Post by hikerjer on Jan 24, 2017 19:50:46 GMT -8
By David Quammen. Quammen, a noted environmentalist author gives his take on the current state of Yellowstone Park in his latest book which was commissioned and published by National Geographic. In it, he attempts to outline the many challenges and problems the park faces along with some possible solutions. Through flyovers, hiking and by horseback, he explores the various reaches of the park and comments on it's current status. Much of the book is focused on wildlife, particularly the grizzly bear who's survival he considers one of the most important functions of the park's existence. He does an excellent job of explaining the intertwining of the aspects of the park in relation to the bear's survival and stresses the importance of maintaining the greater Yellowstone ecosystem intact if wildlife is to survive. For instance, a point he stresses is how important it is to keep the large ranches bordering the park intact and free from subdivision and development in order to preserve the wildlife migration routes for elk and other large ungulates which of course, relates to so much of the other wildlife in the park from wolves to cutthroat trout to bighorn sheep. Overall he's is fairly optimistic, more so than me, about the park's future in spite of the challenges it faces stating that it's probably in better shape than it has been since the 1920s. He does caution, though, that some changes may have to be implemented to ensure it's protection. Among these are strict restrictions on development in the areas adjacent to the park, a major political challenge, and limited visitation along with curtailing of private transportation within the park.
All in all a very interesting read with wonderful accompanying photography. Well worth the time for anyone interested in the crown jewel of our national parks.
All in all a very interesting read with wonderful accompanying photography. Well worth the time for anyone interested in the crown jewel of our national parks.