Governor says mid-June opening in works for Glacier Park

Glacier National Park is expected to begin a phased reopening the second week of June, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said Thursday afternoon.

In conversations with Glacier Superintendent Jeff Mow, Bullock said, a specific date has not yet been set but the opening will begin with the West Glacier and Camas entrance stations.

Bullock also announced efforts to protect destination communities and small businesses as the state heads into phase two of reopening the state related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we enter the next phase of Montana’s reopening, we are asking the same of our visitors as we do from Montanans — heed state and local guidelines, engage in public health precautions, and exercise patience as tourism communities gradually welcome visitors back,” Bullock said. “We must all continue to work together to ensure that we can move forward together, while protecting our residents and businesses alike.”

Glacier has been closed to visitors since March 27 due to the pandemic.

The park this week released a phased reopening plan where phase one would allow vehicle access with no services other than restrooms. The second phase would see some visitor services and facilities opening.

In the second phases, some park campgrounds would open and lodges would open gradually. However, meals at restaurants would be carryout.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road to Avalanche is also expected to open the second week of June, according to Bullock, and for biker and hiker access on the Sun Road.

Bullock said the Sun Road is being plowed currently and a full opening of the road is expected in late June. Previously the park said the Sun Road wouldn’t open to motor vehicles this year before June 22 because of work on the road.

Bullock has requested that the Montana entrances to Yellowstone National Park be opened on June 1.

Bullock also announced efforts to implement community testing for the virus and contract tracing in high visitation communities like Flathead County. Businesses are also being encouraged to implement safety measures for employees and customers.

Additional financial assistance through two new state programs will also be available to travel destination communities and other small businesses.

The Montana Business Adaptation Program is set to provide reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses related to keeping staff and businesses safe, including for the purchase of personal protective equipment or for resources needed for staff to work remotely. Total funding available is $20 million and the maximum reimbursement amount per business is $5,000.

The Tourism Education Program is making $15 million in CARES Act funding available for a statewide informational campaign to educate visitors prior to and after arriving in Montana.

For more information on state programs, visit COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.

Full details of the Glacier Park plan are available, at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/openingplan.htm