SECTION 1 / THE YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN

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1 SECTION 1 / THE YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN PHOTO: MATT LUDIN 8

2 WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN YELLOWSTONE. 9 PHOTO: JIM PEACO

3 THE YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN It is a sacred refuge, spanning 2.2 million acres of wilderness, wildlife, and natural wonders. It is a shared experience that unites generations and nations. It is the world s greatest natural laboratory; what we learn in Yellowstone influences the world. But Yellowstone is in transition. That is why the Yellowstone Park Foundation is mounting a five-year $40 million effort the YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN to safeguard a Yellowstone that lasts forever. Funds raised will address important projects in four different areas outlined in the following sections: The Wilderness Forever Fund The Science Fund for Tomorrow s Yellowstone Yellowstone Youth Visitor Experience Accessing America s Treasures The YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN is our chance to carry this treasured place forward for the next generation, and to create future stewards to support it. 10

4 IN WILDERNESS IS THE PRESERVATION OF THE WORLD. Henry David Thoreau 11 PHOTOS: MATT LUDIN

5 PRESERVING AND PROTECTING AN UNSPOILED YELLOWSTONE The wilderness experience is what makes Yellowstone one of the most exceptional stretches of land in the world. Currently, more than 95 percent of the Park remains relatively undeveloped, but this vast, untouched place will disappear as we know it, if we do not act. THE WILDERNESS FOREVER FUND will restore hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, and make sure that Rangers have the tools, stock, and backcountry cabins needed so that an unspoiled Yellowstone can remain true to its rare wilderness characteristics. The following pages outline some of the projects included in this fund. 12

6 YELLOWSTONE TRAILS RESTORATION PROJECTS Yellowstone National Park is a hiker s paradise, containing over 1,000 miles of beautiful trails to explore. Yet with increasing visitation to the Park s scenic and historic areas, in both the front and backcountry, Yellowstone s trails are in serious need of restoration. In 2006, YPF established a $2,000,000 Trails Fund Initiative to target high destination areas in the Old Faithful, Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Lake areas. This work needs continued support. Some projects include: The Mallard Lake Trail Restoration Project The Mallard Lake/Mallard Creek Trail loop is a high-use recreational trail in the Old Faithful area. In 2013, a 40-foot bridge crossing the Firehole River, adjacent to the Old Faithful Lodge, was removed and rebuilt. Three more aging log bridges on the road to Mallard Lake need to be replaced. The Buffalo Forks Trail Restoration Project To date, crews have addressed hazardous erosion and drainage problems. Next up: crews will address the final four-mile section of the Buffalo Forks Trail, and complete treatments for the Buffalo Plateau/Forks loop. 13 PHOTO: MATT LUDIN

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9 PHOTO: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PHOTO: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE YELLOWSTONE RANGER READINESS PROJECTS There is a saying that rangers are born not made. The commitment, toughness, and numerous skills they bring to their jobs each day is legendary. They need and deserve the right equipment to be successful. Some projects include: Stock Project Over 100 horses and mules support critical operations in Yellowstone s wilderness. Costs continue to soar for hay and winter pastures. Stock and tack also have to be replaced. This project will support these essential needs. Backcountry Patrol Because Yellowstone is a vast 2.2 million acres of land, wildlife poaching, illegal trail construction, snowmobile incursions, and other unlawful activities continue to compromise resources, values, and the wilderness character of the Park. This initiative will provide support for critical monitoring equipment such as remote cameras and ground sensors so that Yellowstone Rangers can successfully curb these activities. Ranger Readiness Yellowstone Rangers need the right tools to successfully conduct their year-round patrols, such as: binoculars, spotting scopes, tents, tools, avalanche beacons, water filters, and winter and foul weather clothing. This initiative provides them with the tools they need to do their difficult jobs. YELLOWSTONE RANGER RESEARCH PROJECTS Data collection is critical to understanding the impacts stemming from visitors who come into Yellowstone s wilderness for a day or overnight. Ranger Research Research is necessary for activities that will help the Park plan and manage the limits and restrictions needed to keep Yellowstone wild. 16

10 NOTHING GOES UNRECORDED. EVERY WORD OF LEAF AND SNOWFLAKE AND PARTICLE OF DEW... AS WELL AS EARTHQUAKE AND AVALANCHE, IS WRITTEN DOWN IN NATURE S BOOK. John Muir 17 PHOTO: MATT LUDIN

11 MANAGING YELLOWSTONE S VAST RESOURCES THROUGH CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE PROJECTS Yellowstone is a special refuge from a busy world, an unspoiled ecosystem like no other. But Yellowstone s dynamic landscape is now in a time of rapid transition. Invasive species are threatening native habitats; health challenges are emerging for one of the world s greatest assemblages of wildlife in their natural setting; shifting temperature and precipitation patterns are impacting the ecosystem; and the world s greatest laboratory is being affected by increased visitation. To understand these changes, we need to evaluate new management approaches, and support practical programs that are a part of THE SCIENCE FUND FOR TOMORROW S YELLOWSTONE. 18

12 PHOTO: TOM MURPHY WILDLIFE HEALTH BREAK-THROUGH PROJECTS Vital to solving wildlife health issues, these projects can provide a giant step forward in fostering understanding, and stemming the tide of these threats both to wildlife and human health. The Brucellosis Project Funding will provide research into monitoring brucellosis, a study that could help Park managers develop tools that may reduce this infection in bison and elk. This infection causes these species to abort, and can be transmitted to humans. The Hantavirus Project Hantavirus is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from rodents to humans. Understanding the dynamics of the disease will help Park managers identify and minimize areas of risk for Park visitors and residents. Funding will help implement monitoring and risk assessment models that can be used to improve management. Brown Bat Health Project Bats are essential to the health of Yellowstone s forests, because they are predators of several insect pests. Recently, bats have suffered a dramatic decline in many areas of the country. Funding will allow Yellowstone wildlife scientists to study the entire issue, and create solutions to protect this important environmental equalizer. PHOTO: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 19

13 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION IMPACT PROJECTS We need to understand how changing temperatures, precipitation patterns, and snowpack levels influence Yellowstone s complex, multi-dimensional ecosystem. Alpine Vegetation High elevation, alpine vegetation includes rare species of plants and lichens that are sensitive to a changing climate. These species may disappear in the future. It is important for scientists to inventory them, and understand the environmental conditions that affect their survival. Funding will be used to monitor high priority areas, install climate-monitoring equipment, and evaluate grazing. Wildlife Elk numbers have declined due to climate, hunting outside the Park, and a fully restored complement of predators, including grizzly bears and gray wolves. Bison have become a dominant grazer across Yellowstone, and scientists need to understand how changing temperatures and precipitation will affect the complex interplay between these grazers, the plants they eat, and their predators. Funding will be used to study these interactions, and evaluate management options. Park Management Planning As precipitation and temperature patterns change, managers must consider how these changes affect everything they do, from managing wildlife and fisheries, to the restoration of roads and historic structures. Funding will be used to implement strategic climate monitoring instruments, and implement scenario-planning exercises that will be used to make better informed decisions in the future. PHOTO: MATT LUDIN 20

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15 PHOTO: MATT LUDIN STOP THE INVASION PROJECTS It is a scientific fact that in order to maintain Yellowstone s ecosystem, we must discover ways to stop and control the aggressive intrusion of nonnative species. By providing funding for consistent monitoring and the use of technology, we can create viable strategies that will help us win the fight against these invaders. Help Native Plants Thrive Over 200 species of nonnative plants are established in Yellowstone, and dozens of these plants seriously threaten native plants and habitats. Funding will be used to test new, innovative tools to control these pests, monitor the efficacy of treatments, and evaluate the benefits for native plants. Stop Aquatic Invaders Invasive aquatic species are a threat to the Park s spectacular fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. Funding for this program will help managers implement early detection monitoring and a rapid response program to catch aquatic invaders before they become established. Projects will include inspections of boats and trailers, education programs for anglers, and monitoring of high-risk water bodies for new invaders. PRESERVING THE WORLD S GREATEST LABORATORY PROJECTS As more people visit Yellowstone from around the world, we need to understand the impact on Yellowstone s natural and cultural resources. Visitor Impact Yellowstone s visitation has increased dramatically over the last two decades. As more people enter the backcountry, and visit these spectacular areas, impacts can add up. Funding will be used to monitor conditions and levels of activity at frontcountry and backcountry locations. Strategies will be developed to avoid and minimize impacts so that these resources are protected for all to see and enjoy. Understanding the Visitor People come to Yellowstone from all over the world to enjoy and understand its unique beauty. This program will enhance Yellowstone s understanding of its visitors and their experiences, and show the Park how to more effectively connect with them in order to provide a transformative experience. 22

16 I FEEL I GAINED CONFIDENCE. I GREW CLOSER TO COMPLETE STRANGERS, AND MADE THEM MY FAMILY. Participant in the Yellowstone Conservation Corps Youth Program 23 PHOTO: MATT LUDIN

17 INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF STEWARDS Yellowstone has a mesmeric effect on visitors of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. But it has an especially profound effect on our youth. Providing these experiences is how we can inspire a new generation of stewards for tomorrow. When a plugged-in, big-city 12-year-old sees a geyser, passes a bison, or walks through miles and miles of wilderness with no civilization in sight, the connection can last a lifetime. One of the top priorities of the YELLOWSTONE FOREVER CAMPAIGN is to engage and involve more young people in the magic of Yellowstone. PHOTO: DAVID THOMPSON 24

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19 YOUTH CAMPUS PROJECT A Place to Call Their Own Who didn t want a room or a special sanctuary that was theirs alone when growing up? A place where big dreams, new discoveries and exciting adventures could be realized. That s why we want to expand and upgrade Yellowstone s Youth Campus. Currently, more than 7,500 young people come to Yellowstone every year and have these kinds of big dream experiences. But we want to double the number of young people who can have their unique relationship with Yellowstone, in their very own place. Plans for this initiative include adding more dorm rooms, creating new flexible, common spaces and learning areas to accommodate multiple programs, groups and activities at the same time. The expanded capacity of the campus will also allow us to welcome more young people into the Park for day and overnight trips. It also means creating a digitally equipped distance learning space, with an area that allows Park Rangers to bring Yellowstone directly into classrooms across the country. This technology will allow them to follow-up with classes after an in-person visit. YOUTH PROGRAMS If places like Yellowstone are to last beyond our generation, we simply must encourage connections between young people and nature. YPF is funding many youth programs to do just that. Please see Section 2, page 65 to find out how you can help. PHOTO: AUDREY HALL 26

20 THIS IS SUCH AN AMAZING NATIONAL PARK ONE OF THE BEST IN THE SYSTEM. Visitor 27 PHOTO: TOM MURPHY

21 PROVIDING A FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD S FIRST NATIONAL PARK Everyone deserves a chance to experience Yellowstone to escape daily life and share in something truly special. Walking along boardwalks overlooking a geyser basin, hiking through miles of wilderness, and gazing at the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone are just a few of the wonders that continue to captivate and amaze generations of visitors. As annual visitation numbers continue to rise, and after decades of wear and tear, Yellowstone needs help to provide visitors with the first-class Park experience they deserve. VISITOR EXPERIENCE ACCESSING AMERICA S TREASURES will help restore many of Yellowstone s most iconic spots. 28

22 HISTORIC LANDMARK PROJECTS The Roosevelt Arch and Gardiner Gateway Project Funding Needed: $2.7 million In 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone for the Roosevelt Arch, now a National Historic Landmark, he declared that Yellowstone was created, and is now administered, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. A testament to the enduring, democratic national park vision that is America s best idea, this grand entryway once welcomed visitors with a flourish. In the second half of the 20th century, the road leading to the Arch was re-routed to accommodate the transition from horses to cars, a move that ultimately caused numerous traffic jams, and provided no place to safely stop to admire the Arch s grandeur. The Roosevelt Arch and Gardiner Gateway Project will correct this 100-year-old problem, and link this essential piece of Yellowstone s past to its future. The new Arch Park will include viewing areas with exhibits that share the area s Arch history, and provide walkways and green spaces that extend the length of the entrance, set off by a stage to be used for Park and community events. PHOTO: MATT LUDIN 29

23 Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Overlooks and Trails North and South Rims Funding Needed: North Rim - $7.4 million; South Rim $1.7 million For nearly 75 years, the infrastructure in this area has remained strong, in spite of continual hammering from nature and humans. Funds will be dedicated to construct five historic overlooks and trails in the extraordinary Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. North Rim Projects: Brink of the Upper Falls Overlook Funding Needed: $2.3 million Restore the soundness of the historic overlook, repair the historic steps, and restore the bridge. Brink of the Lower Falls (Long Trail and Overlook) Funding Needed: $2.8 million Stabilize the entire area to return it to its historic integrity. Red Rock Overlook Funding Needed: $688,000 Engineer steps and walls to stabilize the knife-edge route to the overlook. Inspiration Point (Closed 2013) Funding Needed: $1.6 million Stabilize and restore this historic area. South Rim Projects: Uncle Tom s Overlook Funding Needed: $1.7 million New pedestrian walkways leading from the overlook of the Upper Falls will be paved and edged with boulders for easier access. PHOTO: MATT LUDIN 30

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25 MUSEUM PROJECTS All four facilities listed below and their visitor entrance areas need to be preserved, upgraded, and rehabilitated to their original historic splendor. In conjunction with the Park s imminent northern roads federal highway project, we have an excellent opportunity to do just that. Many area improvements are also planned, including: separating vehicle and pedestrian traffic; emphasizing exhibits with new directional signage; replacing worn out paths with paved walkways; and improving the Madison campground amphitheater with more ADA-accessible paths, better seating, new technology, and updated outdoor exhibits. Norris Geyser Basin Museum Funding Needed: $1 million This museum was built in 1929, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 2 million visitors come to the Norris area each year, resulting in deterioration of the facility and the sensitive geothermal resources in and around the basin. Funding would improve hiking trails and visitor safety, and protect resources. Madison Junction Museum Funding Needed: $2.3 million The Madison Junction Museum is one of a series of trailside museums designed by architect Herbert Maier in a style that has become known as National Park Service Rustic. Built in 1929, it is located on a small rise that overlooks the meadows and canyon of the Madison River. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Funding would provide a greatly enhanced visitor experience by adding a new interpretive panel and information kiosk that tells the Madison Junction Museum s story, and a trailside museum wayside, that identifies plant species and architectural details. HISTORIC KIOSK PROJECTS Funding Needed: $550,000 Historic interpretive kiosks and exhibits along the Golden Gate Road will be upgraded, including: the Moose Exhibit at Willow Park, Roaring Mountain, and Obsidian Cliff, where a new platform with exhibits will be added so visitors can enjoy a better view of this extraordinary feature. At Isa Lake, an area atop the Continental Divide, the exhibits will be restored. 32

26 WE PASS WITH RAPID TRANSITION FROM ONE REMARKABLE VISION TO ANOTHER, EACH UNIQUE OF ITS KIND AND SURPASSING ALL OTHERS IN THE KNOWN WORLD. THE INTELLIGENT AMERICAN WILL ONE DAY POINT ON THE MAP TO THIS REMARKABLE DISTRICT WITH THE CONSCIOUS PRIDE THAT IT HAS NOT ITS PARALLEL ON THE FACE OF THE GLOBE. Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, 1872 Yellowstone Trip 33 PHOTO: MATT LUDIN