Yellowstone National Park’s 2023 State of the Park report released on March 1
By Julia Barton DIGITAL PRODUCER
On March 1, 2022, Yellowstone National Park celebrated its 150th anniversary, mere months before historic flooding decimated park infrastructure and resulted in total and partial closures for much of the summer season.
Despite the impacts of flooding, the park hosted 3.29 million recreational visits in 2022, according to a Feb. 28 press release, down 32% from 2021, the park’s busiest year on record.
Public access to the park was closed on June 13 until June 22 when the East, South and West entrances reopened with limited capacity. Entry restrictions remained in effect at those entrances until July 2. Yellowstone’s North and Northeast entrances remained closed to regular vehicle traffic until October.
Today, on March 1, the park notches its 151st birthday and released its 2023 State of the Park report that recaps strategic priority updates and highlights the park’s developmental progress, including recovery efforts following flood damages.
“More than ever, we recognize the outstanding value of the team here in Yellowstone, the support we’ve received from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and other partners who have helped us achieve success in so many areas,” Superintendent Cam Sholly said in the release.
The report also covers the park’s progress in improving workforce conditions, ecological protections, visitor experience, infrastructure and in building partnerships.
The table below shows year-to-date visitation numbers recorded by Yellowstone National Park since 2017.
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!
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.
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be
Event Details
Join Big Sky OUT at the Len Hill Park Community Ice Rink for a free and inclusive ice skating event for all levels. Everyone is welcome, especially allies! There will be hot cocoa donated by the Hungry Moose and pizza donated by Blue Moon Bakery. Ice skate rentals are available at East Slope Outdoors until 8pm.