Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the
largest intact temperate ecosystem in the world.
We are only beginning to understand the intric-
ate workings of this community, how individual
species interact and how best to preserve this
amazing environment.
The following is only an introduction to some
of today's key issues. For a better understand-
ing, download the free Yellowstone Issues and
Resources handbook (
www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/resourceandissues
.htm).
VIRTUAL TOUR
Get a taste of Yellowstone, see spurting geysers and
spy wildlife up close by taking a virtual nature tour
at
www.nps.gov/yell/photos
multimedia/virtual
tour.htm.
Protecting Wildlife
Given Yellowstone's mandate to protect wildlife, it's not surprising that some of the fiercest
battles are fought over questions of how to manage it. One question is how to protect top-
level predators like gray wolves (see the boxed text,
Click here
) when they leave the park
and run into conflict with local ranchers. Contributing to the confusion is the fact that each
state has different laws on these issues. The slaughter of disease-carrying bison that wander
out of the park is another vexing topic (see the boxed text,
Click here
)
.
In Greater Yellowstone waterways, invasive species like whirling disease parasites, zebra
mussels and New Zealand mud snails are threatening native species. Currently, the state of
Wyoming requires boaters to purchase an invasive species decal as part of an education
campaign. In addition, visiting boats and fishing equipment must be scrubbed of mud and
plants that may carry exotics.
Migration Corridors
Protecting migration corridors allows elk and other migratory animals to move from their
summer to winter habitats. As populations and road infrastructure increases, they become
critical to ensure the survival of diverse species. The nonprofit initiative
Yellowstone to
Yukon
(
www.y2y.net
)
supports a dedicated migratory pathway through Grand Teton Na-
tional Park all the way to Canada. Native pronghorn have been using this corridor for 6000
years to undertake the second-longest animal migration in North America. By modifying
livestock fences and creating road crossings, conservationists can help this millennial pro-
cess to continue.
