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Project SOAR (Search, Observe, and Report)
Nearly 98% of Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres is undeveloped wilderness which provides safe harbor to threatened and endangered species like grizzly bears and gray wolves. Unfortunately, the Park’s rugged remoteness also makes it vulnerable to human encroachments such as wildlife poaching and illegal snowmobile use. To deter such trespasses, Park Rangers patrol Yellowstone’s boundary by horseback or snowmobile, depending on the season. These modes of transportation, however, can be costly and inefficient. The Park has thus proposed a pilot program utilizing fixed-wing surveillance aircraft as a tool for carrying out year-round monitoring of Yellowstone’s backcountry areas and remote perimeter. Funding raised by the Yellowstone Park Foundation will be used to pay for one year (approximately 35 four-hour flights) of aerial patrols. This program will complement the efforts of Park Rangers on the ground and will help to protect Yellowstone’s rich resources and abundant wildlife.
Total Project Cost: $17,380
Funds Still Needed: $4,142
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