While federal, state and local governments prepare to reopen the United States economy, officials with Glacier National Park say it is uncertain when park gates will open again, but a “gradual reopening” will occur in coordination with Flathead and Glacier Counties, the Blackfeet Nation and Montana state.

On Earth Day, President Trump announced the country’s national parks will be reopening soon, but provided no specific time-line. And in Gov. Steve Bullock’s recently-released plan for reopening the Montana economy, national parks are not mentioned specifically in any of the three reopening phases.

However, Executive Assistant to the Office of the Superintendent at the park, Teagan Tomlin, said Bullock’s plan lists “interstate tourism travel” in phase three under “outdoor recreation.” Bullock announced phase one will begin shortly, but did not provide a date for when phases two and three will start.

According to an email from Tomlin, “in our parks and at Glacier National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance. Decisions on a phased resumption of operations are being made on a park-by-park basis and regularly monitored.

She added the park is monitoring guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well, stating “the health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount.”

Regardless of the hazy reopening timeline, preparatory measures for the coming summer season are continuing along, uninterrupted. Plow crews are working their way to Logan Pass, road work on Many Glacier Road has commenced and lodges throughout the park are being cleaned and prepped for the summer season.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com