Calling All Pathway Users

Much to the delight of recreationists around the valley, the North Highway 89 pathway, which borders the National Elk Refuge, opens today.  The six mile-pathway that cost almost $5 million to construct has been taunting cyclists, runners and walkers ever since its seasonal closure October 1st of 2011. The closure of the pathway, intended to protect migratory elk, stirred controversy around the valley but since portions of the path are located in the National Elk Refuge, officials there had the final say.  To commemorate the re-opening of this long awaited path that extends from North Cache to Grand Teton National Park, Friends of Pathways is holding an informal community celebration inviting everyone to lace up their running shoes, inflate bike tires and hop on the pathway. Folks are to meet at 5:30 p.m., today, at the Visitor’s Center on Cache. Pathway users should note, however, that the new Grand Teton National Park pathway, which connects with the North Highway 89 path, will remain closed from the Gros Ventre River to Moose until early summer due to construction. - Robyn Vincent