Source: Property and Environment Research Center
by Sara Sutherland, Tate Watkins, & Stephen Newbold
“Each year, more than four million people visit Yellowstone to see geysers, wildlife, and the otherworldly beauty of America’s first national park. This level of visitation, while a testament to Yellowstone’s enduring appeal, comes with significant costs. Restrooms overflow. Trails erode under heavy foot traffic. Roads buckle under constant vehicle use. Campgrounds, parking lots, and boardwalks fill to capacity. Wastewater systems are pushed beyond their limits. Rangers are stretched thin responding to medical calls, traffic incidents, and wildlife conflicts. And historic sites and fragile geothermal features face mounting pressure from overuse. Yet despite increased visitation over recent years, the additional interest and enthusiasm for Yellowstone has not translated into the financial resources needed to adequately operate and maintain the park.” (06/26/25)