The Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) is the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states

Advancing Environmental Stewardship within the

Greater Yellowstone Area through

Collaborative Partnerships

Yellowstone National Park The environmental flagship for the entire

greater Yellowstone area

The Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) is the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states

YNP and its partners are a model for remote, tourism-based communities, both nationally and internationally.

They have worked together to develop and implement innovative approaches that protect this unique area.

Ecosystem facts:Over 675,000 permanent residents14 million acres25 counties6 major cities10 federal facilities3 statesEconomically bound to tourism10 million visitors per year

The public lands were set aside 125 years ago.

Boundaries were based on geographic features, not intact ecosystems.

GYA’s environment and its natural resources must be managed in a more holistic approach, inclusive of a much larger land base.

The Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee was established in 1964.

Provides mutual cooperation and coordination in the management of the core public lands in the GYA.

The Sustainable Operations Subcommittee (SOS) was formed in 2005:- identify environmental risks- promote sound practices- integrate sustainable practices into many activities within the region.

GYA SOS Partners:Headwaters Cooperative Recycling, Inc,Clean Cities Yellowstone Business PartnershipCooperation for the Northern RockiesXantera and Delaware North - ConcessionairesEthanol Producers and ConsumersWY, ID and MT Dept. of Environmental QualityEPA Region 8 – P2 TeamNational Renewable Energy LabWest Yellowstone Compost FacilityYellowstone Park Association

Examples of Successful Sustainable Programs:- Cleaning and Janitorial Products- Air Pollution from Vehicles

and Energy Conservation- Solid Waste Composting- Recycling

The GYCC provides a framework to transfer successful and sustainable approaches across the ecosystem.

Partnering results in:- economic advantage of scale- coordinated environmental approach- sustainable practices.