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Thank you from Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (posted 9/18/18)
Tuesday, September 18, 2018: Sublette County Sheriff’s Office: "We wanted to take a second to thank the Sublette County Community as well as residents from Teton County who have graciously offered housing, supplies and other donations to those affected by the Roosevelt Fire. We received over 26 offers to our office in the last day. We have a running list of offers and donations for those who need them! We are also asking PLEASE do not donate cooked foods or perishables to responders as they cannot be accepted.
Click on this link for more fire updates and photos: Roosevelt Fire updates
Related Links:
Roosevelt Fire Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Marten Creek Fire Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/
Area Closure in effect in Wyoming Range (posted 9/18/18)
For Marten Creek Fire, estimated 5,700 acres
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Marten Creek Fire burning in the Marten Creek drainage off the Greys River Road.
The closure states, "The western boundary of the closure is approximately three miles west of the Greys River Road, beginning at the intersection of the McDougal Gap Road (10125) extending south to the beginning of the Spring Creek Road (10242). The Northern limit follows the McDougal Gap Road until it intersects the 10342A road at Foster Meadows. The 10342A and 10046 roads provide the eastern edge extending almost to the Middle Piney Summer Homes. The southern boundary of the closure begins approximately three miles west of the Greys river road and Spring Creek drainage and extends east following the 060 and 061 trails."
Red flag fire warnings, including high winds, aligned with the local topography have significantly increased fire behavior over the last two days. The fire is estimated to be approximately 5,700 acres.
The primary objective for the incident is public and firefighter safety. This evening, a type 2 incident management team will begin transitioning with the local type 3 team that is currently managing the fire in conjunction with the Greys River and Big Piney Ranger Districts. The Marten Creek Fire was human caused and is currently under investigation.
Fire danger on the Bridger Teton National Forest is very high. For additional fire information and maps visit www.tetonfires.com or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/, or contact the Greys River Ranger District at (307)886-5300 or Big Piney Ranger District at (307) 276-5800.
Evacuation Order given for Hoback Ranches (posted 9/18/17)
Due to Roosevelt Fire
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 5:04PM: The Roosevelt Fire is threatening the Hoback Ranches subdivision and is posing a life safety risk. The entire Hoback Ranches subdivision has been put into "GO!" stage. Law enforcement and firefighters are in the area to direct traffic and assist in the evacuation. Hoback Ranches residents must evacuate immediately. Follow directions of officials on scene. An emergency shelter will be available shortly at the LDS Church in Pinedale.
Wildfire update – Sept. 17, 2018 (posted 9/17/18)
Roosevelt Fire estimated to be 5,000 acres, Marten Fire at 3,500 acres
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 17, 2018 – Especially dry conditions with recent warm temperatures and windy conditions have contributed to several fires burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teton Interagency fire fighters and a variety of resources are responding to the fires. Some forest closures are being implemented for public safety and the Sublette County Sheriff's Office has issued evacuation notices for the Upper Hoback area.
The Marten Fire was discovered Sunday, September 16, on the Greys River Ranger District south of Corral Creek, 13 miles east of Afton, Wyoming. Initial aerial reconnaissance estimates the fire to be approximately 3,500 acres (note updated acreage). Fire personnel evacuated campers from the area Sunday evening. Western Wyoming's Type 3 Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire early Tuesday morning. The Greys River Road #10138 is currently closed from North Three Forks to the Cazier/Corral Guard Station.
The Roosevelt Fire, burning on the Big Piney Ranger District south of Bondurant, Wyoming, and is currently estimated to be 5,000 acres. The fire is burning in heavy timber and steep rugged terrain. It is located in the Upper Hoback River drainage. A Type 2 Incident Management Team will begin management of the fire early Tuesday morning.
The Sublette County Sheriff's Office is implementing evacuations for private property in the Upper Hoback area. For more information contact the sheriff's office at 307-367-4378 option 6, or visit Sublette County Sheriff"s Office and Sublette County Emergency Management respective Facebook pages. Sublette County is working with the American Red Cross for possible assistance.
The forest has implemented an emergency area and trail closure due to the Roosevelt Fire. The closure includes all National Forest System lands within the area described as follows,"The northern boundary of Highway 189/191 beginning at Lime Creek, southeast to The Rim, following the Forest Boundary west then south to Tripod Hill, then west along FS Road 10359 to FS Road 10143, then southwest along Trail 049 to Lookout Mountain, then northwest to Deadman Lookout, then north to the end of Little Greys Forest Road 10047, then along the Wyoming Range Trail 048, then north along the Jackson/Big Piney District boundary to Clause Peak and Ramshom Peak, and back to Lime Creek." This closure may be expanded as necessary.
The Rimrock Fire was discovered Monday morning by a Teton Interagency Helicopter while enroute to the Martin Fire and is estimated at a half acre in size. This fire is located near Ramshorn Peak on the Big Piney Ranger District burning in grass and dead and down fuel. Helitack firefighters are suppressing the fire. Cause of the fire is suspected to be an abandoned warming fire. There are no closures associated with this fire.
The Spider Fire is located on the Pinedale Ranger District in the Bridger Wilderness. It is approximately two acres and was reported on Saturday, September 15. It is located near Bald Mountain Basin burning in a sparse patch of timber and grass. Fire is smoldering and creeping. There are no closures associated with this fire.
The Lead Creek Fire was reported Friday, September 14, four miles west of Sherman Guard Station on the Big Piney Ranger District. The fire is burning in grass, sage and some timber. The fire is 2/10 of an acre. Fire fighters took suppression actions and the fire is currently controlled.
Fire danger for the Bridger-Teton National Forest is very high. For more information, visit www.TetonFires.com.
Fire Danger has been raised to Very High
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Fire Danger increases to Very High (posted 9/17/18)
Exceptionally dry conditions exist
Bridger-Teton National Forest
WESTERN WYOMING - The fire danger rating has been elevated to Very High for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area.
The area has seen exceptionally dry conditions since the last appreciable rain in late August, and fuel conditions are at their driest of the season. In addition, several days of red flag warnings have elevated local fire conditions. A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service when relative humidity is expected to be at or below 15% and strong gusty winds are anticipated, and conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid spread. Red flag warnings have been issued for the Teton Interagency and surrounding areas each day since late last week. Under these conditions, local residents and visitors alike should practice heightened fire safety at all times.
When the fire danger is very high, fires can start easily from both human-caused and natural causes and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Small fires can quickly become large fires and be difficult to control. They often become longer-lasting fires, exhibiting extreme fire behavior and requiring more personnel and resources. 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 across the country.
Over the past several days, multiple fires have started on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. The two largest fires are the Roosevelt Fire on the Big Piney District and the Marten Creek Fire on the Greys River District, both located on the national forest. Additional fires are burning in Grand Teton National Park and the Blackrock and Pinedale Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For current information and media releases on any fires in the area, check the Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com.
At this time of the season, fire resources are stretched thin as employees finish their seasons and crews are released for the year. Many visitors and recreationists may drop their guard as nights get colder and fires season seems to wane. As hunting season picks up in the area, it is especially important to extinguish warming fires and campfires before leaving the area. Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving your site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
Jackson hunting guide killed by grizzly bears (posted 9/17/18)
Mark Uptain of Martin Outfitters killed in bear attack, client injured
Pinedale Online!
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department reports that a hunting guide was killed and his client injured by two grizzly bears in an attack on Friday, September 14th in the Terrace Mountain area of the Teton Wilderness near Jackson, Wyoming. Martin Outfitting guide Mark Uptain and his client Corey Chubon were out bow hunting and killed the elk on Thursday, September 13th. They were unable to find the carcass and came back the next day to retrieve it. They were attacked by the two grizzly bears while field dressing the elk. Chubon was able to escape and go for help. He suffered leg, chest and arm injuries and was flown to a Jackson hospital. Emergency responders searched the scene of the attack on Saturday morning and found the body of 37-year old Mark Uptain with injuries consistent with a bear mauling. An investigation found a discharged can of bear spray with the safety off near the body. It was later determined that the sow (female bear) had been sprayed with bear spray.
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Wyoming Game and Fish Department finalizing investigation after hunting guide killed by grizzly bears
Wyoming Game & Fish media release
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is working to finalize its investigation into a recent grizzly bear attack that killed a local hunting guide and injured his client. Yesterday, Game and Fish killed the two grizzly bears believed to be involved in the attack.
9/17/2018 9:27:21 AM
JACKSON - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is working to finalize its investigation into a recent grizzly bear attack that killed a local hunting guide and injured his client. Yesterday, Game and Fish killed the two grizzly bears believed to be involved in the attack.
"This is a tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families and friends," said Brad Hovinga, Jackson regional wildlife supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
On Friday evening, Sept. 14, Game and Fish personnel were notified by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office that a guide and his client were attacked by two bears while the men were field dressing an elk shot by the client the day before in the Terrace Mountain area.
The Game and Fish immediately responded to the area to provide assistance to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office in their search for the victims. The hunting client was flown to a local area hospital by helicopter where he received treatment for his injuries and the search began for the guide who was missing at the time of the initial response. Using information provided by the hunter, Game and Fish began to investigate the attack simultaneous to searching for the missing victim. This is standard operating procedure when wildlife attack humans.
The interagency search for the missing guide was suspended Friday evening and resumed early Saturday morning. The guide’s body was found that day, his fatal-injuries consistent with a bear attack.
An investigation found a discharged can of bear spray with the safety off near the body. It was later determined that the sow (female bear) had been sprayed with bear spray.
Later Saturday afternoon, foot snares were set at the site in an attempt to capture the offending bears. The use of foot snares allow Game and Fish personnel to live capture a bear in order to evaluate the individual bear and determine if the bear was involved in the attack prior to any management action.
On Sunday, a team of five Game and Fish personnel traveled to the site to check the foot snares. Upon reaching the site, it was determined a yearling grizzly bear was captured in the snare and an adult grizzly sow was in the vicinity. The sow charged the team in an aggressive manner and was shot by Game and Fish personnel. The yearling bear was chemically immobilized and determined to be involved in the attack of the victims. The yearling bear was then euthanized. All evidence collected leads Game and Fish investigators to believe these two bears were responsible for the fatal attack. Based on these findings, Game and Fish has discontinued all trapping operations in this area.
The bears have not been previously captured, relocated or handled by Game and Fish in either conflict mitigation or research efforts.
"The investigation revealed the two men approached the undisturbed elk carcass and there was no sign of bears in the immediate area of the carcass," said Hovinga. "It was after they started field dressing the elk that the attack happened."
"This type of bear behavior is not consistent with what we would normally see, especially from a family group. It is more typical for bears to behave in a defensive manner to protect a food source, cubs and their personal space in a surprise encounter," explained Hovinga.
Game and Fish wants to thank the Teton County Sheriff's Office and Teton County Search and Rescue for their professionalism during the response and coordination in this incident.
A complete and thorough investigation is still ongoing and will continue with a forensic analysis to provide additional scientific evidence.
Bears are a reality in Wyoming and anyone can encounter a bear. Game and Fish has an extensive online resource to help people learn how to safely hunt, fish and recreate in bear country. Learn more about being bear aware and reducing the risk of an encounter by visiting the Game and Fish website.
Related Links:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department finalizing investigation after hunting guide killed by grizzly bears Wyoming Game & Fish, September 17, 2018
Missing outfitter Mark Uptain found deceased Jackson Hole News & Guide September 15, 2018
Jackson Elk Hunting Guide And Client Attacked By Bears, Guide Found Deceased Buckrail.com, September 15, 2018
Several fires burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 9/16/18)
Two men sustained burns as winds quickly moved fire
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 16, 2018, 7:30PM – Several fires are burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Fire officials are considering the weather, available resources, predicted fire behavior and the fuel conditions for each of the wildfires to determine management actions.
The Martin Fire was discovered today, Sunday, September 16, on the Greys River Ranger District south of Corral Creek. The fire is estimated to be approximately 200-300 acres and is being driven by the wind. Fire personnel are evacuating campers from the area and a Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
The Spider Fire is located on the Pinedale Ranger District in the Bridger Wilderness area. It is approximately two acres and was reported on Saturday, September 15, near Bald Mountain Basin burning in timber and grass. Fire is smoldering and creeping.
The Roosevelt Fire is burning on the Big Piney Ranger District south of Bondurant, Wyoming and was reported Saturday, September 15. The fire is burning in heavy timber and steep rugged terrain. It is located three miles west of the Upper Hoback Trailhead near Roosevelt Meadows. The fire is estimated at approximately 500 acres, and the cause is unknown. The Upper Hoback River Trail #131 is closed. A Forest Service Emergency Area Closure is being implemented and backcountry hunters are being evacuated from the area. No evacuations are in effect for private property at this time, but residents are urged to be ready in the event evacuations become imminent. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
Two male recreationists that were in the area of the Roosevelt Fire had to retreat to water in a creek as the fire very quickly moved in their direction. The men were transported to medical services at St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, and are being transferred to a burn center in Salt Lake City. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
The Lead Creek Fire was reported Friday, September 14, four miles west of Sherman Guard Station on the Big Piney Ranger District. The fire is burning in grass, sage and some timber. The fire is 2/10 of an acre. Fire fighters took suppression actions and the fire is currently controlled.
For more information, visit www.TetonFires.com.
SCSO asks for voluntary evacuations due to wildfires (posted 9/16/18)
From Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, 6:00PM: Due to the multiple active forest fires, we are asking for voluntary evacuations of anyone located between the Cliff Creek area and the Middle Piney Lake area. We will keep posting updates as we receive them.
From Sublette County Emergency Management, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, 6:30PM:
The US Forest Service Bridger-Teton National Forest is massing a Type III team to fight these fires. Areas affected are the Upper Hoback and possibly Hoback Ranches with Bondurant with the Roosevelt Fire. And Upper South Cottonwood Creeks near Bald Mtn in the Wyoming Range for the Marten Creek Fire. Main concerns are for hunters in the areas of both fires. USFS BTNF ship 38 HX is actively searching for 2 Wyo G&F employee's in the Crow Creek Area of the Grey's River drainage in Lincoln County. We are sending the Sublette Ship 950FS to locate and rescue 18 persons from the Grizzley creek area west of the Roosevelt Fire.
Sublette EM and SCSO are Working closely with the USFS BTNF on evacuations and accounting for all recreationist's / hunters in both areas.
At this time there is not a mandatory evacuation but residents are being asked to be ready to evacuate with short notice.
Source: SCEM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sublette-County-Emergency-Management-579372758805868/
View of Roosevelt Fire from Rim Road & Skyline Drive inside Hoback Ranches on Sunday, Sept. 16. Photo courtesy Bill Winney.
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Roosevelt Fire updates (posted 9/16/18)
Pinedale Online!
Click here for pictures: Roosevelt Fire updates
Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:00PM Roosevelt Fire on Upper Hoback update: Roosevelt Fire located in the Upper Hoback is being handled by US Forest Service. Helitack flew over last night and this morning and are determining best course of action. Notice of second fire: A second fire, named the Lead Fire, has been spotted in the McDougal Gap area near the Greys River, southwest of Hoback Ranches. Hoback Ranches area residents are encouraged to be alert and pay attention.
Check this website for the most up to date information:
https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc/home/
specifically this link:
https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc/home/information/wildfires-incidents/2018/roosevelt
You can scroll down to see a map of all of the fires in the area and all updates.
The other website to check is Inciweb:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
but until the Roosevelt Fire is assigned a team, the fire will not show up on this website.
Sunday, Sept. 16, 1:50PM: Smoke is visible in the northern part of Sublette County from a new fire in the Upper Hoback area. The Roosevelt Fire was reported on Saturday afternoon burning approximately three miles west of the Upper Hoback trailhead near Roosevelt Meadows. Size as of the time of this report is about 80 acres. A closure is being implemented for FS trail #131, Upper Hoback River Trail, which will be closed from the end of FS road #30700, Upper Hoback River Road to where it merges with the North Horse Creek Trail #053. Hunters and backcountry campers are being urged to stay out of the area near the fire. Fire danger is rated High, no restrictions currently in place. Please be careful with fire while recreating in the backcountry. Never leave warming fires without completely extinguishing them.
Press release from Bridger-Teton National Forest: Roosevelt Fire burning in Upper Hoback Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018
Please be careful with campfires.
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Roosevelt Fire burning in Upper Hoback (posted 9/16/18)
Reported at approximately 80 acres
Reported at approximately 80 acres
Sept. 16, 2018 – Firefighters from the Bridger-Teton National Forest responded to the Roosevelt Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District. The fire is located approximately three miles west of the Upper Hoback trailhead near Roosevelt Meadows.
Hunters in the area reported the fire to Teton Interagency Dispatch on Saturday afternoon. The fire is approximately 80 acres, burning in heavy timber with group tree torching. Cause is unknown at this time.
Firefighters are monitoring the fire from the air and on the ground and assessing options for long-term management strategy. Fire personnel are contacting hunters in backcountry camps. The fire is in a remote area with steep rugged terrain.
A closure is being implemented for FS trail #131, Upper Hoback River Trail, which will be closed from the end of FS road #30700, Upper Hoback River Road to where it merges with the North Horse Creek Trail #053. Hunters and backcountry campers are being urged to stay out of the area near the fire.
Bridger-Teton National Forest was under Red Flag conditions for high winds and low relative humidity the day the fire was discovered. Warm, dry conditions are expected to continue through the week. There will be smoke visible in the area. Visitors and hunter to the area should remain alert and be prepared to modify their plans if fire behavior changes.
Wildfires burning under the right weather conditions and in appropriate locations can break-up forest fuels and create landscapes that are more resistant to large, high-severity fires. A combination of tools, including the use of restoration wildfire, can help managers reduce the risk of future mega-fires in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Naturally-ignited fires managed for restoration purposes can improve forest health and resilience and resistance to high-severity wildfires.
Fire danger on the Forest is High. Please be careful with fire while recreating in the backcountry. Never leave warming fires without completely extinguishing them.
For more information, visit www.tetonfires.com or contact the Big Piney Ranger District at (307) 276- 3375. To report a wildfire, call 911 or Teton Interagency Dispatch at 307-739-3630.
Beware ‘Publisher’s Clearing House Scam’ (posted 9/15/18)
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office
SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING - September 13, 2018 - The "Publisher’s Clearing House Scam" has returned to Sweetwater County, and Sheriff Mike Lowell and Sweetwater Scam Alert wants people to avoid becoming victims.
Recently, swindlers are calling county residents from a number based in Kingston, Jamaica, to inform them that they have won $155 million and a 2012 Mercedes through Publisher’s Clearing House.
The only catch is that before he or she can claim their prize, the "winner" needs first to send in $9,999.32 in bogus "taxes" via a Moneygram purchased at WalMart.
One person who called the Sheriff’s Office to report the scam said she told the caller she didn’t have the nearly $10,000 "tax fee," but could send $2,000. The caller quickly agreed, and said she was still eligible for the prize, but at a reduced figure. (Fortunately, she sent the scammers nothing.)
"Of course, if you fall for this scam and send the money, you never hear from these people again," said Lowell. "Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to swindles like this because they’re thrilled at the idea of obtaining a large sum for their extended families. That’s why we ask that people talk to friends and family members who are seniors to warn them."
Lowell said highly organized scam rings in Kingston are so active that the U.S. Department of State posts a warning on its Jamaica web page:
"The American Citizen Services section in Kingston receives frequent inquiries from citizens who have been defrauded for hundreds and even thousands of dollars by Advance Fee Fraud scammers in Jamaica. The most prevalent in Jamaica is the lottery scam, where scammers lead victims to believe they have won a drawing or lottery, but the cash or prizes will not be released without up-front payment of fees or taxes. Scammers frequently target the elderly or those with disposable income.
"If it is too good to be true, it is not true. Do NOT believe that you have won a lottery you never entered. It is illegal to play foreign lotteries from the United States. Do NOT believe any offers (lottery, prize claim, inheritance, etc.) that require a fee to be paid up front. Do NOT provide personal or financial information to individuals or businesses you don’t know or haven’t verified. Do NOT send any money to someone you do not know. Do NOT attempt to recover funds personally or travel to Jamaica to transfer money."
"If you get one of these calls, just hang up and report it to us," said Lowell. "Don’t waste your time talking to these people."
For more information on this and many other fraud schemes, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation website at http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud.
Wolf News Roundup 9/12/2018 (posted 9/11/18)
Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
Wyoming Hunt
The hunting season for wolves in the trophy game area of northwestern Wyoming opened Sept. 1. According to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, five wolves have been harvested as of September 10. The agency set a total quota of 58 wolves in the state’s 14 hunt areas for wolves.
There have also been 19 wolves killed in Wyoming’s predator zone so far in 2018.
Texas
The El Paso Sierra Club is leading an effort to return Mexican wolves to the Texas landscape. The group recently collected more than 10,000 letters of support for bringing the predator back to West Texas.
Canada
A member of the Bow Valley wolf pack in Banff National Park approached campers in a developed campground, prompting public safety warnings by wildlife officials. The Bow Valley pack has a history of problem wolf behavior, with Canada wildlife officials killing two members of the pack in 2016 after the animals became aggressive towards humans.
Washington’s Profanity Peak pack
Between Sept. 5-7, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife documented five confirmed wolf depredations on calves in the territory formerly occupied by the Profanity Peak pack. The depredations resulted in one dead and four injured calves.
Local WDFW staff are working to document the details of those depredations and identify additional non-lethal measures to deter further wolf depredations. WDFW Director Kelly Susewind said the situation is evolving quickly, and more details will be provided early next week on the depredations, the deterrent measures used in the area, and the department’s response.
The department estimates the new pack has three or four adults and two or three pups.
Related Links:
Wyoming hunts - Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Texas - El Paso Sierra Club
Canada - CBC Calgary
Profanity Peak - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Wolf Watch - by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
Archeology-focused Yellowstone Science magazine released (posted 9/9/18)
National Park Service – Yellowstone National Park
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING - A new issue of Yellowstone Science magazine invites readers to celebrate the achievements of recent archeological research in Yellowstone and traces the history of the park’s archeology program. The issue includes articles focusing on obsidian, the Nez Perce Trail, and the historical archeology of Yellowstone.
A new feature called "Debunking the Myth" counters common misperceptions about use of the area in the past. Central to the issue is the important work done by Dr. Douglas H. MacDonald. MacDonald’s surveys of the shores of Yellowstone Lake provide invaluable insights into how this huge body of water served as a hub of activity for thousands of years.
Dr. Staffan Peterson’s "Archeology and Adaptation to Climate Change in Yellowstone" discusses the challenges faced by modern archeologists in the face of change. "Ultimately, as much as archeology compels us to rethink how we define this landscape, it certainly makes the story of Yellowstone National Park deeper and richer, helping us understand that this place was important long before early European explorers came here," guest editor and Chief of Cultural Resources Tobin Roop writes in the introduction.
Historical article topics include the Howard Eaton "Yellowstone Tour," relief model maker Edwin E. Howell, and the 1889 adventures of botanist Aven Helson. A piece discussing Gibbon River fisheries restoration work, book reviews, and "Recovery of Soda butte Creek, Post-Reclamation" by Dr. Andrew Ray round out the issue.
Yellowstone Science shares information from scientists and researchers with the public to highlight in-depth, science-based knowledge about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The production of Yellowstone Science is made possible in part by a generous grant to Yellowstone Forever by Canon U.S.A.
The new issue, along with an index of past issues, is available online at www.nps.gov/yellowstonescience.
Residents asked to assess their home to avoid potential conflicts with moose and bears (posted 9/9/18)
Wyoming Game and Fish
JACKSON, WYOMING - Wyoming Game and Fish officials are asking residents to do their part to avoid conflicts with wildlife in residential areas this fall. The Jackson Game and Fish office typically starts receiving an increased number of calls this time of year from concerned citizens about wildlife in residential areas, especially moose and bears. This has prompted wildlife officials to offer advice on how to avoid problems with these animals.
"We typically get a number of moose calls this time of year because it’s the breeding season, the bulls are starting to travel a lot in pursuit of cows and they tend to start rubbing their antlers on whatever they can find," said Aly Courtemanch, Jackson Wildlife Biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. "Consequently, we get reports of bull moose with a variety of things wrapped around their antlers, including fencing, rope swings, wind chimes, Christmas lights, lawn furniture, hammocks and so on."
Wildlife officials are asking residents to be aware of this possibility and remove anything on their property that these animals may become entangled in. Also, it is recommended that people check their speed and be watchful for moose while driving, especially at night.
Similarly, Game and Fish officials are also asking residents to avoid potential conflicts with bears by keeping all bear attractants unavailable. "It has been a relatively quiet summer with regard to bear conflicts, but this is typically the time of year we start receiving an increasing number of reports of black bears being seen in developed areas around Jackson," said Jackson Large Carnivore Biologist Mike Boyce. "As natural foods begin to dry up, bears commonly start showing up in residential areas. While bears may just be passing through, it’s important they do not get any food rewards, such as improperly stored garbage, that would encourage them to stay."
Residents are reminded to not put their garbage out the night before pickup and to store garbage and bird feeders properly as per Teton County regulations. The Teton County Land Development Regulation, passed in 2009, applies specifically to identified bear conflict priority areas within the county, but all residents are encouraged to follow the regulations. Garbage is required to be stored in certified bear resistant containers or in a secure building or enclosure at all times. All bird feeders are to be hung with a catch pan at least 10 feet from the ground, deck railing or patio and 4 feet away from any tree, post or support structure.
Wyoming Game and Fish bear managers will follow-up on bear sightings and visit with property owners to ensure bear attractants are properly stored to prevent conflicts. Allowing bears to get a food reward conditions them to associate people with food, which may lead to dangerous or destructive behaviors. "By immediately reporting incidents, we can address the cause of the conflict and hopefully prevent future problems," says Boyce. "Public safety is always going to be our highest priority, and if informed right away, we have more options in dealing with a problem bear."
To report a potential wildlife conflict people may call the Jackson office of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at 800-423-4113 (in-state only) or 307-733-2321.
Fiber optic line installation approved for northern Teton County (posted 9/6/18)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
MORAN, WYOMING, September 6, 2018 – The Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest has decided to authorize a Fiber Optic Line that will be installed along the length of the Buffalo Valley Road resulting in high speed internet for the entire community in northern Teton County, Wyoming.
Public comment was taken throughout the winter of 2017 - 2018 the Forest received more than 30 emails and letters of support for the project. Installation is expected to begin later this month by Silver Star Communications.
In 2014 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that rural broadband speeds be increased to 10megabits per second (Mbs).Areas with broadband in the Buffalo Valley, located approximately 8-miles east of Moran, WY, do not exceed 4Mbs. Silver Star Communications applied for and received a United States Department of Agriculture Program 101 Community Connect Grant to take fiber optic service to residences and businesses of Buffalo Valley. The project will provide fast, reliable broadband services at 10Mbs so community and businesses can participate in current forms of communication, which is often times necessary for school, business, and emergency services.
Approximately 143 households, 44 businesses, a public school, emergency services, and WYOLINK would be directly or indirectly benefitted by the project.
The project would include placement of approximately 5.7miles of buried and 3.14 miles of aerial fiber optic cable by Silver Star Communications on National Forest System Lands.
The preferred placement would be to bury1 ¼ inch conduit for the fiber optic cable using special equipment called a cable plow. Burial would take place as close as possible to existing roadways without affecting asphalt surfaces. Aerial fiber would be placed on existing Lower Valley Energy Cooperative (LVE) utility poles at a minimum distance of 40"from existing power lines. Aerial fiber would be used to cross the Buffalo Fork of the Snake River and areas of aquatic resources and potential environmentally sensitive areas to provide the maximum amount of connection opportunities to the community with the least amount of ground disturbance. Up to fifteen buried 24"x36"enclosures/communication boxes, called hand holds, would also be installed along the utility corridor during this project."
For more information, visit the Forest Website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf/. For additional information, contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest at (307) 739-5500.
Beware IRS delinquent taxes phone scam (posted 9/7/18)
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office
SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING - Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell and Sweetwater Scam Alert issued a warning Friday (Sept. 7, 2018) about a resurgent scam circulating in Sweetwater County.
"It’s the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Scam; one that we’ve seen before," Lowell explained. "Our citizens receive recorded telephone messages from people claiming to be agents of the Internal Revenue Service, demanding payment of (allegedly) delinquent income taxes, with instructions to call back. If you do return the call, it's a signal to the swindlers that they now have a prospective victim on the hook, because the person was concerned enough to call back."
The swindler posing as an IRS agent insists on prompt payment through a credit or debit card or a wire transfer. If the person called refuses or begins asking questions, the caller often threatens a visit from law enforcement, arrest, arrest of a spouse, or a driver's license revocation.
Genuine communications from the IRS begin with a letter, not a phone call. Other tipoffs that such calls are a scam include the following:
• Knowledge of the intended victim's Social Security number or its last four digits.
• Recitation of the bogus IRS agent's badge number.
• During the call, the sound of other, similar conversations can be heard in the background.
• The caller becomes rude and hostile and hangs up.
• Follow-up calls from a different person claiming to be an IRS agent.
Lowell makes the following recommendations to those who receive such calls:
• If you actually owe on your federal income taxes or think you might owe, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a genuine official about your tax issues.
• If you know you don't owe any income taxes, call 1-800-366-4484 to report the caller to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
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