Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Black bears begging near the roads were a common sight before the 1970s.
1973
In response to the Endangered Species
Act, grizzly bears are declared
threatened and (in 1975) gray wolves
endangered (a more severe classifica-
tion).
Arab oil embargo raises gas prices and
encourages more economical car
design.
1976
Yellowstone is designated a U.S. Bio-
sphere Reserve in the country's bicen-
tennial year.
1978
World Heritage Site designation given
to Yellowstone.
1979
Congress purchases all park concession
buildings from General Host for $19.9
million. TWA Services (later TW
Recreational Services) takes over hotel
and food concessions.
Oil crisis occurs again due to OPEC
price increases and low U.S. imports.
1980
Mount St. Helens, WA, erupts on May
18th; the volume of volcanic debris ex-
pelled is only 1/1000th of that from the
Yellowstone Caldera.
1983
Borah Peak earthquake in Idaho affects
geysers, slowing Old Faithful's average
interval.
1988
Forest fires rage through Yellowstone
with a destructive severity seen only
once in centuries.
