Yellowstone National Park and surrounding forests

Geographical Region Yellowstone National Park –3,400 sq miles (including national forests) –The land area spreads across Montana and Wyoming – Yellowstone was the first national park (created in 1872), 3,000,000 people visit each year, and it is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states

Problems Affecting Areas In Yellowstone –Over visitation –Snowmobile problems National Forest –Destruction due to logging –Loss of scenic views, habitat for animals, and future value Yellowstone Lake –Water pollution –Too many fishermen/hikers –Erosion/destruction of trails

Cause of Problems Too many tourists( Yellowstone National Park) Sewage leak (Yellowstone lake) Logging (National forest) Snow machines (Yellowstone & forests)

Proposed Policies Creation of no logging zones Waiting lists for use permits Increased emissions standards (autos and snow machines) Silencers on snow machines New transportation policy –Buses, tours Increased waste disposal standards

Outlook Future at current rate –overview pollution build up (air, water) increased erosion Future with proposed policies –overview new low erosion trails cleaner air more efficient