REFUGE OPERATIONS RESUME AFTER LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

With the enactment of a continuing resolution providing federal funding, staff at the National Elk Refuge will resume regular operations this week, including reopening facilities, processing applications for film requests and other special use permits, and offering educational programming. Staff will reopen the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on Wednesday, January 30. The Visitor Center, which serves as an interagency resource for several public land areas, is located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson. The facility is open during the winter season from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Refuge sleigh rides, offered by a private contractor through the Grand Teton Association, will move operations back to the Visitor Center from its temporary location at the Town of Jackson’s Home Ranch Welcome Center on Wednesday. Ticket sales and shuttle bus service to the sleigh boarding area were temporarily relocated during the partial government shutdown in order to continue the popular wildlife viewing opportunity. Refuge staff extends a special thank you to the Town of Jackson, Town Manager Larry Pardee, and the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to arrange for use of the building in the interim. In addition, the Refuge staff thanks the local community and partners who provided incredible support for federal employees and operations over the past five weeks. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees across the country are happy to be back at work, serving the American public and conserving our nation’s wildlife and habitat.

– FWS –

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

January 28, 2019 19-01

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201-5433

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

During the partial federal government shutdown this past month, many refuge management activities and services were on hold. One task, though, was deemed essential and continued throughout the duration: measuring the amount of standing forage available for wintering bison and elk. This, along with assessing snow conditions and monitoring the numbers and distribution of the herd, are critical components in determining each season if supplemental feeding will be necessary.

The initiation of feeding in any

given year depends on a number of variables, including elk and bison numbers on the refuge, the timing of their migrations to the winter range, temperatures, snow depths, and the accessibility of standing forage.

A common misconception is that supplemental feeding on the refuge is mandated by law. Though it is a longstanding wildlife management approach on the refuge, it is not required by any federal law or statue. Nor was feeding a purpose for which the refuge was established. Instead, supplemental feeding on the refuge historically

began to mitigate conversion of former winter range to other land uses.

The refuge’s current management plan that guides bison and elk administration on both the national wildlife refuge and Grand Teton National Park includes a reduction in the refuge’s feeding program due to concerns related to concentrations of animals and the increased risk of disease. Though initiation of the feeding season tends to occur in late January, the more noticeable and flexible variation has been when the feed season concludes.

National Elk Refuge News - February 5, 2019Activities Assess the Need for Supplemental Feeding

Biologists Eric Cole with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Aly Courtemanch from Wyoming Game and Fish Department calculate the amount of standing forage at several index sites to determine an overall estimate of remaining pounds per acre in key wintering locations.

Here, the dates can vary as much as a month, ranging from the middle of March until late April.

Last season presented an opportunity to bypass feeding altogether. With warmer than average temperatures last January and February and a visible lack of snow in many areas where elk typically winter, the refuge did not provide supplemental feed, making it the first time since 1981.

But every year is different. Spring rains can set up a good growing season and, combined with the refuge’s irrigation program, can result in a good forage production year. If bison herds remain further north of the refuge and don’t graze on refuge grasses and forbs in late summer and early fall, it can preserve forage until further into the critical winter period.

During forage assessments done concurrently by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department beginning in December, biologists

look at not only the amount of vegetation remaining from the summer growing season but the availability and ease of access to the forage by wintering wildlife.

Supplemental feeding was not necessary during the 2018 winter season, primarily due to the lack of snow as shown in this view from the McBride Management Area in mid-February.

Biologists assess snow conditions, including whether natural standing forage is accessible.

Heavy snow, icing, or crusting can form a barrier to foraging activities, making it difficult for elk to paw through the ground cover to reach the remaining herbaceous plant material.

Field staff measure the amount of grasses at roughly four to six key index sites in areas that represent the highest quality forage on the southern end of the refuge. They then translate those calculations into an estimated amount of pounds per acre. Supplemental feeding is often recommended when available forage decreases to below 300 pounds per acre. Though the threshold still represents adequate forage levels to sustain groups of elk and bison, it marks the point when elk have often been observed leaving the refuge for private lands in Spring Gulch.

Protocols developed with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department for initiating supplemental feeding also include elk movements. Factors such as co-mingling of wildlife with livestock, other damage on private lands, and observations of increased elk movement near highways and other main travel routes are also part of the equation.

Elk behavior plays a role in the decision making process, too. This past week, refuge staff has observed groups of elk adjacent to the Twin Creek subdivision and near the Visitor Center on North Cache Street in Jackson, both indicators that elk may be staging to move onto private lands.

Standing forage calculations have declined from 1,145 pounds per acre in mid-January to 308 pounds measured late today. Combined with a snowstorm that brought

several feet of additional snow to the valley floor over the past few days, the refuge staff is gearing up to begin supplemental feeding this week. How long the feed season will last depends upon future

winter conditions, elk behavior, and a management direction to shorten the season when possible to reduce the risk of disease, specifically the growing threat of chronic wasting disease.

A graph compares this year’s snow depth at the refuge headquarters site thus far to a ten-year average, as of February 5, 2019. The area was hit with heavy snowfall over this past weekend.

Both observations and counts as well as GPS collar data provide information on elk movement and distribution.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

A winter storm warning came to fruition this week, resulting in heavy snow, gusty winds, avalanches, and multiple road closures. The storm is expected to continue through Saturday morning, compromising the travel plans of many Jackson Hole visitors and residents.

To offer respite from the storm, the winter naturalist team at the National Elk Refuge has created a line-up of entertaining weekend activities for people of all ages. The programs are offered at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center and are all free of charge.

Staff set up a Valentine’s craft table yesterday, encouraging guests at the multi-agency facility to make and share a card in celebration of the well-known holiday. In addition to providing supplies like paper, photos, glitter, and glue, the interpretive staff created a list of wildlife puns for those looking to include a humorous wildlife inscription. Messages like “Love you like no otter,” “Ewe are one in a million,” and “Owl always love you” add to the fun of making a Valentine’s Day card. The craft table will be available all day Thursday.

Tomorrow’s schedule includes

another Feathered Friday presentation, one in a regular series of informal programs offered in partnership with the Teton Raptor Center each Friday this winter. The Raptor Center will have live birds on hand from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Guests have the unique educational opportunity to view avian ambassadors such as owls, hawks, eagles, or a falcon up close while learning facts about each of the species. The Feathered Friday talks continue through March 30.

Also available this weekend will be a revival of the Refuge’s Animal Olympics challenge. The program was initially offered last year in

National Elk Refuge News - February 14, 2019Visitor Center Offers Respite from the Winter Storm

conjunction with the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang; it was popular enough that the staff is again setting up the challenge stations throughout the building and asking guests to compare their own abilities to those of animals found on the Refuge. Visitors can pick up a challenge sheet at a welcome table, walk throughout the visitor center to the various stations, and complete the activities to earn a prize and Animal Olympics book. Will you be able to flap your

“wings” as fast as a hummingbird? Or jump as high as a bison? Maybe balance as well as a bighorn sheep as it stands on a rocky cliff along Miller Butte? The family- friendly activity will be available from Friday, February 15 through Wednesday, March 6.

The Refuge’s most popular winter educational program, horse-drawn sleigh rides to see wintering elk, will continue through the weekend as long as conditions allow. “We’ll have to flexible based on the

weather,” explained refuge spokeswoman Lori Iverson, “but as long as we can safely operate, we’ll forge ahead as scheduled.” She added, “We’re so appreciative of everyone’s flexibility and patience as we work around the changing conditions.”

Scheduled activities include Feathered Friday (above left), Animal Olympics (above), and sleigh rides (below).

MARCH PROGRAMS OFFER A VARIETY OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The historic Miller House on the National Elk Refuge will be open to the public later this month for a unique winter visit to the site. Though the Miller House is only open seasonally from late May to mid-September, refuge staff will open the door to the historic landmark on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and Sunday, March 24 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. The Miller House is located on the Refuge Road, ¾ mile north of the Refuge’s entrance at the end of East Broadway Avenue in Jackson. Entrance to the Miller House is free of charge.

With daylight savings kicking in this month, one of the programs offered at the Miller House will focus on a common source of light for homesteaders. Visitors will have the opportunity to make candles, using the traditional method of candle dipping. Dressed in period homesteading clothing, staff from the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum will be on hand to explain the process and guide candle makers of all ages through the process of repeatedly dipping a weighted wick between a beeswax vat and a cool water bath to create the layers that form the tapered candle. Participants will be able to take home the souvenir candle they create that day.

A second craft will focus on fun over function: visitors can make a thaumatrope, a paper Victorian optical toy popular in the 19th century. Crafters draw a different picture on either side of a round paper disk, then attach a string to each side. When the string is wound up and released, the card rapidly spins and merges the two pictures. Creative artists can strategically place their drawings on the disk to make a variety of fun optical illusions.

Visitors to the refuge this month can also get an early glimpse of one of the area’s most notable spring migrations by viewing a display at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on the Path of the Pronghorn wildlife corridor. Each year, hundreds of pronghorn migrate more than 100 miles from their summer range in Jackson Hole to the lower elevations of the Green River Basin. The journey entails crossing four major rivers, through a 9,000 foot pass in the Gros Ventre Mountains, and two wildlife overpasses located on US Highway 191. The route, which has been used by the remarkable mammal for over 6,000 years, is the nation’s first federally protected wildlife corridor and is one of the longest large mammal migration corridors remaining in North America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are two of many agencies and organizations working to protect this passage from development.

The exhibit, which also includes basic information about the unique, fleet-footed mammal, is located in the theater on the upper level of the Visitor Center and will remain on display through April 6. The display will be accompanied by continuous showings of the PBS Nature film The Sagebrush Sea, a documentary that looks at the complex and abundant life within the sagebrush ecosystem so important to the pronghorn’s survival.

Naturalists will also lead two migration-themed excursions on the Refuge Road on Sunday, March 17 and Saturday, March 23 from 1:30 - 4:00 pm. Space is limited. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (307) 201-5406.

– FWS –

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

March 6, 2019 19-02

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201-5433

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The refuge’s most popular seasonal educational program has ended for the year, with a record number of visitors taking a sleigh ride to view wintering elk on the National Elk Refuge. Though the horses have now moved to their summer pasture, the tack is put away, and the sleighs are stored until next winter, the final tallies are rolling in and summarizing what turned out to be a very busy season.

A total of 36,217 people took a sleigh ride this year, making it the busiest season on record. That number surpassed the previous high of 32,753 passengers, reached during the 2016/17 season. It easily exceeded last year’s mark of 28,925 riders by 25%.

The record season didn’t come without its difficulties, though. A partial government shutdown right before the busy Christmas

season closed the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center until January 30, the very location which serves as the ticket sales and boarding area for the rides. Through an agreement with the Town of Jackson, the operation temporarily moved to the Home Ranch Welcome Center in downtown Jackson, increasing the travel time for passengers to be shuttled to and from the sleigh departure area a few miles north of town and adding logistical challenges to the mix.

Next came the storms. The Jackson Hole area also saw record-setting totals this winter in the form of snow. The valley was hit with a series of storm cycles that produced blizzard-like conditions, closed roads, and made for unsafe conditions on the refuge. Sleigh rides were canceled or called

off early six times because of poor visibility and high winds. Comparing those same calendar days to previous years’ ridership, at least 1,000 passengers went without rides due to the storms.

And though it was an anticlimactic way to end a banner season, the contractor and refuge staff pulled the plug on the season two days earlier than the scheduled last day of April 6. Though wagons can be substituted for sleighs in springlike conditions, this year’s mud and slush proved difficult for both types of conveyances.

“We couldn’t ask for a harder working, dedicated partner than our sleigh ride contractor,” said Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell. “They continually provide safe, enjoyable wildlife viewing experiences no matter what Mother Nature throws at them.”

National Elk Refuge News - April 16, 2019Sleigh Ride Program Reaches Record Numbers

NORTH 89 PATHWAY REMAINS CLOSED FOR PUBLIC USE

Despite recent warmer weather and snow melt on the North 89 pathway, the multi-use lane paralleling the National Elk Refuge’s west boundary remains closed to public use. Cyclists and pedestrians are asked to respect the North 89 pathway closure through April 30 to maximize benefits to wildlife, habitat, and migration corridors.

The opening and closing of the pathway is coordinated with Jackson Hole Community Pathways and the Teton County Parks & Recreation Department. Managers use the number of elk remaining on the Refuge and the potential for migration conflicts as the basis for an annual decision to open the pathway as early as April 15. If the number of remaining elk stabilizes to the May 1 long–term average of approximately 2,500 elk or less, an opening earlier than April 30 is considered.

GPS collar data shows that peak spring elk movements typically occur during the second and third weeks of April. However, the Jackson Hole valley experienced record snowfall totals this winter, in some cases delaying spring green-up that would draw elk to other areas. So far this spring, wildlife managers have seen very little movement of elk from the National Elk Refuge to their summer ranges. An elk survey earlier this week noted nearly 6,200 elk still remained on the Refuge.

Even though many of the remaining 6,200 elk may be some distance from the fence line, the increased presence of humans can deter their natural tendencies to migrate. “Elk react differently to people than they do with cars on the highway,” explained Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell. “We don’t want to do anything that would compromise their dispersal or prevent their natural inclination to leave their winter range.” Glaspell added that the management decision to open the pathway is based on the migration of the herd as a whole and what will provide the greatest benefit to wildlife.”We can’t quickly open and close the pathway whenever small groups of elk move closer to or away from the pathway.” Though unauthorized use of the pathway is tempting for cyclists and pedestrians to get in early season exercise, the public is asked to recognize the value of the pathway and its availability for so many months of the year. “It’s one more way our community can demonstrate a respect and commitment to living compatibly with Jackson’s wildlife,” Glaspell said. The pathway is open each season through October 31.

– FWS –

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

April 18, 2019 19-03

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201–5433

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

April 18, 2019 19-04

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201-5433

– FWS–

2019 REFUGE ROAD SPRING ACCESS ANNOUNCED

National Elk Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell has issued a reminder that the wintering wildlife closure on the Refuge Roadwill be lifted at 12:00 am on May 1, 2019 to coincide with the Bridger-Teton National Forest’s scheduled annual opening. From December 1 through April 30 each year, a seasonal closure limits public travel on the Refuge Road. During that period, traffic and pedestrian use are only allowed from the Refuge entrance off East Broadway Avenue to the Twin Creek subdivision, or approximately 3½ miles. The closure provides animals protection at a time when their energy reserves are low and abundant new vegetation growth, or green-up, is not yet widely available for foraging. Interest in May 1 travel on the Refuge Road stems from the public’s legal ability to remove shed antlers from the adjoining National Forest. People visiting or passing through the National Elk Refuge must note it is illegal to take, collect, retrieve, possess, or transport any natural product, including shed antlers, from the Refuge.

The entrance at the end of East Broadway Avenue in Jackson is the only legal access onto the Refuge without a special use permit or Refuge hunting or fishing permit. Public access from the north end of the Refuge is not allowed, including travel across the Gros Ventre River. National Elk Refuge access regulations, including those related to overnight parking and use of non-authorized access routes, are posted on the Refuge’s web site at https://go.usa.gov/xmDbp. Printed copies of the regulations are also available at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson.

Parking within the Town of Jackson near the entrance of the National Elk Refuge will be extremely limited on April 30. The Jackson Police Department will have additional staff on hand to educate people lining up on streets near the Refuge entrance and relocate them to public parking areas within the Town of Jackson. More information on parking options, restrictions, and enforcement within the Town of Jackson is available by visiting the Town of Jackson web site at http://www.townofjackson.com or calling the Jackson Police Department at (307) 733-1430.

To avoid confusion, 12:00 am on May 1 in Refuge outreach information refers to the start of the specified day (00:00 on a 24 hour clock).

NORTH 89 PATHWAY TO OPEN EARLY FOR THE 2019 SEASON

Refuge Manager Brian Glaspell announced today the North 89 pathway will open for non-motorized public use this week, days ahead of the scheduled opening on May 1. The public is asked to respect the closure until Teton County Parks & Recreation can schedule a pathway sweep and open the gates. The pathway is expected to be open as early as tomorrow, April 24. The agreement between the National Elk Refuge and Jackson Hole Community Pathways states if large numbers of elk migrate off the refuge early, dropping the number of remaining animals to the May 1 long-term average of approximately 2,500 elk, the pathway may potentially open prior to the established date.

On April 15, a refuge biology technician counted 6,188 elk remaining on the wildlife refuge, indicating very few animals had moved off their winter range and the potential for migration conflicts was high. By April 18, field staff noted approximately 10% of the GPS-collared elk were beginning to leave the refuge. Elk numbers dropped significantly over the weekend as large numbers of elk moved to the sagebrush flats north of the Gros Ventre River and the Snake River corridor in the vicinity of the Jackson Hole Airport. By April 21, the number of elk remaining on the refuge had decreased to 1,960.

Motorists on all area roads are reminded to be alert for wildlife on the move and drive with extra caution during the coming weeks as elk and other large animals move to their traditional summer ranges. Many groups of wildlife are crossing or lingering near roadways. They often move during low light conditions and generally are most active between dusk and dawn. Drivers should be prepared to stop suddenly when animals unexpectedly cross the road. Driving slower than the indicated speed limits, especially at night, can increase the margin of safety. Collisions between motor vehicles and wildlife may result in severe damage to the vehicle, serious injuries to occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.

– FWS –

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2019 19-05

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201-5433

ANNUAL ELK ANTLER AUCTION TOTALS REMAIN STRONG

The rain held off until the bitter end of this year’s annual elk antler auction, marking the 52nd year elk antlers collected on the National Elk Refuge have been sold at a public auction on Jackson’s Town Square. The annual sale is held on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend and is the premier event of a weekend-long community celebration called ElkFest. This year, 10,320 pounds of antlers were sold at the auction, higher than last year’s total of 8,593 pounds but on par with the previous 10-year average of 9,897 pounds. Bidders paid an average of $16.77 per pound this year, down from last year’s average of $18.36 but still 22% higher than the previous 10-year average of $13.80. A total of 140 registered bidders participated in Saturday’s auction, which yielded a total of $186,227, up from last year’s take of $173,805. Saturday’s total marks the fourth highest total in the auction’s history. During the past decade, the auction has brought in an average of $143,846.

Key to the success of the auction is the long-standing partnership between the National Elk Refuge staff and Jackson District Scouts. Each year, Scouts and Scout leaders donate approximately 2,000 hours to prepare and execute the sale, comparable to one Refuge staff member working a 40-hour week for a full year. For their extraordinary effort, the Jackson District Scouts retain 25% of the sale’s proceeds, which is used to supplement fees for day camps, leader and Scout training, and other activities. The remaining 75% of the take is returned to the National Elk Refuge, which manages approximately 25,000 acres as winter range for the Jackson Elk Herd. The funds are used for habitat enhancement projects, including paying for farming equipment, weed management, and seasonal employees that operate the Refuge’s irrigation program. A photo collection and a multimedia slide show on the Refuge’s web site describe the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for the auction and share images from the sale.

Next year’s antler auction is set for Saturday, May 16. However, single antlers are available for sale throughout the year at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 North Cache Street in Jackson.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNational Elk Refuge

May 18, 2019 19-06

PO Box 510Jackson, Wyoming 83001

Lori Iverson(307) 201-5433

– FWS –

For Immediate Release June 25, 2019

Fire Safety on Public Land Stressed for the Upcoming Holiday

Western WY – Despite the precipitation and cooler temperatures throughout the region in the past few weeks, fire managers are expecting a drying trend in vegetation that will make the Teton Interagency Fire response area more receptive to fire starts and potential for fire spread. As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton County, WY. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention during a time of year when vegetation begins drying out and warmer temperatures become more common throughout the area. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year and result in an average of $43 million in direct property damage. A random spark can quickly escalate into a wildfire, especially under dry, windy conditions. Additionally, unattended and abandoned campfires are a common source of unexpected wildfires. Area fire personnel respond annually to over 100 abandoned campfires, which can hold heat for an extended period of time if not properly extinguished. Fire personnel have responded to 27 unattended campfires so far this season in the Teton Interagency Fire response area. Simply pouring water on the remains of a fire is not sufficient. The charred remains must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring. All embers and logs, not just those that are still glowing, should be broken up and covered with dirt. Campfire remains must be cold to the touch before the site is vacated. Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.

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Teton Interagency Fire News Release

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Elk Refuge Lori Iverson 307.201.5433

U.S. Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Bridger-Teton National Forest Evan Guzik 307.739.5564

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Denise Germann 307.739.3393

For Immediate Release July 1, 2019

Fire Danger Has Increased to Moderate

Western WY – Teton Interagency fire managers announce the fire danger rating has been elevated to “moderate” for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. The potential for fire activity has increased due to summer curing of vegetation combined with warmer and windy conditions.

A moderate fire danger rating means fires can start from most accidental causes. Unattended campfires and brush fires have potential to escape, especially on windy days in dry, open areas.

When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, trees, and dead and downed materials; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources both locally and nationally.

So far this season, there have been more than 40 unattended campfires across the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. Strong afternoon winds have been common during the past few weeks, increasing the chances that a hot ember covered by cooler ash at a campfire site could be exposed and blown into nearby dry vegetation. In locations where campfires are allowed, fires should never be unattended and must be completely extinguished. Simply pouring water on the remains of a fire is not sufficient. The charred remains must be repeatedly doused with water and stirred into the campfire ring. All embers and logs, not just the red ones, should be broken up and covered with dirt. Before leaving the area, the campfire remains must be cold to the touch.

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the National Elk Refuge, or in Sublette and Teton County, WY. These fireworks regulations play a critical role in fire prevention.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at tetonfires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.

-XXX-

Teton Interagency Fire News Release

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Elk Refuge Lori Iverson 307.201.5433

U.S. Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Bridger-Teton National Forest Evan Guzik 307.739.5564

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Teton National Park Denise Germann 307.739.3393

For Immediate Release July 23, 2019

Fire Danger Increases to High

Western WY – Fire danger has increased to “High” for Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and the rest of the Teton Interagency Dispatch Area. Recent hot temperatures and regular afternoon winds have created dry forest conditions. With little to no forecasted rain in the coming weeks, fire activity is expected to increase. Three wildfires have been detected in the last week, with the Box Creek Fire remaining active in the Teton Wilderness. A high fire danger rating means that fires can start easily and spread quickly. When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, and trees; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources locally and across the nation. There are no fire restrictions currently in place, but it is important to be aware of the increased risk and take extra care when building campfires, parking on dry grass, or recreating outdoors. Visitors and local residents are reminded that unattended or abandoned campfires can easily escalate into wildfires. This year there have already been more than 83 abandoned campfires reported in the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. Campers should be prepared with plenty of water and a shovel on hand. As a reminder, simply pouring water on a fire is not sufficient. Most of the reported unattended fires found by fire personnel involve smoldering logs and white ash which can easily spread embers when stirred by a breeze or gust of wind. Campers need to drown campfires with plenty of water and then stir the coals, repeating as necessary. Before leaving the area, the campfire should be cold to the touch. Campers need to be aware they could be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. Please visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com to learn more about current fires, fire safety, and any fire regulations that may be in place. To report a fire or smoke, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.

—XXX—

Teton Interagency Fire News Release

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Elk Refuge

Lori Iverson

307.201.5433

U.S. Forest Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Kasey Stewart

307.739.5564

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Grand Teton National Park

Denise Germann

307.739.3393