Overcrowding from tourism is threatening the future of Yellowstone national park. The number of visitors at Yellowstone has increased 40 percent since 2008, which is leading officials to consider having stricter restrictions about entry to the park.
When surveyed, half of guests in the park feel that the park is overcrowded. The parking lots in the park have been filling up, and there has been an increase in traffic jams and even car crashes. In the summer months the roads to the popular sites are 30 percent more full than they should be.
Superintendent Dan Wenk released a statement about the new considerations.
“Historic and recent trends demonstrate that visitation will increase over the long-term, therefore, it is imperative for us to plan now. Good visitor use management will allow the park to protect resources, encourage access, and improve experiences.”
