National Geographic Launches Yellowstone National Park Geotourism MapGuide

[Eric Ward - URLwire]

Announce Date: April 15, 2009

National Geographic Launches Yellowstone National Park Geotourism
MapGuide
URL: http://www.yellowstonegeotourism.org

The wonders of Yellowstone National Park and neighboring Grand Teton
are only the starting point of National Geographic's newest Geotourism
MapGuide. The map moves well beyond the parks' borders to highlight
the region's unsung treasures, celebrating the world-class natural and
cultural heritage of the entire area.

Much more than a road map, the new Geotourism MapGuide to the Greater
Yellowstone Region and its companion Web site,
yellowstonegeotourism.org, share locals' knowledge on everything from
where to find the best huckleberry milkshake and great community
events to where to watch rescued grizzlies and wolves in their daily
activities. Nearly 1,000 map point nominations were received from the
region's residents, making the MapGuide a unique resource for the
millions of annual visitors as well as locals seeking unspoiled
outdoor places and authentic cultural experiences. The MapGuide will
be unveiled in three events around the region: on March 27 in Cody,
Wyo.; March 30 in Boise, Idaho; and March 31 in Helena, Mont.

The large-format, two-sided map straddles the states of Idaho, Montana
and Wyoming and includes 20 million acres of rugged mountains,
picturesque river valleys, high desert plains and distinctive small
towns and historic districts. The lands and waters in this region of
Greater Yellowstone are a refuge for hundreds of wildlife species,
including rare trumpeter swans, bighorn sheep, herds of elk, roaming
bison, wolves, grizzly bears and native fish.

"The MapGuide showcases what makes the Greater Yellowstone Region
distinct from any other place on Earth, and underscores the importance
of conserving its tremendous scenic and historical assets for future
generations," said James Dion, associate director of National
Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations.

The MapGuide is a collaboration of National Geographic Maps, the
Center for Sustainable Destinations, Wyoming Travel & Tourism, Idaho
Division of Tourism Development, Travel Montana and its region and
community tourism partners, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and
Yellowstone Business Partnership, as well as numerous organizations
and individuals serving as the Greater Yellowstone Geotourism Council.
The MapGuide also received funding from the U.S. Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.

The map's themes highlight the historical and contemporary activities
of the region's Native Peoples, the magnificent wildlife, local living
in the vibrant small towns, the forces of nature creating the area's
monumental landscape, the contemporary challenges facing the region
and traveler tips.

The full announcment from national geogrpahic is available at
http://bit.ly/2v0l4L

Posted by Eric Ward on 4/15/09
Permanent URLwire page: http://www.urlwire.com/news/040159.html