What's new with Lewis and Clark?
The Bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition doesn't officially start for three more years, but that hasn't stopped throngs of Lewis and Clark buffs from flooding national parks and other sites along the historic trail in anticipation of the 200th anniversary. As the crowds continue to grow, some forest officials wonder if they'll be able to handle all the visitors.
"We're estimating that 2 million to 4 million people will be coming between 2003 and 2007," said Lyn Chamberlain with the Clearwater National Forest in Orifino, Idaho. "That's an awful lot of people, especially considering how small towns are here in Idaho and other parts along the trail."
Organizers say the bicentennial celebration will be nothing short of a five-year-long party that stretches from sea to shining sea. The government has already spent millions of dollars upgrading campsites, highways and mountain trails in hopes of managing the influx of visitors.
In Clearwater and other spots along the famed Lewis and Clark Trail, environmental concerns are causing officials to consider restrictions on how many people can visit the trails per day. They're worried that too many people at the same time could destroy the trail.
"The idea is to limit the trails to 10 groups per day, with each group having no more than 10 people, and not allowing groups to stay at particular campsites for more than five days in a row," Lyn said.
Lewis and Clark spent 96 days in Idaho. One of their most difficult routes included a 160-mile trek across the Bitterroot Mountains, now called Clearwater National Forest.
In addition to the flood of travelers seeking to relive the Lewis and Clark journey, the United States just released a $1 U.S. gold coin that features Sacagawea, the faithful Indian guide. Clark once call her the "pilot" on their journey, due to her extensive knowledge of the region through which they traveled.
And, of course, there will be scores of festivals and picnics, where Lewis and Clark enthusiasts will re-enact events that occurred during the journey.