Mission

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) was founded in 1983 with a mission to work with all people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), now and for future generations. We have emerged as a nationally known advocate for the idea that ecosystem level sustainability and science should guide the management of the region's public and private lands. This vast ecosystem includes twenty million acres of wild country that includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, parts of six national forests, three national wildlife refuges, and state and private lands in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The GYE is a place of exceptional natural splendor and profound cultural and ecological importance. Rich habitat for an astounding array of fish and wildlife abounds here, from grizzly bears and bison to cutthroat trout and wolverines. It is the headwaters of America’s great rivers, supplying clean water for 60 million people downstream. Its sweeping vistas and stunning geothermal features attract and inspire millions of residents and visitors alike. It is sacred ground to 49 Indigenous Tribes. Those who live here – and those who visit – know there is no place like it in the world. At GYC, we tackle the complex challenges facing the region by: • protecting key public and private lands, • working at the human-wildlife nexus to balance the needs of both, • making Greater Yellowstone a global model for resilience to the impacts of climate change, and • supporting the rights, interests, and conservation priorities of Greater Yellowstone’s Indigenous people.