Yellowstone looks to implement reservation system upon reopening
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — National Park Service director Chuck Sams issued a statement concerning the unprecedented flooding in Yellowstone.
“Yellowstone is a region shaped by our planet’s mighty natural forces. This is what makes it so spectacular and unmatched anywhere in the world. This week’s flooding reminds us that we humans are just one small part of this ecosystem,” Sams said.
The NPS director went on to say he appreciates all the efforts to keep everyone in the park safe, especially Yellowstone superintendent Cam Sholly, who Sams said he is in regular contact with for updates.
“I am in frequent contact with Superintendent Sholly and Regional Director Mike Reynolds, and am providing regular briefings to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau, and their leadership teams. We are all working together to ensure Yellowstone has all requested resources to support their emergency response and flood recovery efforts,” Hams added. “The National Park Service is committed to working quickly to reopen as much of Yellowstone National Park as possible as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Town of Jackson responds
As a gateway town unaffected by flooding, Jackson has already experienced significant rerouted tourism as a result of the closing of the park.
Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson shared, “We are all shocked to see the washed-out bridges and eroded roads in Yellowstone, and we want our northern neighbors to know that Jackson is here, ready to provide help and support as it is needed. We are sending our best to our neighbors working to deal with these unprecedented floods.”
The Town of Jackson extends its thoughts and prayers to friends, neighbors, and visitors in the northern Greater Yellowstone community affected by extreme flooding, mudslides and rockfall. Jackson Hole’s Chamber of Commerce is working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to assess the impacts of this natural disaster. The town is in full support of the near-term focus on ensuring everyone is out of harm’s way.
Current news from Yellowstone includes that the southern loop will be closed through this weekend, opening Monday, June 20 at the earliest. The northern loop will remain closed through this summer and indefinitely beyond that.
Yellowstone officials are currently working to determine how many travelers can safely visit the southern loop once it reopens.
“It is our understanding that this will likely mean some type of temporary reservation system to prevent gridlock and reduce impacts on park infrastructure,” Morton Levinson said.
