Yellowstone Ecotourism Travel, Green Vacations & Eco Tourism

A trip to Yellowstone National Park is ecotourism at its best - travel undertaken to witness sites or regions of unique natural or ecologic quality, without harming that ecology.

The fact that there is no other place on earth like Yellowstone makes ecotourism a priority for all who enjoy nature’s beauty.

The National Park Service has always kept preservation for the land known for its natural wonders a top priority since the Organic Act of 1916. Protecting and enhancing the wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is not just up to the park officials; it is something that all visitors to the area need to consider. Every visitor to the Greater Yellowstone area should take into consideration the sustainable travel practices offered by the lodging properties, tour companies and local organizations.

Ecotourism Guidelines:
When traveling in Yellowstone, you can help preserve the many natural wonders and wildlife by following a few guidelines:

• Stay on trails. Don't wander into the brush or onto the prairie; the trails are there for a reason. Leaving the pathway, you might unknowingly disturb wildlife habitat, or endangered or threatened plant communities. Besides, if you stay on the trail, you won't get lost!
• Reduce, reuse and recycle. The same idea that works at home, work and school works when you're in natural areas. Think of ways you can cut down on waste. For example, instead of taking all those plastic forks and paper plates when you go camping or picnicking, use items that you can wash and reuse. And don’t use more of anything than you need, especially water.
• Put waste where it belongs: in a trash can. Because you followed the tip above, you don't have much waste left, but what you do have should go in a trashcan. Wherever there's a recyclables can, use it. Don't leave food out for animals to eat.
• Learn about the flora and fauna of Yellowstone National Park. Your knowledge will lead to a greater appreciation and respect for the Park.
• Leave plants, animals, rocks, logs, etc. alone. That flower may be the most unusual you've ever seen, and that little critter may look cute, but they're not there for you to pick or to pet. You're in their home. Wild animals are wild, and they need their space. Give animals plenty of room when viewing them. As for the plants, the animals and insects need them. That log or rock you come across may be some critter’s home!
• Whenever you can, walk, skate or bike and leave your vehicle turned off. Park your car, save some gas and spare everyone the emissions. Enjoy the beauty of the Park up close.
• Follow directions given by signs and rangers. Both kinds of directions are for your protection and for the protection of the Park.
• Try to visit Yellowstone during the off-season if possible. You'll not only avoid the crowds; you'll make the in-season crowds that much smaller, thus reducing negative impact.
• Support Yellowstone National Park. As a visitor, your entrance fee helps pay to maintain and improve the area. However, you also can become a park member or join the many groups that support the Park.
• Be a good example for others; spread the word about responsible ecotourism. When your family, friends and neighbors hear about your trip to Yellowstone National Park, they might want to go, too. Be sure to share these ecotourism guidelines with them.

For more eco friendly travel tips visit our Ecotourism Pages at ALLTrips.com.

We welcome any comments or questions that you may have as well as further information and resources that we may have overlooked. Please feel free to share your opinions and reviews by contacting us at eco@verticalmedia.com. Thank you for helping us to tread lightly!