Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1950
Jackson Hole National Monument becomes part of Grand Teton National Park; Mis-
sion 66 is launched to radically boost the park's tourist infrastructure.
1959
A huge 7.5-scale earthquake hits the Hebgen region, creating Earthquake Lake and
causing the eruptions of several Yellowstone geysers.
1968−77
Signing into law of the
Wild & Scenic Rivers Act
(1968),
National Trails System Act
(1968),
National Environmental Policy Act
(1969),
Endangered Species Act
(1973),
Clean Water Act
(1977) and
Clean Air Act
(1977).
1970
New bear management plan; last of the bear-feeding garbage dumps closed, emphasiz-
ing the shift from recreational use to environmental protection.
1972
50-millionth visitor to Yellowstone National Park in first century of the park - the next
50 million arrive by 1992; John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway is established,
linking the two parks.
1988
Much-publicized wildfires sweep through the Greater Yellowstone region, burning
one-third of the park; the entire park closed on August 20 for first time in history.
1995
14 Canadian gray wolves are reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park; Yellowstone
joins the list of World Heritage Sites in danger.
2011
Wolf delisted as an endangered species and control is given over to individual states,
allowing wolf hunts in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
