The reopening of Montana's economy will move into "Phase 2" on Monday June 1, when out-of-state travelers may once again visit our state without having to self-quarantine for 14 days.  The announcement was a surprise to many, as Gov. Steve Bullock's original reopening plan didn't call for dropping the 14-day quarantine until the beginning of Phase 3.

     But the Governor's decision to open Yellowstone National Park's three Montana gates on June 1 -- along with the realization that out-of-state visitors are "already here" -- prompted Bullock to move-up plans to reopen the state's tourism industry.

Business restrictions relaxed in Phase 2

     In addition to allowing unrestricted interstate travel, a host of other changes will go into effect on June 1 that will affect the operation (and profitability) of most Whitefish businesses.  The list is long and exhaustive, but here are a few highlights:

The Devil's in the details ... so check 'em out!

     In an effort to help local businesses better understand the Phase 2 guidelines and what they must do to comply, the Flathead City-County Health Department has published a 48-page informational guide.  CLICK HERE to view the county's Phase 2 Reopening Plan, and get your business ready!  

     The Whitefish Chamber's Board of Directors voted yesterday to push for the reopening of Glacier National Park on June 1, when visitors from across the country will once again begin descending on northwest Montana.

     In taking the position, the Board noted that the state's "other" national park -- Yellowstone -- will be opening it's Montana gates on June 1, the same day that the interstate travel quarantine expires.  They also recognized that hundreds of small businesses from Whitefish to West Glacier depend on the traffic that the Park generates for their survival.

Early opening may be possible ... stay tuned!

      Despite earlier reports that park won't likely reopen until the end of June, Park Superintendent Jeff Mow told the Chamber Board Wednesday that it may be possible to open the Park in early June, but that attractions -- and services -- would be very limited.

     "Whenever we open, it's gonna look a lot different than it has in years past," Mow said.  "Initially it'll be hiker/biker oriented, with the (Going to the Sun) road open to Avalanche and not a lot of services in June.  We probably won't be able to run shuttles to support hiker/biker, and the fate of the regular summer shuttle bus service is still up in the air."

     Mow told the Chamber Board that he has been in discussions with the Governor's office, the Blackfeet Nation, park concessionaires and other affected parties, and that a formal Reopening Plan for Glacier National Park will be released within the next few days.           

     As we wrap-up "Phase 1" and get ready for the next leg of the long, strange trip we're all on, our members continue to rev-up, gear-up and get psyched-up for the summer ahead.

     Here's the latest from your fellow Chamber members ... if you've got news and updates that you want Whitefish to know about, send 'em our way and we'll get the word out!