUTTE (near Moose). In Unnecessary movement burns precious body other waterbirds concentrate on either side Coyotes search the nearby meadows for small winters with low snow accumulation, moose fat needed to survive through winter and of the dam. Occasionally peregrine falcons rodents. Moose browse willows growing at search for bitterbrush, a preferred food that spring. Park regulations prohibit wildlife strafe resting ducks, while bald eagles and the water's edge. grows with sagebrush in this area. harassment. See page 8 for areas closed in ospreys search for fish. Spring may be the most difficult time BUFFALO FORK MEADOWS (south of winter to protect wildlife.

Elk Ecology & ® Management Moose, bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears—a host of large animals inhabit Grand Elk residing in Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Teton National Park, the Rockefeller Parkway, Parkway are part of the large Jackson Hole elk herd, Yellowstone National Park, and surrounding areas. which consists of 16-17,000 elk. Management of this Wildlife may be found on roads and highways at any time of the day or night. For your own safety and for herd, including elk within the park and parkway, is the protection of wildlife, please drive carefully and intensive and involves a reduction program (authorized stay alert. hunt). The recommended population is 11,000 elk.

Population Regulation elk winter singly or in small groups Visitor Safety Female elk are able to begin breeding scattered throughout Jackson Hole. While visitors may hike in those parts of when they are ½ years old, but most Elk Management Grand Teton National Park and the start breeding at ½ years of age. Females The elk population within Grand Teton Rockefeller Parkway that are open to usually breed every year and have one calf National Park is jointly managed by the legal hunting, it is per year until they die, although about Wyoming Game and Fish Department not recommended. Most of % of juveniles do not survive their first and the National Park Service. When the park’s hiking trails are year. Life expectancy for female elk today’s Grand Teton National Park was located in areas not open to averages twelve years, but some may live established in , Congress included a hunting. Check at the into their twenties. Elk have a high provision for managing elk numbers Moose Visitor Center (open   reproduction potential: A ten-year old through a special annual elk management daily A.M. – P.M.) for female may account for five additional program. According to this law, hunters recommended living descendants, which is a five-fold selected are deputized as park rangers. hiking trails, increase in the population. Hunting occurs in Grand Teton National for specific Winter mortality, disease and Park from mid-October through early- areas that are predation contribute to elk population December. Between Moose and Moran, open to hunting reduction, as does hunting. Available all legal hunt areas are east of the Snake and for more information on natural winter range is limited due to River. North of Moran Junction, legal elk ecology and management. human development. The National Elk hunting occurs east of Highway . Refuge, where elk that summer in the The Rockefeller Parkway is park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest administered by Grand Teton, but and southern Yellowstone National Park hunting regulations are in accord with spend winter, is designed to support up Wyoming State law. The Rockefeller to , elk. In recent years about , Parkway is open for legal hunting of elk elk have wintered on and near the refuge; and other game species from about % of the Jackson Hole elk herd approximately September 1 through winters on the refuge and on three December 31. 4 state-operated feed grounds. Some Fattening Up For Hibernation Black and grizzly bears live throughout the park and parkway and may be active any time of the day or night. During fall black and grizzly bears engage for bears when hiking. If you encounter a in a feeding frenzy as they fatten up in bear, do not run. Running often elicits preparation for hibernation. Bears may attacks from otherwise non-aggressive remain active until December. These bears and they can travel over 35 miles guidelines are for your protection and for per hour. If the bear is unaware of you, the preservation of bears, one of the true detour quickly and quietly away. If the signs of wild country. bear is aware of you but has not acted aggressively, back away slowly, talking in A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear an even tone while waving your arms. Careless food storage or feeding spells death for bears. Allowing a bear to obtain Aggressive Bears human food, even once, often results in If a bear approaches or charges you, do aggressive behavior. The bear then not run. It will increase the chance of presents a threat to human safety and attack. Do not drop your pack; it may must be removed or destroyed. Do not protect your body if attacked. Bears often Surviving Winter allow bears or other wildlife to obtain “bluff charge,” stopping before contact. human food. Bear experts generally recommend Summer is a comfortable time in Jackson Hole. standing still until the bear stops, then Avoid Encounters backing away slowly. Climbing trees is no Wildlife raise their young and use energy for growth. Make bears aware of your presence and protection from black bears and may not avoid surprising them by making noise help with grizzlies either. But the seasons here are very distinct. If summer is like talking or singing. Be alert and look easy, then winter is the architect of life. During winter wildlife directs all energy toward survival.

Like humans, wild animals have three 101ºF to 86ºF and their bodies slow main methods of dealing with winter: down to reduce energy consumption. They can leave by migrating, they can Even so, bears will burn 15-40% of their avoid it by hibernating or they can live body fat over the winter. Bears may wake with it by confronting and adjusting to up but won’t eat, urinate or defecate. severe conditions. Female bears give birth during hibernation. Migration is a tactic that many Bears, however, are light hibernators. animals use. More than 150 kinds of True hibernators include bats and ground birds nest in the park and parkway. Most squirrels. Bats increase their body weight of these birds leave northwestern by 25-30% by eating insects before Wyoming before winter sets in and return hibernation. During hibernation bats in spring. American white pelicans spend lower their body temperature from 104ºF winters on either coast of Mexico. to 35ºF and their heart rate slows from Immature bald eagles head west to coastal 350 beats per minute to 24 beats per Oregon and northern California. Many minute. Uinta ground squirrels engage in songbirds, from swallows to warblers fly hibernation marathon—adults hibernate to western Mexico for the winter. as long as seven months! Spending the winter in the tropics Animals that confront winter have a conjures up images of lazing on a balmy wide variety of behavioral, morphological beach. For birds, however, winter is no and physiological adaptations. Storing vacation. Birds of all sizes fuel their long food is a common behavioral adaptation: distance flights by burning fat, so they Beavers stash twigs underwater where must store up body fat prior to migration they will be available all winter. Red and must eat enough to replenish this fat squirrels store large amounts of cones and as it is burned. Travel to and from birds’ seeds in middens and place mushrooms nesting areas is fraught with perils, in tree branches to dry. Pikas, the including storms, predators, obstacles like “haymakers of the mountains,” dry radio towers and finding food in grasses all summer for consumption unfamiliar landscapes. Human alteration under winter's blanket of snow. or destruction of habitat in migration Morphological adaptations are corridors and wintering sites compounds related to the way an animal is built. the risks of migration. Birds tend to be Moose are equipped with very long legs more concentrated in wintering areas, that allow them to walk in deep snow. adding competition for food and living Their musculature allows them to lift space to the problems migratory birds their legs straight up out of the snow face. before taking another step, avoiding Hibernation is a strategy employed dragging, and saving them energy. Moose by animals including bears, bats, Uinta hairs are hollow and offer good and golden-mantled ground squirrels, insulation. Small animals could not chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots. support the thick, heavy fur of a moose; In the fall bears put on fat by gorging on instead, many take advantage of the whitebark pine nuts. While bears are insulating value of the snow itself. denning, their temperatures drop from Once the snow cover is about eight see SURVIVING on pg. 7 5 PARK PARTNERS Grand Teton National Grand Teton Natural Park Foundation History Association

More than four million visitors come to Philanthropy in the cause of Grand Teton Natural History When you make a purchase at an Grand Teton National Park each year to national parks is not new. The John D. Association, a Cooperating Association, Association bookstore, profits are gaze at the mountains, marvel at the Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway operates interpretive and educational returned to the park in the form of wildlife, and enjoy experiences than reminds us that we have the Rockefeller bookstores in five visitor centers in donations to support visitor programs. enrich their lives. They go home secure in family to thank for a generous 35,000- Grand Teton National Park and the Your purchase also supports the the knowledge that Grand Teton acre land donation that led to today’s Rockefeller Parkway, and several outlets publication of this newspaper and many National Park will be waiting for their Grand Teton National Park. The Grand in National Forest and National Elk free educational handouts available at next visit, or the visit of their children or Teton National Park Foundation Refuge information facilities. visitor centers and entrance stations. grandchildren many years in the future. promotes the Rockefeller spirit of If you are thinking about ordering That is the promise of the National Park philanthropy. Grand Teton National Park books, maps and pamphlets about System and its caretakers, the National needs your support now more than ever Grand Teton and the Greater Park Service. before. Please help the park keep its Yellowstone Ecosystem, please check out However, the increasing popularity promise to the future by joining the the Grand Teton Natural History of national parks, and decreasing federal Grand Teton National Park Foundation Association website: dollars to support them, make it harder today. For membership information call www.grandtetonpark.org each year for Grand Teton National Park (307) 732-0629 or write: Grand Teton Obtain a mail order catalog by writing to to fulfill that promise. Congress has now National Park Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Grand Teton Natural History Association, directed the National Park Service to find Moose, Wyoming 83012. P.O. Box 170, Moose, Wyoming 83012 private partners that can help the parks or calling (307) 739-3403. achieve long-term goals. Help Support Our Foundation Partners Look for Jackson, the Teton Bear Cub at retail stores in the Jackson Hole area. Jackson, a toy cub, was developed by Manhattan Toy, a partner of the Grand Teton National Park Teton Science School Foundation, to raise money for the Foundation and support Grand Teton Located within Grand Teton National For registration, tuition information and National Park. You can also order Park, the secluded campus of the Teton a free catalog, write: Teton Science Jackson directly by calling (800) 541- Science School was once a dude ranch. School, Box 68T, 1345. Since 1967, through collaboration with Kelly, WY 83011: call 307-733-4765; The Grand Teton National Park Look for Outlaw Fudge at motels the park, the school has provided natural website: www.tetonscience.org Foundation is the only non-profit and resorts in Jackson Hole. Outlaw science education for students from third organization dedicated exclusively to Fudge Company donates $1.00 from the grade to adults. Summer programs raising money for projects that protect, sale of every box of fudge to the include two-to-five-week residential field preserve, and enhance Grand Teton Foundation. ecology and field natural history courses National Park. The Foundation receives Drink Grand Teton Water, bottled for high school and junior high school no government support, relying solely on by the Grand Teton Water Company in students and week-long non-residential the generous contributions of private Jackson. 100% of the profits from water programs for third through eighth individuals, foundations, and sales are donated to the GTNP grades. A one-year, masters level graduate corporations to help Grand Teton Foundation. The bottled water is available program in Environmental Education National Park. throughout the park and in Jackson. and Natural Science is also offered. Entrance Fees 2002 Costs for achieving National Park Service goals in Grand Teton and other National Parks have skyrocketed in recent years, while funding has not matched those ascending needs. All Americans support our national parks through tax dollars. Congress allocates some of those dollars to each park area.

Unfortunately, the dollars available • Rehabilitation of wastewater treatment through the appropriation process are facilities, trailer dump station, comfort Fee Schedule only sufficient to conduct the yearly stations, and sites in the Gros Ventre Entrance fee Allows entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for operation of the park. Money is not Campground 7 days: $20 per vehicle available for roads, trails, facilities, and • Rehabilitation and improvements to $10 per person (single hiker or bicyclist) infrastructure needs. In 1997, Congress wastewater treatment facilities in Colter $15 per motorcycle, authorized the Recreation Fee Bay, Beaver Creek, and Flagg Ranch. Demonstration Program, which allows Golden Eagle Passport -$65 Allows entrance to all federal fee areas for 12 months selected national parks including Grand • Resurfacing roads in the North District from purchase; non-transferable. Teton and Yellowstone National Parks of the park including roads between National Parks Pass -$50 Allows entrance to all National Park System areas for and other federal sites to increase Colter Bay and the south entrance of 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. entrance and other fees. The parks were Yellowstone and the Pacific Creek road. Parks Specific Pass -$40 Allows entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National authorized to keep 80% of the fees • Replacement panels for interpretive Parks for 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. collected in the park to address the exhibits. Golden Age Passport -$10 Allows lifetime entrance to all National Park System backlog of these needs as part of this The National Park Service appreciates areas to American citizens 62 years old or older; non-transferable. experimental program. In 2002, money your support of ongoing efforts to generated as a result of increased improve protection of natural and Golden Access Passport -Free Allows lifetime entrance to all National Park entrance fees will be used for cultural features while facilitating safe System areas to American citizens who can provide proof of permanent disability; 6 projects that include the following: and memorable visitor experiences. non-transferable. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

To Contact Information Livingston, MT North Emergency 911 Gardiner Northeast Entrance Visitor Information (307) 344-7381 MAMMOTH North Entrance 5 mi To Cooke City HOT SPRINGS 18 mi Visitor Information, TDD only (307) 344-2386 Slough Creek & Billings, MT

Yellowstone National Park Lodges (307) 344-7311 Tower Fall Pebble Website www.nps.gov/yell Indian Creek 29 mi Creek 21 mi Winter Services Dates subject to change. 19 mi Information, publications, exhibits, movies, videos, and interpretive programs are Norris 12 mi Canyon available year-round at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs (307) West Yellow- West 344-2263 and mid-December to mid-March at the Old Faithful Visitor Center (307) stone Entrance 14 mi 14 mi 545-2750. 16 mi Madison Fishing Bridge Lake Park concessioners offer lodging and other services including evening programs, 16 mi snowcoach tours, guided ski and snowshoe tours, guided snowmobile tours, and Bridge Bay To Cody, WY wildlife bus tours. Detailed information is available at visitor centers, warming huts, 21 mi 17 mi 27 mi East and hotels or call Yellowstone National Park Lodges at (307) 344-7311. OLD FAITHFUL Entrance West Thumb Mammoth Hotel & other services 12/21/2001 to 03/03/2002 Grant Old Faithful Snow Lodge & other services 12/17/2001 to 03/10/2002 Village

Lewis Warming huts at Old Faithful, Madison Junction, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and West Lake 22 mi Lewis Thumb are open mid-December to early March. Snowmobile fuel is available at Old Lake Faithful, Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Fishing Bridge mid-December to mid- South Entrance March. The NPS campground at Mammoth Hot Springs is open year-round, offers To Grand Teton 85 sites, and is first-come, first-served. Visitor Center or National Park Ranger Station Snowmobile route

Campground Distances are shown between markers Spring Services Dates subject to change. Call Yellowstone National Park Lodges at (307) 344-7311 for details. Yellowstone Roads Food Service, Stores, and Gasoline Winter Travel Hamilton Stores (groceries, souvenirs, light meals) and Yellowstone Park Service Weather permitting, Yellowstone will open for oversnow vehicle travel in mid- Stations generally open the same time or earlier as lodging in each area. December and close in sections beginning in March. The only park road that remains open to wheeled vehicles all winter is the road from Gardiner, Montana at the north 2002 Opening Dates entrance to Cooke City, Montana near the northeast entrance. Snow tires and/or chains may be required. Travel east of Cooke City, Montana is not possible during Campgrounds Lodging the winter season. Bridge Bay May 24 Old Faithful Inn May 10 Canyon May 31 Old Faithful Snow Lodge May 3 Spring 2002 Opening Schedule Fishing Bridge RV May 17 Old Faithful Lodge May 17 Spring weather is unpredictable; roads may be closed temporarily by snow or other Grant Village June 21 Grant Village May 24 weather conditions. Snow tires or chains may be required. Weather and snow Madison May 3 Lake Yellowstone Hotel May 17 conditions permitting, tentative road opening dates for automobiles are: Indian Creek June 7 Lake Lodge June 10 Lewis Lake June 21 Canyon Lodge May 31 April 19 Mammoth to Norris Junction to Madison Junction to Old Faithful Mammoth year-round Roosevelt Lodge June 7 April 19 Madison Junction to West Entrance Norris May 17 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel May 3 Pebble Creek June 7 April 26 Norris Junction to Canyon Slough Creek May 24 May 3 Canyon to Lake, Lake to East Entrance, Tower to Tower Fall Tower Fall May 17 May 10 Lake to South Entrance, West Thumb to Old Faithful Note: North Entrance to Cooke City is open year-round. Canyon to Dunraven Pass is closed for construction.

and rollerbladers. Spring wildlife watching Physiological adaptations are those focuses on the migration of thousands of that are tied to the way an animal works. elk north throughout the Jackson Hole valley. Adding fat and gaining weight for Bison also drift north in spring. Be alert for hibernation is a physiological adaptation. bison and elk along park roads, especially at Moose have unsaturated fats in their night. Moose concentrate in the marshes bodies, fats that remain supple in very along the Buffalo Fork south of Moran cold temperatures. Without these fats, Junction and browse on bitterbrush growing their hooves would become brittle and in sagebrush flats south of Moose. The crack. Some insects produce glycerol, a Snake River opens April 1 for trout fishing, form of sugar that resists freezing. On pleasing anglers. cold nights, chickadees enter a controlled During April, male sage grouse perform hypothermia; lowering their body their courtship displays on traditional dance temperatures allows chickadees to save fat grounds at the southern end of the park; that would have been burned to maintain celebrate spring's arrival by joining a ranger for their normal high body temperature. Wolves, a pre-dawn trip to witness this annual ritual. coyotes and waterfowl have a built-in feature that allows them to walk through SURVIVING from pg. 5 snow and stand on ice without losing too SPECIAL TIME from pg. 1 inches deep, the temperature at ground much body heat. The arteries carrying level becomes almost constant regardless warm blood from the center of their body Spring of how cold it gets above. Voles remain out to their limbs run next to the veins Winter lingers in the valley through March active all winter by living under the snow carrying cooled blood from their limbs and early April and grips the mountains where their food is still available and they back to the heart. Heat is exchanged as the until June. Longer days allow for extended can build warm nests of grass. warm blood becomes cooler and the cool spring skiing and snowshoeing trips. Unfortunately for voles, weasels will blood becomes warmer. This “counter- Snowmobiling ends when plowing of roads successfully hunt them in their own current cooling system” results in the and routes begins. Throughout April, the tunnels, even using the nests as sleeping temperature of a limb being much cooler Teton Park Road is closed to motorized quarters and lining the nest with the fur of than the body and saves significant energy. vehicles but open to pedestrians, bicyclists the previous occupants. 7

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❄ ❄ e i Winter Road Closures Memorial k m a 5 n . 7 •The RKO Road, River Road and Parkway S Winter Area Closures Bar BC Road (unpaved roads from The Snake River floodplain from the Buffalo Fork Signal Mountain south to downstream to Menor's Ferry north of Moose is Cottonwood Creek) are closed to 89 closed to all public entry from December 15 – 191 April 1 to protect critical winter habitat for many motorized vehicles on October 12. 287 • The unpaved portion of the Lizard Creek wildlife species. Moose-Wilson Road is closed to The following areas are closed from December

motorized vehicles, except 1 15 – April 15 to protect wildlife: the Willow Flats 6 m snowmobiles, on November 1. i area, Buffalo Fork River, Kelly Hill and Uhl Hill. •The Teton Park Road is closed to The Static Peak area is closed from December 15 motorized vehicles, except to April 1 to protect wildlife habitat. snowmobiles, from the Taggart Lake parking lot north to Signal Mountain from November 1 to May 1. •Snow closes the Grassy Lake E GRAND TETON K Leeks Road in mid-November; it reopens Marina A + June 1. NATIONAL PARK L * ❄

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m Turnout or overlook Falls 5 n at i o n a l Food service 26 Distances are shown 89 e l k r e f u g e Gasoline between markers Teton Pass 191 Store No motorhomes or trailers Coal Creek 8431ft ★ Marina on the Moose-Wilson Road Wilson between markers Stables 22 Picnic Area ❄ Road closed by snow Jackson (+ firegrates *restrooms)

The MOOSE VISITOR CENTER is open daily boating, mountaineering and oversnow vehicles. The FLAGG RANCH INFORMATION STATION Information Services (except Christmas Day) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 Ranger-led snowshoe hikes (snowshoes provided, is open daily from mid-December to mid-March. p.m. Services include information, cross- reservations required) are offered from late Hours may vary. Services include information, country ski trail maps, publication sales, December to mid-March. Phone (307) 739-3399. cross-country ski trail maps, publication sales audiovisual programs, natural history exhibits Check at the visitor center for other ranger-led and audiovisual programs. 8 and permits for off-season backpacking, activities.