Public invited to volunteer for National Public Lands Day project in Yellowstone

The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for a work project in the northeast portion of Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 22. As part of National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort on public lands, the park’s entrance fees will be waived on this day.

Over the years, Yellowstone National Park has coordinated a number of projects on National Public Lands Day. This year, volunteers will undertake a forest fuel reduction project. In addition to a moderately strenuous hike to and from the site, volunteers will gather and stack branches in piles for burning later when there is snow on the ground. Some logs may be diverted to other projects, and volunteers will move and stack those logs. Additionally, volunteers may remove vegetation near buildings and other infrastructure. This work is strenuous, involves lifting and moving logs, and may require the use of hand tools and power tools. Volunteers will work at high altitudes and in variable weather conditions.

Space is limited to 20 people. People are asked to register by Friday. Preferred contact is by email to YELL_Volunteer_Office@nps.gov. People may also call 307-344-2729 and leave a voicemail with their name and phone number.

Volunteers will provide their own food and drink. All volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and sturdy footwear. Weather is unpredictable and can be cold and blustery in late September. Bring clothing suitable for working outside in a range of conditions as weather frequently changes throughout the day.

National Public Lands Day is celebrated by five federal land management agencies. Volunteers who participate in a National Public Lands Day activity will receive a coupon good for a one-time free entrance to the participating federal National Public Lands Day area of their choice. To learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities on public lands throughout the region, visit the National Public Lands Day website at www.publiclandsday.org.

Public invited to volunteer for National Public Lands Day project in Yellowstone

The National Park Service is seeking volunteers for a work project in the northeast portion of Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 22. As part of National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort on public lands, the park’s entrance fees will be waived on this day.

Over the years, Yellowstone National Park has coordinated a number of projects on National Public Lands Day. This year, volunteers will undertake a forest fuel reduction project. In addition to a moderately strenuous hike to and from the site, volunteers will gather and stack branches in piles for burning later when there is snow on the ground. Some logs may be diverted to other projects, and volunteers will move and stack those logs. Additionally, volunteers may remove vegetation near buildings and other infrastructure. This work is strenuous, involves lifting and moving logs, and may require the use of hand tools and power tools. Volunteers will work at high altitudes and in variable weather conditions.

Space is limited to 20 people. People are asked to register by Friday. Preferred contact is by email to YELL_Volunteer_Office@nps.gov. People may also call 307-344-2729 and leave a voicemail with their name and phone number.

Volunteers will provide their own food and drink. All volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and sturdy footwear. Weather is unpredictable and can be cold and blustery in late September. Bring clothing suitable for working outside in a range of conditions as weather frequently changes throughout the day.

National Public Lands Day is celebrated by five federal land management agencies. Volunteers who participate in a National Public Lands Day activity will receive a coupon good for a one-time free entrance to the participating federal National Public Lands Day area of their choice. To learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities on public lands throughout the region, visit the National Public Lands Day website at www.publiclandsday.org.

Fall Photo Festival set for Sept. 12 in West Yellowstone

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana — Calling all photographers. Come share your spectacular Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem photos at the 16th annual Fall Photo Festival. The festival will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.

Register by Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. with Madison-West Interpretive Ranger Miriam Hornstein. She can be reached at 307-344-2803.

During the festival, photographers will present their digital images to attendees. Presentations will be limited to either 25 images or five minutes. Photographers will narrate their presentations to enhance the richness of their images. We encourage photographers to provide tips on their photography techniques. Framed prints are not hung on the wall as part of this event.

While there are no prizes at the festival, photographers will be rewarded with accolades by all who attend.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.

Fall Photo Festival set for Sept. 12 in West Yellowstone

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana — Calling all photographers. Come share your spectacular Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem photos at the 16th annual Fall Photo Festival. The festival will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.

Register by Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. with Madison-West Interpretive Ranger Miriam Hornstein. She can be reached at 307-344-2803.

During the festival, photographers will present their digital images to attendees. Presentations will be limited to either 25 images or five minutes. Photographers will narrate their presentations to enhance the richness of their images. We encourage photographers to provide tips on their photography techniques. Framed prints are not hung on the wall as part of this event.

While there are no prizes at the festival, photographers will be rewarded with accolades by all who attend.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service and the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.

Yellowstone increases reward for information about wolf killing

Yellowstone National Park is now offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for shooting a white wolf on the north side of the park near Gardiner, Montana.

National Park Service law enforcement believes the incident happened sometime between April 10 at 1 a.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.

“Due to a tremendous desire by groups and individuals to donate for this reward, the park has established a Yellowstone Resource Rewards Fund through our charitable partner, Yellowstone Forever,” said Superintendent Dan Wenk. “Up to $25,000 from this Fund will pay for the reward in this case if there is a conviction. Any money leftover will be held for future resource violation cases in the park.”

If you have information about this incident that could help with this investigation, please contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch at 888-653-0009. Your tips can be confidential. 

Authorities can also be reached by text at 202-379-4761, email at nps_isb@nps.gov and online at www.nps.gov/isb and clicking “Submit a Tip.”

You can also send a message through Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS.