Post by Poor Richard on Jun 19, 2022 12:50:49 GMT -7
Flood Aftermath articles for June 19, 2022
The Washington Post wrote an interesting article about Gardiner and the economic impact of the flood.
They interviewed several business owners who had a range of opinions. Some wanted government assistance while others were content to make lemonade. A few saw the wrath of God and were waiting for locusts. Perhaps the next national election can avert another plague. Inaccurate Yellowstone visitation figures of one million visitors per month were noted. Coming from the Washington Post one would think they would be sensitive to "disinformation". The one million number refers to the number of visitors entering the park as compiled by the National Park Service (NPS). It includes people who make multiple visits during their stay. Every visit is counted. The number of unique visitors is far lower.
Gardiner has changed tremendously in the last 40 years. It was a tourist town with a small year-round population. Now it is upscale with fancy and high-priced lodges and restaurants that cater to an out-of-town crowd. If the NPS decides to close Mammoth Hot Springs to all tourists for the season it will be difficult for over-extended businesses to make their monthly fixed costs. The old Gardiner could withstand more economic pain and survive for years. The new Gardiner may have a much more difficult time surviving.
No mention was made of the dirt and gravel road that ascends from the Gardiner Entrance Station and follows a dry and high path to the center of Mammoth Hot Springs. That could be a tourist pathway and a lifeline for Gardiner.
Read the Washington Post story here.
Gardiner has changed tremendously in the last 40 years. It was a tourist town with a small year-round population. Now it is upscale with fancy and high-priced lodges and restaurants that cater to an out-of-town crowd. If the NPS decides to close Mammoth Hot Springs to all tourists for the season it will be difficult for over-extended businesses to make their monthly fixed costs. The old Gardiner could withstand more economic pain and survive for years. The new Gardiner may have a much more difficult time surviving.
No mention was made of the dirt and gravel road that ascends from the Gardiner Entrance Station and follows a dry and high path to the center of Mammoth Hot Springs. That could be a tourist pathway and a lifeline for Gardiner.
Read the Washington Post story here.