Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Park Service partially re-opened Yellowstone National Park today June 22 after catastrophic floods washed out roads and bridges last week, cutting off access to the park and forcing evacuations from the park and gateway communities in the area.
A combination of snow melt and higher than normal rainfall caused the flood conditions, which were the largest in Yellowstone’s history. Such extreme weather conditions are being exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
In response, Bonnie Rice, senior representative for the Sierra Club in the Greater Yellowstone region, released the following statement:
“This has been a week of trials for the Greater Yellowstone area. We welcome the re-opening of the oldest national park in the United States, but it is crucial we remember the park staff, locals, and gateway communities whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by last week’s events and provide them with the support and relief they need at this time.
“Climate change is making extreme weather events, like what we saw last week in Yellowstone, more frequent and more devastating. We must do all we can to take on the climate and biodiversity crises and secure the futures of our lands, wildlife, and communities.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.