Here Forever

Yellowstone Forever's sustainability efforts aim to ensure Yellowstone National Park will be here well into the future.

To celebrate Yellowstone National Park’s 150th anniversary, Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of the park, is outlining a sustainability plan to make sure Yellowstone will be around for the next 150 years and beyond.

“We’re reflecting on the past and thinking about what we can do in the future,” said Lisa Diekmann, President and CEO of Yellowstone Forever.

The plan is called “Here Forever” and focuses on sustainability efforts that will ensure Yellowstone remains forever. Yellowstone National Park is facing several new challenges, including the effects of climate change and increased visitation.

“There are things that need to be addressed for the future of the park,” said Sam Barkley, Yellowstone Forever’s Senior Director of Cor porate Partnerships.

“Here Forever” outlines six strategic ini tiatives ranging from water to leadership. The initiatives also include a focus on energy con servation, renewable energy production and electric vehicles, which is where NorthWest ern Energy comes in. As the electric provider for Yellowstone National Park, NorthWestern is working with Yellowstone Forever to develop renewable energy generation in the park.

We recently installed two microgrid systems – one in West Thumb and one at the Bechler Ranger Station – that supply electricity through solar generation and battery storage. We’re also working with Yellowstone Forever to improve the energy efficiency of some of the large, old buildings in the park. In some buildings, we’re helping upgrade the lighting to LEDs and changing out parking lot lights for dark skyfriendly LED lights.

The microgrid at the Bechler Ranger Station in Yellowstone National Park supplies electricity through solar generation and battery storage.

The park is working on a couple employee housing projects, and Yellowstone Forever is partnering with NorthWestern Energy to make sure those buildings are sustainable and energy efficient.

“NorthWestern Energy brings expertise to these complex projects,” Sam said.

Another priority of the Here Forever plan is to transition Yellowstone’s fleet to clean and zero-emission vehicles. Down the road, NorthWestern Energy may help in that area by installing vehicle charging stations.

NorthWestern recently made a $25,000 commitment to Yellowstone Forever’s Here Forever initiative. The details of how that funding will be used are still being outlined. However, both Yellowstone Forever and NorthWestern are committed to making sure Yellowstone National Park has a bright future.

“We’re developing plans to mitigate what’s to come and adapt for the future,” Sam said.