Personal Actions to Preserve the GYE

Cluster Community Development

Cluster developments, also known as clustered housing or conservation developments, refer to a planning approach where buildings and infrastructure are grouped on a portion of a site, while the remaining land is preserved as open space, recreational areas, or natural habitats.

This concept contrasts significantly with standard housing developments, where homes and other buildings typically spread uniformly across the entire available land area, with little designated open space.

Cluster developments focus on minimizing the ecological footprint of new housing by preserving significant portions of undeveloped land. Around areas like Yellowstone, this can mean maintaining large contiguous areas of natural habitat that are crucial for wildlife corridors and ecological stability. An undisturbed habitat is critical to the availability of adequate resources for migration dependent species.

Traditional developments might not prioritize ecological or open space preservation, potentially leading to greater environmental degradation and habitat fragmentation, which are critical issues near natural reserves like Yellowstone.

Impact for Landowners

Landowners near areas with significant wildlife populations, like those surrounding Yellowstone National Park, play a crucial role in preserving migrating species and promoting wilding. Here are several practices and recommendations that landowners can implement and share with their peers to aid in these conservation efforts:

  • Avoid clearing existing vegetation, which may serve as a crucial habitat and food source for wildlife.

  • Consider placing conservation easements on your land, which legally restrict the extent of development and ensure the preservation of wildlife habitats over the long term.

  • Maintain the health of streams, ponds, and wetlands which are vital for wildlife.

  • Implement buffer zones where no development or agriculture occurs to protect these water sources.

  • Secure trash and other attractants to avoid drawing wildlife into human-populated areas, reducing the risk of conflict and habituation.

Guidelines for GYE Visitation

Summer Visitation

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the summer offers a desirable experience, as nature is fully blooming. Although this period attracts the most visitors due to families taking summer vacations, you can avoid the crowds by planning your trip for early June or September. Summer is a prime time for wildlife observation. Animals such as elk, bears, and wolves are more active, making it an ideal time for enthusiasts and photographers.

Visiting the GYE

Visiting Yellowstone National Park can be an enriching experience, but it's important to do so in a way that benefits the park's ongoing wilding efforts and minimizes impact on its wildlife. Here are some key considerations and practices.

  • Always view wildlife from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look without getting too close. The National Park Service recommends staying at least 25 yards away from most wildlife and 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

  • Smaller groups tend to have a lower impact on the environment and can be less disruptive to wildlife. They are also easier to manage and keep on established trails.

  • While summer is generally busy, visiting on weekdays, early mornings or late evenings can help distribute the human presence more evenly and reduce stress on wildlife and natural resources.

  • Minimizing vehicle use reduces traffic, noise pollution, and emissions, all of which benefit wildlife and the overall health of the park. It also eases parking congestion at popular sites.

Fall Visitation

Fall in Yellowstone typically spans from September through early November. The weather during this time can be quite variable, ranging from warm and sunny early in the season to snowy and cold as winter approaches. Many animals are more active as they prepare for the winter. It’s the rutting season for elk and deer, providing a unique opportunity to witness their mating behaviors. Bears are also more visible as they bulk up on food before hibernation. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Winter Visitation

Winter temperatures in Yellowstone are often below freezing, and heavy snowfall is common. The winter snowfall extends from late November through March. During this period, many of the park's facilities begin closing in early October and reopen in late April, depending on the weather conditions. Limited lodging options are available inside the park during winter. It’s essential to book well in advance as these accommodations can fill up quickly due to the limited availability.

Spring Visitation

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the spring can be tricky. This time, often called the "mud season," is when the park is still cold and snowy, and as things start to thaw, it turns trails, roads, meadows, and campgrounds into muddy, tough-to-navigate areas. Most of the park's facilities like hotels, restaurants, and visitor centers are closed, and many roads are blocked, limiting where you can go and what you can do. The muddy and slippery conditions make outdoor activities like driving, skiing, biking, and boating difficult. However, the upside to visiting in spring is that there are hardly any tourists, so you get to experience the natural beauty of Yellowstone without the crowds. It’s also a great time to see newborn animals in their habitat. But, keep in mind that some parts of the park might be hard to get to or see because of the conditions.