The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
You are standing within the Greater Yellowstone
Ecosystem, the largest nearly intact natural area
remaining in the contiguous United States. Grand Teton
and Yellowstone national parks, seven national forests,
and two national wildlife refuges comprise most of its
acreage, but federal, state, and private lands also
provide essential buffers to this ecosystem and its
free-roaming wildlife.
Bison, elk, bears, and eagles once thrived
nationwide. Now, these and many other species
survive in this island of hope. Preservation of this
ecosystem and the wildlife it supports will mean
much to future generations.
