Wide valleys criss-crossed by rivers, water-ejecting geysers, dramatically towering peaks on the horizon: it is this untamed nature in the north-west of the USA that fascinated people so much back in the 19th century that this region in the state of Wyoming became one of the first national parks in the world was explained. Even its name arouses wanderlust in many people: Yellowstone. On March 1st, the park will be 150 years old and in full bloom – but also under threat.
In 1872 it was the then US President Ulysses S. Grant who had the protection of what is now almost 8000 square kilometers. The park “is hereby barred and dedicated from occupancy, occupation or sale under the laws of the United States and dedicated as a public park or amusement park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” the legal bill said.
Grizzly and black bears, wolves, bison and eagles live here
And this piece of land is truly special. Yellowstone is at the core of a larger ecosystem — one of the largest virtually intact in the world, according to the park. Subsurface magma makes for one of the most active and diverse geothermal vent landscapes in the world. Half of all active geysers on earth are in Yellowstone. There are also many wild animals: grizzly and black bears, wolves, bison, coyotes, eagles and mountain lions. There are also 25 historical and cultural sites.
To mark the 150th anniversary, park director Cam Sholly has announced a series of events and projects that will continue into the autumn – involving the local indigenous population. A tipi village is due to be erected on the site in August, where tribal members will speak directly to visitors about their cultures and heritage.
Millions upon millions of people have visited Yellowstone National Park since its inception – most of them would agree with well-known US environmental activist Wallace Stegner given its unbridled beauty. He once said that national parks are the best idea America has ever had: “Throughly American, thoroughly Democratic, they show our best, not our worst.”
Climate change threatens Yellowstone
Yellowstone is also trying to square the circle in an American way: leaving nature untouched, but at the same time making it accessible to everyone. That means: young and old, sporty and overweight – and ideally also passable with the huge US pick-ups. In this respect, Yellowstone is also a compromise. But a – in the eyes of many – a successful one.
“In 2022, I am pleased to report that the overall ecosystem in Yellowstone is now healthier than it was since before Yellowstone became a park,” said Park Director Sholly he recently in a presentation on his 150th birthday.
But one of the biggest threats to the planet is also the biggest to the park. “Clearly, climate change is probably the single greatest threat to Yellowstone and our ability to protect species and help them adapt,” said Sholly. The fight against the climate catastrophe – in Wyoming it is also becoming a fight for one of the oldest national parks in the world.