When will Yellowstone reopen? 6 things to consider

摘要

Superintendent Cam Sholly faces no easy task in reopening the gates of Yellowstone National Park in the middle of a pandemic. But it is an assignment facing park superintendents across the country, with the Trump administration pushing hard to get the National Park Service's 419 sites up and running as soon as possible (Greenwire, April 27). There are many things Sholly must consider. Here are six of them: "The time frame is to be determined, but it's probably sooner than later," said Sholly, who took over as the Yellowstone superintendent in the fall of 2018 (E&E News PM, Oct. 19, 2018). He said park officials are working on a phased-in approach. "Phase 1" would include an opening of the roads, trails, clinics, gas stations and some food service. After a couple of weeks, the park would begin "Phase 2," which would include limited cabin accommodations, takeout food service, and allowing access to campgrounds and the backcountry. "We'll probably sit in that posture for a bit," Sholly said. "We've all agreed that we want a conservative, safe start with a plan that's flexible and has the ability to accelerate if conditions are favorable or contract if conditions are not favorable. What we don't want to do is open too wide too quickly, and then not be able to pull back."