Uncategorized
The economic ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park
Published
9 years agoon
By Katie Morrison
Explore Big Sky Staff Writer
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – The National Park Service released a report on Oct. 8, showing that Yellowstone National Park visitation numbers for 2014 have already surpassed the year-end total for 2013. More than 3.2 million people have visited the park since January, placing 2014 in top five visitation years since the park’s inception in 1872.
“As you look at long-term visitation numbers, there continues to be a slow, steady increase,” said YNP Chief of Public Affairs Al Nash.
Yellowstone’s complex ecosystem is a major draw: Bison, wolves, grizzlies, elk, eagles, trout, wolverines and caddis flies interact in an environment of geysers, mud pots, wildflowers, sagebrush, rivers and mountain lakes.
Of comparable diversity are Yellowstone’s visitors, traveling from around the U.S., as well as from countries around the globe every year. The human interaction between these visitors brings its own complexity, as they interface with one other and the natural world.
Yellowstone tourism has also a substantial economic impact on the surrounding communities. According to the NPS’ “2013 National Park Visitor Spending Effects Report,” the park brought $451 million to the region in 2013.
“Although it’s not why Yellowstone National Park was created, we recognize we are an important economic contributor to the region,” Nash said.
As is the case with any ecosystem, each organism in Yellowstone both gives to and receives from its environment. YNP not only brings revenue to the region, but also receives support from various sources, including area nonprofits like Yellowstone Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Association.
Nash says the park receives an estimated $33.8 million in federal funding for its base-operating budget, a number that has declined or remained static for several years. An additional $42 million come from other sources, which Nash says “[contribute] to operating Yellowstone.”
Rob Gilmore, Executive Director of the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District, sees an expanded scope of the visitation impact.
The social and economic implications of the growing visitation to Yellowstone and surrounding communities drive their own set of challenges, Gilmore says. While the rise in visitation is a financial boon to gateway towns, it also creates pressure on basic infrastructure needs such as healthcare facilities and employee housing.
“There are synergies between the [gateway] communities, so it makes sense that regional problems can have regional solutions,” Gilmore said.
These synergies have sparked collaborative efforts, crossing state lines with initiatives including YPF’s Gateway Businesses For The Park program, which brings area businesses together in support of the park. The program represents companies from many different aspects of the regional economy, from the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to small businesses like Big Sky’s East Slope Outdoors.
“We support Yellowstone because we believe its sustainability is vital to not only preserve the natural resource, but also the economic viability of the region,” said Jeff Burgard, president of AlphaGraphics printing, a For the Park member in Bozeman.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm