Photo courtesy GNPF staff 

Glacier National Park continues its boat inspection and permit program this summer as part of an ongoing aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention program.   Continuing westward expansion of zebra and quagga mussels, and other aquatic invasive species, transported mainly on recreational watercraft, is prompting park managers to adjust existing prevention strategies.   

New to the program this year is the requirement for all hand-propelled watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, catarafts) being launched within the park to obtain an AIS-free self-certification permit.  The permit is free, completed by the boater, and is required upon each entry to the park.  The permit must remain with boaters while they are floating.  It is available at all park visitor centers, back-country permit offices, park headquarters, and at maintained boat launches.  The permit is also available online at the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.  Park employees will gladly inspect hand propelled watercraft on a voluntary basis. 

Motorized and trailered watercraft must have a thorough boat inspection by a park employee upon every entry to the park.  A free permit is issued after the inspection, which will take at least 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the boat.  A boat may launch multiple times provided the boat does not leave the park between launches. 

All boaters are encouraged to thoroughly clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and/or fishing equipment before coming to the park. To receive a permit, boats must be clean, drained and thoroughly dry (including bilge areas and livewells) upon inspection.  Fishing equipment must be clean and dry as well.  Dirty boats and boats that arrive with any standing water in the boat (including livewell and bilge areas), and boats with inaccessible internal ballast tanks will not be issued a permit.  

Though launch hours are not restricted, inspection hours are limited.  Hours vary throughout the park and will be adjusted seasonally. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, permits are available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at park headquarters in West Glacier, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at all other locations, including the St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine Ranger Station, and Many Glacier Ranger Station. Boaters wishing to launch on Bowman Lake should obtain a permit at park headquarters, but they must immediately proceed to Bowman Lake after the inspection.   

Boats failing inspection will be denied a permit.  Boaters may re-apply for a permit after their boat is thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried.  Boats found with infestations of any aquatic invasive species may be quarantined until they are fully decontaminated, which may take up to 30 days. 

Invasive mussels have been found on boats within Montana and passing through Montana over the past few years.  Eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive aquatic plants are also present in western Montana waterways, necessitating a high degree of vigilance to prevent spread.  Federal law prohibits the transportation and introduction of invasive species into the ecosystem in Glacier National Park. 

Park managers appreciate the cooperation of recreational boaters to help prevent aquatic invasive species entering Glacier National Park.   The consequences of aquatic invasive species becoming established in park waters at the headwaters for the Columbia, Missouri and Hudson Bay Watersheds are dire for aquatic ecosystems, recreational opportunities, and economic concerns downstream. Park officials urge all boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats and related equipment after every outing. 

For more information on boating in Glacier National Park and the prevention of aquatic invasive species, please visit the park’s web page at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ais.htm.    

Avalanche Lake-photo courtesy GNPF staff. 

Glacier National Park officials encourage public comment on a proposal to remove the Avalanche Ranger Station.  Comments should be submitted by June 1. 

The ranger station, located on the west side of the Avalanche Campground, is in a severe state of deterioration.  It was constructed in 1966 as part of a rehabilitation of the Avalanche Campground under the National Park Service Mission 66 infrastructure development program.  The ranger station once provided a visitor information contact office and residential quarters for park rangers, but was closed in the mid-1990s. Campground hosts now provide information to campers, and the building is no longer needed.

The ranger station is a contributing property to the Avalanche Campground Historic District, which is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A shed near the ranger station is also severely deteriorated.  The shed is not a contributing property to the Avalanche Campground Historic District.

The park is proposing to remove the Avalanche Ranger Station because it is in disuse, is a hazard to human safety, and maintaining or restoring a building that is no longer needed is not cost effective. The adjacent shed would also be removed, as well as a dirt service road, a propane tank, and adjoining sidewalks.

The Montana State Historic Preservation Officer has concurred with the park’s determination that removing the ranger station would have an adverse effect on the Avalanche Campground Historic District, but would not affect the campground’s eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  The park will mitigate impacts to cultural resources, including recording the building to the standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey, installing a wayside exhibit to interpret the history and significance of the Avalanche Campground, and salvaging usable architectural materials.

The park plans to conduct a categorical exclusion.  Public comment is encouraged to determine if there is any new information or additional concerns, and comment on the adverse effect determination under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as well as the proposed mitigation measures.

For more information regarding the proposal to remove the Avalanche Ranger Station visit http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.  Comments can be posted on that website or mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn:  Avalanche Ranger Station, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT, 59936.    

Photo courtesy Dave Restivo, GNP

Apgar Campground to Open Friday, May 4

Many of the Glacier National Park’s campgrounds will be opening for the summer season in upcoming weeks. Apgar Campground, on the west side of the park, will open with services on Friday, May 4, and St. Mary Campground on the east side, will open with services on May 14.  Additional campgrounds will open as the season progresses.  

Most campgrounds have water available, but there are no electrical or water hookups at any campground in the park.  Water is not available when a campground is in primitive status.  Many campgrounds can accommodate campers and trailers, with some size restrictions. Specific information about each campground, including a map of the sites, operating dates, available services, current and historic fill times, and more is available by visiting http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/cgstatus/cgstatus.cfm.  

Campground       Operating Dates

 (Through night of dates listed)    Nightly Fees        Primitive Camping Operating Dates    

(No water available)

Apgar    May 4 – October 7           $20        Primitive camping in picnic area October 8-31, and April 1-May 3: $10 per night, November 1-March 31: Free with valid entrance pass

Avalanche           June 8 –September 2       $20        N/A

Bowman Lake    May 25 – September  9   $15        Primitive camping September 10- October  31 (weather dependent) $10 per night  November 1 through closure: Free with valid entrance pass

Cut Bank              June 8 – September  2     $10        Operated in primitive status all season, closes Noon September 3

Fish Creek            June 1 – September  2     $23        National Recreation Reservation System Campground

Kintla Lake          May 25 - September 9     $15        Primitive camping September 10- October 31:(weather dependent) $10 per night November 1 through  closure: Free with valid entrance pass

Logging Creek    July 1 – September  23     $10        Operated in primitive status all season, closes Noon September 24

Many Glacier      May 25 – September 16 $20        Primitive camping September 17 – October 30 (weather dependent ) $10 per night

Quartz Creek      July 1 – October 30          $10        Operated in primitive status all season, closes Noon October 31

Rising Sun            May 25 – September 9    $20        N/A

Sprague Creek    May 11 – September 9    $20        N/A

St. Mary               May 14 – September 16 $20/23  April 1 – May 30, and September 3-16: $20 per night

June 1-September 2: National Recreation Reservation System $23 per night

Primitive camping September 17-October 31: $10 per night

November 1-March 31: Free with valid entrance pass

Two Medicine    May 25 – September 16 $20        Primitive camping September17 - October 30 (weather dependent) $10 per night 

Fish Creek and St. Mary Campground sites, and five group sites at Apgar Campground, may be reserved for camping from June 1 through September 2 via the National Recreation Reservation Service website at www.recreation.gov or by calling toll free 877-444-6777.  Campers without prior reservations are also welcome at these campgrounds, as space is available, for $23/night.

All campgrounds in primitive status cost $10/night.  When campgrounds are in primitive status no water is provided.  Any water taken from streams or lakes requires treatment before use.  Primitive and winter front-country campgrounds include pit toilets, no running water and only a limited number of sites.  

Group campsites are available at Apgar, Many Glacier, St. Mary and Two Medicine Campgrounds.  Hiker/bicyclist sites are available at Apgar, Avalanche, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, Sprague Creek, and Two Medicine Campgrounds for $5 per person per night, and through reservation at St. Mary for $8 per person per night.  

The seven-day single vehicle entrance fee is $25 and a seven-day single entrance (hiker, bicyclist or motorcyclist) is $12.  When park entrance stations are not staffed, an entrance fee is still required.  Follow the posted instructions at the self-payment boxes at each entrance station.

An annual Glacier National Park pass for unlimited access to the park for one year from time of purchase of the pass is available for $35.  Other passes with America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program are also available.  US citizens 62 years of age and older may purchase a lifetime pass for $10, and citizens with a permanent disability may obtain a free lifetime pass.  An annual pass available for $80 allows free entrance to federally operated recreation sites across the county, including many National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management sites.   

For additional park information please visit Glacier National Park’s web site at http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.   Annual passes may be obtained via credit card over the phone, from Headquarters Building, Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or from the west and east entrance stations when staffed.  

Photo courtesy Jane Ratzlaff

PICTURE YOURSELF IN A PARK this April 21–29 as the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation present National Park Week – a chance to hike, learn, share, and give back in the nation’s 397 national parks. Each year, we take this time to celebrate what we all have inherited as Americans – 84 million acres of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic landmarks and cultural treasures. Visit any of America’s national parks April 21–29 and enjoy FREE admission all week long!  But whether you plan to visit or volunteer, we encourage you to share your experience with us at nationalparkweek.org.

Can’t get to a national park?  Bring one into your living room with a special week of Planet Green television programming featuring the national parks April 23–27 at 8pm. From Glacier National Park to the Golden Gate Bridge, Denali to the Grand Canyon, learn insider tips and little-know facts and be inspired to plan your next national park adventure.  

Allen Jimmerson at Spring For Glacier 2011-GNPF staff photo  

 An event benefiting Glacier National Park’s four nonprofit partners:
Glacier Association – Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park Associates –Glacier National Park Fund

Friday, May 18, 2012
4 – 10 p.m.

Evening’s Events Include:

4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail reception at the Belton Chalet in West Glacier followed by a Red Bus ride to Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park. (Last bus leaves promptly at 6:30 p.m.)
5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
This night to remember at Lake McDonald Lodge includes a variety of food selections, wine, micro brews, scenic boat rides, lively entertainment, art, and a huge variety of items for auction.
5:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Silent Auction
7:45 – 8:30 p.m.
Crown of the Continent Choir, dessert & coffee
in Auditorium
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Live Auction
$125/person

Western, Period or Railroad themed attire suggested.  RSVP 406-888-9039 Please purchase tickets early as event sells out.

Lodging is available at special rates for event night. Rates at the Lodge will apply to Saturday night as well. For lodging reservations contact: Lake McDonald Lodge (Melissa Baker 406-892-6733) or Belton Chalet (406-888-5000).

Golden Ticket Raffle-Will take place at the Belton Chalet.  Winner Receives: A golden ticket for two to attend Spring for Glacier 2013 · Reservations for two guests the night of the 2013 event at the Belton Chalet · A bottle of wine with GNP Centennial glasses · A basket of many other goodies! Raffle tickets may be purchased at the Belton Chalet the evening of the event ($5 each, 5 for $20), and must be deposited at the Chalet in the drawing basket. Drawing will be at the Belton Chalet and will be announced during the Live Auction at Lake McDonald Lodge.

We are pleased to announce we are featuring a number of artists from Glacier Park Artists Society.
Some of the artists are: Rob Akey, Sheryl Bodily, Karen Leigh, Rochelle Lombardi, Nicholas Oberling and Cliff Rossberg.
Other featured artists are Nancy Cawdrey, Haakon Ensign, Allen Jimmerson, Mark Ogle, Linda Tippetts, and Rusti Warner.

Spring for Glacier

2012

An event benefiting Glacier National Park’s four nonprofit partners:
Glacier Association – Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park Associates –Glacier National Park Fund

Friday, May 18, 2012
4 – 10 p.m.

Evening’s Events Include:

4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail reception at the Belton Chalet in West
Glacier followed by a Red Bus ride to Lake
McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park.
(Last bus leaves promptly at 6:30 p.m.)
5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
This night to remember at Lake McDonald
Lodge includes a variety of food selections,
wine, micro brews, scenic boat rides, lively
entertainment, art, and a huge variety of items
for auction.
5:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Silent Auction
7:45 – 8:30 p.m.
Crown of the Continent Choir, dessert & coffee
in Auditorium
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Live Auction
$125/person

Western, Period or Railroad themed attire suggested.

RSVP 406-888-9039

Please purchase tickets early as event sells out.

Lodging is available at special rates for event night. Rates at the
Lodge will apply to Saturday night as well. For lodging reservations
contact: Lake McDonald Lodge (Melissa Baker 406-892-6733) or
Belton Chalet (406-888-5000).

Golden Ticket Raffle
Will take place at the Belton Chalet

Winner Receives:

· A golden ticket for two to attend Spring for Glacier 2013
· Reservations for two guests the night of the 2013 event at

the Belton Chalet
· A bottle of wine with GNP Centennial glasses
· A basket of many other goodies!

Raffle tickets may be purchased at the Belton Chalet the evening of
the event ($5 each, 5 for $20), and must be deposited at the Chalet
in the drawing basket.
Drawing will be at the Belton Chalet and will be announced during
the Live Auction at Lake McDonald Lodge.

We are pleased to announce we are featuring a number of artists
from Glacier Park Artists Society.
Some of the artists are: Rob Akey, Sheryl Bodily, Karen Leigh,
Rochelle Lombardi, Nicholas Oberling and Cliff Rossberg.
Other featured artists are Nancy Cawdrey, Haakon Ensign,
Allen Jimmerson, Mark Ogle, Linda Tippetts, and Rusti Warner.

For further information see: glacier association.org,
glacier institute.org, glaciernationalparkassociates.org,
glaciernationalparkfund.org

Photo courtesty Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park road crews have initiated spring snow plowing operations on the park’s roads, including the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road.  

Snow levels at high elevations across the park are currently above average for this time of year.  The snow depth atop Flattop Mountain was recorded at approximately 165 inches or almost 14 feet at the end of March.   This site is located at approximately 6,300 feet in elevation and approximately 5 miles from the The Loop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.  Snow levels at Many Glacier, 4,900 feet in elevation, are at normal levels.  This site measured 47 inches snow depth at the end of March.  US Geological Survey snow survey crews recently recorded 91 inches of snow on the ground at Siyeh Bend, two miles east of Logan Pass at approximately 6,300 feet in elevation.  

The Chief Mountain Road, near the park’s northeast corner, has been plowed and will be allowed to melt out prior to opening.  Crews are currently working on the Many Glacier Road encountering snow drifts up to 10 feet.  This road will not open to the public until the third weekend of April at the earliest, to reduce stress on wildlife in critical winter range.  Plowing of the Two Medicine Road will be underway soon. 

On the west side of the park, crews plowed in the Apgar Village and the Camas Road. The Camas Road will be allowed to melt out prior to opening. The Inside North Fork Road will be allowed to open naturally, with no plowing scheduled.  

Plowing of the Going-to-the-Sun Road began on Monday, April 2.  Crews encountered 12-30 inches of snow depth and two to six inches of ice on the first couple of miles beyond the Lake McDonald Lodge.  Crews are preparing to remove the slide at Red Rock Point.  The earliest possible opening of the Going-to-Sun Road in its entirety would be June 15, weather and road conditions dependent, due to road rehabilitation work.  

Spring snow storms play a large factor in safely opening the road to two-way motor vehicle traffic. Once the plow crews are working in the higher elevations, visitors will be able to drive to Avalanche Creek on the west side and Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side.

Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright said, “Safety of our employees is our top priority and this year we have added an additional avalanche forecasting technician to help monitor conditions in avalanche zones on both the west and east sides.”  Cartwright noted that the road crew is an outstanding group of experienced and dedicated employees working in an extreme environment.  

Due to rehabilitation activities between Avalanche Creek and Logan Creek on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, spring hiker and biker access may be reduced from previous years.   Pets are prohibited on park roads that are closed to vehicle use.   

Visitors should always be alert for snowplows and other heavy equipment on park roads as well as areas of ice, slush, avalanche zones and fallen rock.  Additionally, spring snowstorms can cause hazardous driving conditions and temporary road closures.  Please be aware of wildlife on park roads and report any bear or mountain lion activity or sighting, regardless of the location, to a park ranger. 

For photos and plowing status, as well as information on all park road conditions, visit the park’s webpage at http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm. Information on the webpage is updated as conditions change. Visitors may also visit the park’s Facebook page or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800 for current road and weather conditions.

.

  

GNPF proudly presents an exclusive weekend in

Glacier National Park!

September 6-9, 2012 

Glacier Park Lodge 

East Glacier, Montana 

Call 406-892-6733 today to make your reservations for this exclusive weekend! 

Our early-bird discount of 10% is good only through April 1st so do not delay! 

Experience the beautiful Two Medicine region, considered the most sacred area of the Park to the Blackfeet. 

Celebrate the centennial of the historic Glacier Park Lodge and enjoy a weekend filled with activities.  

• Exclusive Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train ride from Whitefish to East Glacier
• Three nights stay at the century old Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier including all meals
• Blackfeet Reservation and Lewis and Clark historical tour
• Special guests and Blackfeet interpretive programs by renowned ledger artist Terrance Guardipee and Native American Music Award winner, Jack Gladstone
• Red Jammer bus tours
• Discover Glacier hikes and scenic boat rides with Park interpretive rangers and researchers
• Glacier High Tea with special guest Jake Bramante from Hike734
• Great Northern Railroad and Park history programs
• Horseback riding and golf in view of the majestic mountains of Glacier National Park
• BBQ cookout
• Tickets to the Backpackers Ball-includes dinner, live performance by Jack Gladstone, live and silent auctions of Glacier art, memorabilia and outdoor packages

For a full list of activities, special guests, excursions and to make a reservation, go to:    www.fallforglacier.org

The Glacier National Park Fund may be coming to your town this spring!  Join us for an evening celebrating Glacier National Park.  Learn about what’s happening in Glacier and how you can get involved.  A Touch of Glacier is coming to…

Portland, Oregon - April 5^th

Dallas, Texas – April 19^th

St. Paul, Minnesota – May 19^th

Great Falls, Montana – June 14^th

For details or if you would like to attend a Touch of Glacier event, please contact the Glacier National Park Fund at 406-892-3250 or paul@glacierfund.org.   

  

Photo courtesy Trevor Eagleton Photography

The Glacier National Park Fund (GNPF) is pleased to announce that Whitefish Mountain Resort will host Moonlight Dine & Ski for Glacier to benefit GNPF on Saturday, March 10, 2011 at the Summit on the Big Mountain.  For the fifth consecutive year, the Resort will donate a generous portion of each ticket sold to the Glacier National Park Fund.

Start your adventure with a breathtaking ride up to the Summit of Big Mountain on the Chair One Lift.  Meet at the base of Chair 1 at 5:00 pm for the 5:30 pm dining time.  Enjoy an open chair ride to the Summit while taking in the spectacular views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.  Then proceed to the Summit House to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience from the German cuisine buffet – which includes a beet salad (with red onion, parsley, goat cheese, baby greens and walnuts), beer battered asparagus with garlic aioli, spaetzle dumplings with bacon and cabbage, chicken pot pie strudel, sauerbraten (German pot roast of sirloin with brown sauce), roasted root vegetables, warm potato bacon salad and apple strudel.

Advanced reservations are required. The price for the entire package is $49.95 for adults and $25.95 for youth 12 years of age and under – which includes your ride up and/or down Chair 1 and your dinner gratuity.  Cancellation refunds will be honored up to 72 hours prior to the event.

After dinner, you have the choice of skiing down the mountain with a ski instructor for “the run of your life….by moonlight” or riding down on Chair 1.  The trip down is a breathtaking and exhilarating experience - whether you ride down or ski down! 

Be sure to dress warm for the open air chair left – you will need winter boots, a hat, gloves, a scarf, etc.  Bring your ski or snowboard equipment (unless you plan to ride down), a camera for some incredible moon shots and cash for no-host bar beverages.  For more information about this spectacular event, go to www.skiwhitefish.com/winter_events.php and then call the Whitefish Mountain Resort at 406-862-2900 to make your advanced reservations.

Photo courtesy Jane Ratzlaff.

Winter Outings in Glacier National Park!  

The Glacier National Park Fund will offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing outings in Glacier National Park this winter.

Dates are....

February 10th - snowshoeing

February 24th - snowshoeing

March 9th - cross-country skiing

March 16th - snowshoeing

March 23rd -cross-country skiing 

To sign up and to find out when and where to meet, please contact the Fund at 892-3250 or go to our website for more info   http://www.glacierfund.org

The Glacier National Park Fund supports the preservation of the outstanding

natural beauty and cultural heritage of Glacier National Park for the use and

enjoyment of present and future generations by fostering public awareness

and encouraging private philanthropy.