Perhaps an interesting story could emerge from contemplating “how might the park’s history have played out”. Road ecology is certainly an important concept which deserves serious attention. Will check out Crossings.
David -- Thanks for the note. I agree that it's overly strident. When the topic is autos, I tell people, "Don't get me started," but I'm already started.
Not sure how to follow up on that, except that TV comes first, IMHO. And atomic bombs and religion.
But about Yellowstone. The potential existed, circa 1908, to extend rails into and through The Park. THAT would have made a difference. And while the cost would be monumental, one still wonders if rail would be worth considering.
Alternatively, I just visited a popular park - Carlsbad Caverns - where the relatively simple expedient of timed entry was effective in enhancing the experience.
In my longer essay at Mountain Journal, I look at how other global parks use timed entry, buses, and other techniques to enhance the experience... for animals. I then pivot to note that wildlife populations are already doing pretty well within Yellowstone, and maybe we need to focus more on road ecology outside the park. Genuine question that I struggled with: Is that letting Yellowstone off too easy?
The privately owned automobile is the most destructive invention in human history--far worse than television in 2nd place, as well as the atomic bomb, Covid, religion, and AI. On the plus side, fossil-fueled vehicles and their oiled ilk, perhaps coupled with AI, will destroy humanity, giving Earth a second chance at a less insane and self-destructive outcome.
Perhaps an interesting story could emerge from contemplating “how might the park’s history have played out”. Road ecology is certainly an important concept which deserves serious attention. Will check out Crossings.
Thanks Dave for stridency to get the conversation going!
lozenge! I had to look it up as I'd never seen it used in this context. Your book on Yellowstone is a treat!
David -- Thanks for the note. I agree that it's overly strident. When the topic is autos, I tell people, "Don't get me started," but I'm already started.
Not sure how to follow up on that, except that TV comes first, IMHO. And atomic bombs and religion.
But about Yellowstone. The potential existed, circa 1908, to extend rails into and through The Park. THAT would have made a difference. And while the cost would be monumental, one still wonders if rail would be worth considering.
Alternatively, I just visited a popular park - Carlsbad Caverns - where the relatively simple expedient of timed entry was effective in enhancing the experience.
In my longer essay at Mountain Journal, I look at how other global parks use timed entry, buses, and other techniques to enhance the experience... for animals. I then pivot to note that wildlife populations are already doing pretty well within Yellowstone, and maybe we need to focus more on road ecology outside the park. Genuine question that I struggled with: Is that letting Yellowstone off too easy?
Good food for thought.
The privately owned automobile is the most destructive invention in human history--far worse than television in 2nd place, as well as the atomic bomb, Covid, religion, and AI. On the plus side, fossil-fueled vehicles and their oiled ilk, perhaps coupled with AI, will destroy humanity, giving Earth a second chance at a less insane and self-destructive outcome.
While I don't agree with you 100%, I'm pretty close, and I admire the spirit of your comment.