Yellowstone National Park is the first National Park, and has is a park with one of the highest traffic per year. As these statistics, are released, I turn to the park and wonder, “How do they meet the goals set by the NPS mission statement?” If you do not know National Park Service Mission Statement, it states the following.
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
As I previously stated, this article will be focusing on Yellowstone National Park. If you have read the other posts on this website, written about National Parks, this will be formatted the same.
To summarize the mission statement, I shall cite a very well composed article by a handsome young man (me). “Basically, they are committing to the conservation of the land, as it is naturally, without impairing it, in order to keep the area in the same or better condition for future generations. This is for education, enjoyment, and inspiration.”
CONSERVATION
It is a well known fact that Yellowstone was the first National Park. It is also known that the NPS was founded on the ideas of conservation. Yellowstone has served as a base camp for the protection of many endangered species, including bison, and wolves that were once native to the area. Yellowstone is a strong advocate for volunteer work for a clean park. They have a number a programs and projects to utilize volunteers. Yellowstone also has started creating alternatives to placing waste into landfills. They reuse up to 80% of there waste, though recycling and compost. They are partnered with another organization with a mission of conserving the park. They are called the Yellowstone Park Association, and you can check them out here.
UNIMPAIRED NATURE
Yellowstone was originally awarded national park status because of it’s diverse natural formations. These are still open for the public, so they may be appreciated. Naturally, with dangerous animals in the park, safety is a serious concern, and visitors are informed on how to stay safe in bear country. Safe platforms are also set up to view the hot springs and geysers without putting yourself in danger.
EDUCATION
Yellowstone National Park focuses a great deal of attention on educating people on ways they can contribute to conservation efforts. They use resource at their disposal to inform people about the benefits of recycling and reusing waste for good. The park also has a rich history, and puts focus on the formation of the National Park Service.
ENJOYMENT
Yellowstone is a park that has many opportunities for activities for people of all interests. If you like camping, they offer camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are plenty of locations for excellent fishing, and boating for the water savvy visitors. There is a variety of wildlife in the area, and many safe places to observe them. In the winter, you can also hike the trails, and ski if you wish.
INSPIRATION
The National Park Service made a point to include inspiration within their mission statement, however, I don’t think this can be insured. Parks should provide as many mediums as possible for people to be inspired. Yellowstone is ideal for such purposes. The park is complete with beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and engaging activities. If a person refuses to become inspired from this magnificent park, that is on them. Yellowstone does a remarkable job ensuring the inspiration of all who visit.
In conclusion, Yellowstone is a fantastic park, with a focus on conservation, education, and entertainment. They care deeply for the environment, and express this through their Eco-friendly programs. They educate visitors on ways they can contribute to a healthier environment, and entertain with a variety of activities. Yellowstone sets an example as the first National Park, by preserving the mission statement in their actions.
Image Sources
By Brocken Inaglory – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4319476
By Niagara66 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
