PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Forest Service and Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance – Dec. 23, 2024

BEAR AWARE SIGNAGE POSTED AT ASHTON HILL AND RAYNOLDS PASS

Island Park – Dec. 23, 2024.  Signs went up on US-20 on Ashton Hill and ID-87 at Raynolds Pass last week, warning people that “Island Park Is Bear Country ~ Be Aware.” Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance Board Chair Jean Bjerke thanked District Ranger Bill Davis and the US Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee National Forest for providing the labor to post the signs.

The project will continue next year with signs on Targhee Pass, Yale-Kilgore Rd, and Hwy 47, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. An estimated 1.4 million people who live in or travel through Island Park each year will eventually see the signs, which carry an important message.

The signs were funded through a grant to promote bear awareness throughout the area and thereby reduce conflicts between people and bears. Other elements of the bear awareness project were carried out during the summer and included creation of a new website IslandParkBears.org;  distribution of bear aware education materials to 1,500 homeowners and rental owners; weekly media ads and stories in the Island Park News; a bear-themed Wildlife Festival; brochures distributed throughout the area; a comprehensive social media campaign, and more.

The project was led by a collaboration of three groups: Henrys Fork Wildlife Alliance, Involved Property Owners of Island Park, and Bear Aware Island Park. Volunteer time to carry out the project was valued at more than $26,000. Volunteers included Mayor Bruce Ard and Island Park News Editor Ann Anthony.

The project was initiated under a grant from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Financial support and in-kind contributions included grants from Greater Yellowstone Coalition, People and Carnivores, HFWA, Caldera Creative Group, and the Island Park Sawtelle Fun Run Committee. Idaho Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee National Forest participated as partners.