Yellowstone NP/Expert Profile

Expertise

My greatest passion in the natural world is Yellowstone National Park. I have been going there regularly since I was 2 (that was in 1953). I make a minimum of two trips a year there, and have visited in both the summer and winter. My area of real joy is studying and observing the geysers, primarily in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful. I belong to a group called GOSA (the Geyser Observation and Study Association) which has around 300 members. I have also acquired a passion for park history, much of it`s geology, I marvel every year at the wonderful canyon and experience such peace on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. I do love this park and if I can help make a families time there more fun and a greater learning experience I would love to do that.

Experience in the area

I am a founding member of both the Committee to Preserve Our Yellowstone Heritage, a group committed to preserving habitat and affordable accomodations, and I am a charter member of The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). This added to my years of study and enjoyment give me a valuable base from which to share what I have learned over the years.

What do you like about this subject?

I've been a regular visitor to Yellowstone since I was 2 (1953 was my first visit). I now make 2 to 4 trips a year from my home in Colorado to be refreshed and energised by Yellowstones' geothermal wonders. It is a very remarkable corner of the world...and has become a very special place to me.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Even though I travel to Yellowstone every year, I have found the changes that take place with each visit most fascinating...I call it Living Geology. I also enjoy sharing my love and enjoyment with Yellowstone with anyone who has a willing ear. It is hard to describe how this hobby has changed my life for the better. It helps me keep things in p

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

when people think of geysers, they think of Old Faithful. What most people don't realize is that in the Upper Geyser Basin, where OF is located, that there are at least 10 other "major" geysers, most of which erupt higher than OF and more powerfully. There are also scores of smaller geysers and beautiful hot pools which add to my fascination of the park.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I have been in the middle of controversies with the NPS since the early 1980's. My two current concernsare teh misinformation regarding the fires or 1988 which I believe should have been better managed. The other is winter access into Yellowstone. It is absolutely mandatory thta private vehicles be allowed to enter the park. I fear this may be the first step toward forced busing.