Periodic Concession Evaluation Report (Stock Outfitter Operations)
Yellowstone National Park
July 31, 2007
Concessionaire: Gunsel Horse Adventures
Guide: Bob Lantis
OR038 and 080
This evaluation combines elements from two separate trips conducted by Outfitter/Guide Bob Lantis. The first trip, OR 080, was into campsite 3M3 on 7/10-12 and the second, OR 038, to 3U1 on 7/27-29. I was able to inspect 3M3 subsequent to Lantis' use of the site and prior to any other stock party's in the site. I conducted an "in camp " inspection of 3U1 on 7/29.
1, Backcountry Use Permit: Bob Presented his backcountry use permit for me to inspect. He reduced his total number of stock from his original reservation and updated the backcountry office with this information so it would be reflected in the overall Stock Use Nights for the season.
2, Employee Requirements: Bob was accompanied by Levi Olivier (his Grandson) on both of these trips along with other qualified (but not certified) helpers. Though Levi is not old enough to be a certified guide, he is an obvious help on these trips and is competent beyond his years. Bob commented that Levi was charged (with his personal oversight) with organizing and packing for the trip into 3U1. Levi obviously excelled in his assigned task and I look forward to his coming of age to be a Certified Guide and, perhaps, the primary Outfitter for Gunsel Horse Adventures.
3, First Aid Kit and Certification: Bob had his 1 st Aid kit immediately available in the cook tent and contents were appropriate and in order. Bob also presented a current 1 st Aid card for inspection.
4, Incident Reporting: Bob consistently goes out of his way to report incidents to the NPS within a timely manner. He carries a satellite phone for emergency purposes and requested a direct number for the Yellowstone Dispatch Center. I also received an email from Levi following their trip into 3M1 reporting bear sightings and other observations and experiences from their trip.
6, Care of Tack and Stock: Bob's tack and stock appear to be well cared for and kept in good condition.
7, Travel: Bob consistently adheres to this element of the Operating Plan. In addition, Bob has continued to go out of his way to help clear the downfall from the Lamar area trails. Once again, his efforts with this never ending task are greatly appreciated by the Lamar Backcountry Staff and other users.
8, Amount of Stock: The quantity of stock Bob used on both of these trips is reasonable for the type of trip and the party size. Bob continues to look for ways to balance minimize the number of pack animals needed by reducing the weight of his camp while providing services and comforts to his clients.
9 10, Feeding and Grazing and Stock Retention: Bob packs some feed (processed) and continues to utilize an electric fence for stock retention. He has a unique technique where he uses the fence to keep his stock out of the camp core. He also sets up sections of fence to keep his stock from leaving the camp area on escape routes. Essentially, these horses are grazing freely in a very large area with limited sections of electric "drift fence" and there is little to no impact. On OR 038, I also observed that Bob incorporated a smaller fenced in area to temporarily hold his stock for saddling and packing in addition to tying some of his saddled stock "head-to-tail". Bob continues to apply a variety of stock retention techniques to various situations in order to minimize impacts to the sites.
11, Spreading Manure: from my inspection of 3M3, it appears Bob and his helpers put forth a reasonable effort to scatter manure. Bob's horses are essentially free to graze a very large area and it would be nearly impossible to scatter all of the manure. However, I did not find any manure that was not scattered during my inspection of the site.
13, Camp Organization: tents were greater than 100 yards away from the food storage/preparation area and the camp appeared to be well organized.
15, Toilet Facilities: the group was provided with a latrine (a P.E.T tent for privacy covered the seat and hole) located away from the camp core and water.
16, Food Storage: Bob utilizes a chain hoist to hang the bulk of his food and scented items. He was in the camp during my inspection so the food was not required to be hung at the time.
17, Cleanup: Bob left the campsite and fire ring in good clean condition at the end of his trip (OR 080). I talked to subsequent users of campsite 3M3 who commented on the excellent condition of the fire ring and camp core area. Of course, I gave Bob credit for this work but the NPS and the Outfitter program both received positive feedback from this effort.
Once again, I enjoyed my visits with Bob and Levi. Their clients appeared to be pleased and satisfied with the services provided and I appreciated the hospitality and invitation to talk with the group.
Michael Ross
Lamar Backcountry Supervisor, Yellowstone Park
1 NE Entrance, YNP, WY 82190
307-344-2602
406-581-0744 (Lamar Backcountry Cell phone)
307-344-2618 (Voice Mail)
July 31, 2007
