Mount Rainier National Park Completes Third Helicopter Rescue and Sixth Search and Rescue in Three Weeks

"Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King remarked that 'it takes a large team of dedicated employees, partners, and volunteers to support the more than 50 Search and Rescues the park has each year. Having the right tools like a dedicated and high altitude-capable park SAR helicopter, and the assistance of the 214th [US Army Reserve] and our many volunteer rescue organizations, improves patient outcomes and rescuer safety.'"

Read the full press release here.

National Park Rangers Say "Take a Hike" and "Help a Trail" for National Trails Day

Release Date:  June 1, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Kevin Bacher, Volunteer Program Manager, 360-569-6567

 

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR SPECIAL CENTENNIAL TRAILS DAY EVENTS

The National Park Service invites park lovers to visit Mount Rainier National Park this Saturday, June 4 to celebrate National Trails Day and participate in stewardship events that also honor the National Park Service’s centennial.

Winter snow accumulations have started melting out along lower elevation trails, but snow continues to cover high elevation areas of the park. For information about the park’s trails and a summary of current conditions, visit our wilderness camping and hiking page at www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm.

If you venture into the park’s backcountry this summer, be prepared for more difficult than usual conditions. As a result of winter storms, trail crews are finding that an exceptional number of trail bridges and foot logs have been washed away. Additionally, winter storms blew down a large number of trees over trails park-wide, with many root ends blocking entire trail widths. Conditions will improve as trail crews restore trails and bridges, but the work will require a considerable amount of time because of the extent of the damage. Visitors are cautioned to use good judgement in determining whether their planned route is safe under existing conditions. Of note: Due to winter damage the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail footbridge is unsafe for passage.

People can assist the park by volunteering in two ways:

·         On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 3-5, the Washington Trails Association (WTA) will lead trail maintenance work parties out of the White River Campground. Work crews will meet at 8:30 a.m., and those who wish to participate should sign up in advance by visiting www.wta.org and selecting the “Volunteer” tab. WTA will continue to lead volunteer trail maintenance parties every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September. Sign up at wta.org. 

·         On Saturday June 4, volunteers will be doing restoration work in the Longmire Stewardship Campground. The work involves cleaning up and rehabilitating campsites damaged by a windstorm last November and is suitable for all ages. Participants should RSVP to Kevin Bacher at 360-569-6567 or Kevin_Bacher [at] nps.gov.

National Trails Day is a celebration of America’s extensive public trail system, and occurs annually on the first Saturday in June. National Trails Day is an opportunity to participate in trail-based events and activities that celebrate the importance of trails with friends, families, and communities.

To celebrate the centennial, the National Park Service is inviting all generations to discover or rediscover the special places that belong to all Americans. The National Park Service is challenging everyone to “Find Your Park” with creative events and activities throughout 2016. For more information visit: FindYourPark.com.

www.nps.gov 

Park information, announcements, and the Mount Rainier webcams are posted on the park’s official website, nps.gov/mora.

·         Get additional information and updates by joining the Mount Rainier community on Facebook: facebook.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Find out breaking news and road status updates through Mount Rainier’s Twitter feed:

twitter.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Explore the park and behind-the-scenes operations with our videos on YouTube:

youtube.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Share your own photos of Mount Rainier with other visitors in the Mount Rainier Flickr group:

flickr.com/groups/MountRainierNPS

About the National Park Service- More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

Spring Opening Updates

Mount Rainier National Park News Release

Release Date:  May 26, 2016

Contact:  Tracy Swartout, (360) 569-6502

Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King advises that the park is making good progress on its annual spring opening process, and is pleased to announce many popular roads will open tomorrow, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

Roads and facility updates:

Work will continue in 2016 on a multi-year road and utility construction project between Longmire and Paradise. This project involves rehabilitation of the driving surface for improved visitor safety and driving experience. Visitors should expect delays of up to 30 minutes Mondays through Fridays from Longmire to Paradise. No planned road work will occur on holidays/weekends, but unexpected situations may arise. Ricksecker Point Loop will be open to public access through Memorial Day weekend, after which it will close for the season to provide for road construction materials staging.

The following areas and facilities will open for the season on Friday, May 27:

·         Stevens Canyon Road

·         Longmire Wilderness Information Center

·         White River Wilderness Information Center

·         Box Canyon Picnic Area & Restrooms

Trail updates:

Snow has begun melting out along lower elevation trails, but still covers trails at higher elevations. As a result of winter storms, crews are finding that an exceptional number of trail bridges and footlogs have been washed away. Additionally, storms have blown down a high number of trees over trails park-wide, with many root ends blocking entire trail widths. In some cases, the trail tread has been extensively damaged and safe passage is difficult or impossible. In addition, many foot logs have washed out making river crossings challenging or impossible. Conditions will improve as crews work to restore trails and bridges, but it will require considerable time due to the extent of winter’s damage. Visitors are cautioned to use good judgement in determining whether their planned route is safe under existing conditions. Rocks, dirt and debris may move as you work your way around them. Always be prepared to turn back. Of note: Due to winter damage the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail footbridge is unsafe for passage. Repairs will be completed in the next few weeks.

Fee updates:

The phased increase of entrance fees in 2015 and 2016 was approved during 2015 based on public input and general support for the increases. Beginning Friday May 27, the park’s single entrance fee will rise from $20 to $25. This fee provides entry for all occupants in a single vehicle for seven consecutive days. Other park fees are noted in the table below. Walk-up, and motorcycle entrance fees will not change from 2015. Camping fees also remain unchanged ($20/night for single sites, and $60/night for group sites). Recreation fee revenue is an important component of Mount Rainier National Park funding; entrance fees support over $3 million in projects each year that have a direct benefit to the visitor experience. Planned projects include rehabilitation of infrastructure such as restrooms, trails, campsites, and accessibility. 

FEE TYPE	Description	Fee, effective May 27, 2016
Mount Rainier Single Entrance	Grants unlimited entry for one non-commercial vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days.	$25
Mount Rainier Annual Pass	Grants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in the same car.	$50
Walk-up/ bicycle	Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days for a walk-up visitor or a single bicycle.	$10
Motorcycle fee	Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days for one motorcycle and passenger.	$20

Park information, announcements, and the webcams are posted on nps.gov/mora.

·         Get additional information and updates by joining the Mount Rainier community on Facebook:facebook.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Find out breaking news and road status updates through Mount Rainier’s Twitter feed:twitter.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Explore the park and behind-the-scenes operations with our videos on YouTube: youtube.com/MountRainierNPS

·         Share your own photos of Mount Rainier with other visitors in the Mount Rainier Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/MountRainierNPS

About the National Park Service- More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

Mark Your Calendars - 2016 Fee Free Days Have Been Announced!

Volunteers will work on trails and native plant revegetation at Mount Rainier on National Public Lands Day, September 26; Entrance fees waived

September 21, 2015

For Immediate Release

Kevin Bacher, Volunteer Program Manager

360-569-6567, Kevin_Bacher [at] nps.gov

Mount Rainier National Park will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015 with several volunteer projects open to public participation. The work day caps a busy summer in which nearly 2,000 people have contributed to the protection of Mount Rainier’s natural and cultural treasures and helped serve its visitors.

National Public Lands Day is an annual celebration of public involvement in the stewardship of America’s national, state, and local parks and forests. More than 200,000 individuals are expected to participate in events all over the country. In recognition of this, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks for the day. Volunteers will receive an additional coupon for free admission on a day of their choice.

Members of the public are invited to join in the day’s work. The National Parks Conservation Association will help coordinate registration for the event beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the White River Campground in the northeastern corner of the park. After a brief welcome at 9:00, participants will divide into work groups. The Washington Trails Association and Park Service crew leaders will lead trail maintenance projects around Sunrise, while other crews will work on restoring subalpine meadows by planting species grown in the park’s greenhouse from seeds collected from the meadows of Sunrise. Trail work is suitable for ages 16 and up, while revegetation is good for all ages. Additional projects may be added as well.

Volunteers should come prepared for the possibility of cool, wet weather, with warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy footwear, and gloves. Knee pads are also recommended for planting. If the weather is nice, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are recommended. Volunteers should also bring water, snacks, and a lunch.

Free camping at the White River Campground is available both the day before and after National Public Lands Day for event participants. Contact Ian Harvey at Ian_Harvey@partner.nps.gov to reserve a campsite, and include the total number of people in your group as well as the number of tents you will be using.

Volunteers at Mount Rainier National Park maintain trails, patrol park roads and wilderness areas, assist and educate visitors, conduct research as citizen scientists, plant native plants, as well as dozens of other tasks. Last year, 1,693 volunteers contributed 57,336 hours of service, an effort valued at $1.5 million.

Information about Mount Rainier’s volunteer program, including a list of open positions, a calendar of activities, and pictures and videos of volunteers in action may be found on Mount Rainier National Park’s website at www.nps.gov/mora, or on its volunteer program blog at rainiervolunteers.blogspot.com.

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Mount Rainier National Park Receives 2014 America’s Best Idea Grant from the National Park Foundation to Support Student Conservation Association Youth Crews

For Immediate Release

Alanna Sobel, National Park Foundation, asobel@nationalparks.org, 202-354-6486
Kevin Bacher, Mount Rainier National Park, kevin_bacher@nps.gov, 360-569-6567
Jay Satz, Student Conservation Association, jsatz@thesca.org, 206-324-4649
Laurie Ward, Washington’s National Park Fund, laurie@wnpf.org, 206-623-2063 

 

Mount Rainier National Park is one of 39 national parks selected to receive a 2014 America’s Best Idea grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. Inspired by Ken Burns’ critically acclaimed documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” this program builds partnerships between national parks and community, state, and other public organizations, and engages diverse audiences in meaningful and relevant ways with national parks and inspires participants to become stewards of our National Park System.

2013's SCA Community Crews were also funded,
in part, by the National Park Foundation

 

“The America’s Best Idea program connects people – particularly youth – to America’s national parks, often for the first time,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Through meaningful and memorable in-park experiences that highlight the natural, cultural, and historical treasures in our National Park System, we are able to inspire the next generation of park-goers.”

“We want everyone to find themselves in a national park,” said Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. “These National Park Foundation grants will help people acquire a better understanding of their national parks and, hopefully, of themselves, through place-based learning and recreational activities. Native Americans who will visit traditional homelands, budding scientists who will study environmental impacts, and students from Gallaudet University who will examine aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act are among the many groups which will benefit from the grants.”

At Mount Rainier, National Park Foundation funding will support three teams of youth recruited by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) from communities in Seattle, and from Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM) through SCA’s “Base to Base Camp” program. Eight high school students and two crew leaders in each Community Crew will spend fifteen days working on trail maintenance projects throughout the national park, repairing trail tread and building bridges at sites like Klapatche Park and the Wonderland Trail. This is SCA’s 20th year fielding Community Crews at Mount Rainier, and the third for its Base to Base Camp program. Eleven students from JBLM joined thirteen from Seattle on last year’s crews. This year’s crews will be in the park from July 6th through August 31st.

“We are pleased to have Community Crews back at Mount Rainier this year,” said Superintendent Randy King. “These young people play an important part in the protection and care of our national parks, and they also represent the next generation of park stewards.” Many graduates of past Community Crews have gone on to serve as seasonal or career rangers with the National Park Service or other agencies.

"SCA is honored to be the farm team for the National Park Service and other national resource agencies," says Jay A. Satz, SCA's regional Vice President. "SCA's success in engaging an ever more diverse young constituency with our national parks and public lands is essential for the future of American citizens’ support of the national park ideal." Satz expressed appreciation to The Norcliffe Foundation for their financial support.

Mount Rainier’s Community Crews are also funded by a grant from the Eleanor and Raymond Wilson Charitable Trust throughWashington’s National Park Fund, which supports projects at Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. “Youth programs are one of our most important investments in the national parks,” said Laurie Ward, Executive Director of Washington’s National Park Fund.

The National Park Foundation wishes to thank The Ahmanson Foundation, Chapman Hanson Foundation, the Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation, and Subaru for their generous support of the America’s Best Idea program.

The 2014 America’s Best Idea grantees include:

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (KY, TN)

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site (KS)

Bryce Canyon National Park (UT)

Canyon de Chelly National Monument (AZ)

Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)

Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC)

Congaree National Park (SC)

Denali National Park & Preserve (AK)

Everglades National Park (FL)

Flagstaff Area National Monuments (AZ)

George Washington Carver National Monument (MO)

Glacier National Park (MT)

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (AZ, UT)

Grand Teton National Park (WY)

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (CO)

Independence National Historical Park (PA)

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (MO)

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (GA)

Katmai National Park and Preserve (AK)

Kobuk Valley National Park (AK)

Lincoln Home National Historic Site (IL)

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac (VA)

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MN)

Moores Creek National Battlefield (NC)

Mount Rainier National Park (WA)

National Capital Region (DC)

Olympic National Park (WA)

Point Reyes National Seashore (CA)

President’s Park (White House) (DC)

Prince William Forest Park (VA)

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park (CA)

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (WI, MN)

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (CA)

Virgin Islands National Park (VI)

Weir Farm National Historic Site (CT)

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (MO)

Yellowstone National Park (ID, MT, WY)

Yosemite National Park (CA)

Zion National Park (UT)

A listing of these parks and their America’s Best Idea project descriptions can be found on the National Park Foundation website.

For more information on the National Park Foundation and how you can support and protect America’s national parks, please visit www.nationalparks.org. For more information on the National Park Service, please visit www.nps.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at: www.nps.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.
  

ABOUT THE STUDENT CONSERVATION ASSOCIATIONThe Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a nationwide conservation force of college and high school volunteers who protect and restore America’s parks, forests, and other public lands. For more than 50 years, SCA’s active, hands-on approach to conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save our planet. For more information, visit www.thesca.org.

ABOUT WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL PARK FUND

Washington's National Park Fund raises private support to deepen the public's love for, understanding of, and experiences in Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Park. The Fund was founded in 1993 by a group of passionate parks people including Governor Dan Evans and Melinda Gates. Thanks to their vision, the Fund has been able to raise much needed funding for Washington’s national parks, including more than $2 million over the past six years. For more information, visitwww.wnpf.org.

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