Glacier Park News Release

Glacier National Park News Release

August 28, 2003, as of 4 p.m.
For Immediate Release
Amy Vanderbilt 406 888- 7906
Tony Clark 406 888- 7895
NEWSo3- 94

Backcountry Trails and Backcountry Campgrounds in Two Medicine Closed as a Precaution

Two Medicine Auto Campground and Boat Tours Remain Open

WEST GLACIER, MONT. - As a precaution, all backcountry trails and the backcountry campgrounds at Upper Two Medicine and Two Medicine Lakes have been closed because of potential fire danger. The Two Medicine Auto Campground and boat tours on Two Medicine Lake remain open. In addition, the Scenic Point Trail and the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail are open, but hikers and campers are advised to monitor weather and fire conditions and be prepared to leave the area should conditions warrant.
For the latest trail status, go to http://www.nps.gov/glac/activities/trails.htm. For information on campgrounds, go to http://www.nps.gov/glac/whatsnew/bcres/bcbul.htm.

Glacier National Park officials and Rampage Complex Incident Commanders are closely monitoring the Double Mountain fire. It was one of several fires started by lightning on August 19th. In the past two days, the fire has grown by 7,000 acres and spread 9 miles eastward toward the Continental Divide.
Other areas on the east side of Glacier National Park remain open for hiking and camping, including Cut Bank, St. Mary, Many Glacier Belly River and Goat Haunt. In addition, the entire 5o mile long Going- to- the- Sun Road is open, with a "No Stopping" zone from Avalanche to Bird Woman Falls Overlook (3.5 miles east of the Loop).

Because of ongoing extremely dry conditions, no open flames are allowed in Glacier National Park until further notice. Due to Stage II fire restrictions, smoking is prohibited (including pipes) except inside vehicles and buildings where permitted. Current information on the fires burning with the park is available at the Interagency Joint Information Center at (406) 755- 3910. Fire information is also available at www.fs.fed.us/nwacfire/. Smoke conditions from area wildfire change depending on local weather conditions. Current visibility in the park can be checked by viewing Glacier's web cams at www.nps.gov/glac/whatsnew.htm. Updates on air quality are also available at www.flatheadhealth.org/commonhealth/firealerts.htm.

- NPS -