Preface

Summary

Experience is a hard teacher

because she gives the test first,

the lessons afterwards.

— Unknown

Yellowstone is a national park, a concept of a greater ecosystem, and, even more so, an “idea” about the wild, wildlife, and people. This “idea” is in our stories of hope for a future where humans live sustainably with nature— something we’re presently not doing. Yellowstone as a reference point for nature is widely recognized no matter where one lives on our home planet.

What is this book about and why did I write it? These two questions have complex and incomplete answers, as explained in this preface and the text of all chapters. First, about this book: it is focused on Yellowstone National Park as a place and an idea with a long history, a present to be visited, and a contested future that we have long argued over. Yellowstone as a theme and symbol grounds this book in a place, time, and set of issues. I give scientific data, use systems thinking, and talk about grounded case examples concerning Yellowstone. Beyond that, most importantly, this book concentrates attention on people in general and on those who care about Yellowstone, including ourselves.

In so doing, I bring in knowledge from many fields seldom used currently by people worried about Yellowstone's future. The present focus of attention by most people is on biophysical things “out there” (e.g., wolves and bears, elk migrations, diseases, and fires). Consequently, it misses a huge component in Yellowstone's future— people, us. I organize the information I offer around people and work to give us context— historic, social, and political— for all things Yellowstone. Because Yellowstone's future has yet to be written, we can use this information in new integrated ways to create a healthy, thriving future for greater Yellowstone and ourselves.

This book's contents go well beyond Yellowstone as a geologic and biologic phenomenon to concentrate upon human beings. It is about the individuals who support conservation and sustainability in their thinking, feelings, and actions. It is also a reflection on our society and an exploration of a new way forward for better outcomes in all areas. The proposal here is to advance sustainability in the present in Yellowstone and outward far beyond that special place to other places worldwide. Many of us are alarmed by the ways in which environments, other living forms, and peoples are being treated.