YELLOWSTONE
BACKPACKING COURSES OFFERED FOR ALL INTERESTS AND LEVELS OF
EXPERIENCE
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The
Yellowstone Association Institute has announced its summer 2003
backpacking course schedule
featuring 14 new courses. Institute backpacking courses are for
physically fit adults who want to experience the Yellowstone wilderness,
learn how to backpack safely and responsibly in grizzly country
and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich natural and cultural
heritage of Yellowstone National Park.
"Exploring Yellowstone National Park's 2.2-million acre wilderness
can be magical, but getting the most out of a backcountry experience
requires some skills and knowledge," said Jim Williams, program
manager for the non-profit Institute. "Institute instructors
are Yellowstone and backpacking experts who help participants
hone their Leave No Trace backpacking skills, explore hidden corners
of the park and understand what they see along the way."
For visitors who are especially interested in or concerned about
grizzly bears, the Institute offers a series of 5-day Backpacking
in Grizzly Country courses. Adapting the principles of Leave No
Trace to grizzly country, the courses show participants how to
reduce the possibility of a bear encounter and respond effectively
on the rare occasion when they do encounter a bear. Participants
also learn the most up-to-date information on grizzly bear ecology,
behavior and conservation.
Backpacking in Grizzly Country kicks off June 17-21 in the Old
Faithful area followed by courses June 24-28 in the Grand Canyon
area, July 13-17 in the Old Faithful area, July 20-24 in the Grand
Canyon area, September 3-7 in the Heart Lake/Snake River area
and September 17-21 in the Bechler region. Tuition for Backpacking
in Grizzly Country is $330 and includes expert instruction, group
equipment, park entrance pass and backcountry permits. Participants
must bring their own personal equipment and food.
The Institute also offers a number of backpacking courses that
closely examine a single subject with the help of an accompanying
guest expert.
This
year, those courses include:
*
Black Canyon Wildlife Backpack (May 24-28) with wildlife biologist,
Nathan Varley, Ph.D. candidate, $350;
*
Hellroaring Wolf Backpack (June 7-11) with wolf expert, Norm Bishop,
$350; (CONTINUE...)
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