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WYED Projects

WYED actively seeks out projects that develop the local economy and help to build and promote West Yellowstone as a tourist and business destination in the region. It does this by working actively with other organizations as well as taking the lead on important projects. Though a relatively young non-profit organization, WYED can claim the following successful, and completed, projects as its own:

• In collaboration with the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, WYED published and is distributing a brochure on the local Birding scene. Contact the Visitor’s Center for a copy.

• Working with Fremont County, Idaho as well as the Town Council of West Yellowstone, WYED applied for and received a grant to fund a feasibility study for the construction of an Events Center for West Yellowstone. The study has been completed. For more information on the study, contact us at 646-7119.

• WYED and The Historic Center of West Yellowstone were successful in receiving a grant from the Gallatin County Historical Preservation Board to help with the publication of an improved West Yellowstone Historical District Walking Map. It was completed in June 2007.

• In collaboration with the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Area, WYED received a grant to determine the feasibility of diversifying and expanding the economy of West Yellowstone through the development of college oriented partnerships with regional universities and researchers in the areas of tourism, hospitality, recreation and science. This study was completed in July 2007. WYED is now developing this project (more details below).

• WYED has been named the fiduciary for the Three Bear Lodge Marketing and Promotion Fund. This fund provides $20,000 annually in matching funds for marketing and promotional projects in the community under the direction of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee.

• WYED led a team of hotel and local business owners to create and establish a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) in the Town of West Yellowstone. This was just the second TBID in the State of Montana. The TBID charges $1 for every occupied hotel room in hotels of 10 beds or larger that are located within the city limits. It is anticipated that the TBID will raise $250,000 per year for marketing and promotion of the town.

• WYED successfully launched and completed the three-year Buffalo Roam public art project that raised over $160,000 in funds (click here to see more).

• Using funds raised from the Buffalo Roam public art project, WYED launched its own grant-making project called the Community & Business Development Grant Program which provides grants, on a matching basis, of $2,500 for community-based projects (click here to learn more).

The above projects have been successfully completed. Some of them, such as the Community and Business Development Grant Program and the Three Bear Lodge Marketing and Promotion Fund are ongoing with WYED taking on a lead role.

As for the future, the next project for WYED is to act upon the feasibility study developed in partnership with the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Area. In its broadest vision, this project will involve the creation of a branch campus in West Yellowstone that partners with several colleges and universities in the region. At this branch campus, students from around the United States and even the world will come to West Yellowstone for study and research. The topics will be those in which the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem can and will serve as the largest and most well known research laboratory in the world. Whether it is wildlife management, geology, hydrology, climate change, or alternative energy, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Yellowstone National park in particular offer an incredibly unique learning opportunity for scientists from around the world.

WYED is developing the infrastructure and the connections to colleges and universities to encourage these students and scientists to base themselves in West Yellowstone for their studies and research trips into Yellowstone National Park and its surroundings. We already have the laboratory right outside our doors. Now, we are developing the in-classroom laboratories and the supporting infrastructure and services that these colleges and universities need to learn. For more information on this project, contact WYED’s interim executive director Sam Korsmoe at 646-7119.

Current Projects:

WYED created and initiated the three year artistic endeavor "Where the Painted Buffalo Roam" Project with its artist/buffalo grand unveiling held June 1-2, 2007 in West Yellowstone, Montana.

WYED was named the fiduciary for the “Three Bear Lodge Marketing & Promotional Fund” that provides $20,000 annually in matching funds for marketing and promotional projects in our community under the direction of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee.

WYED revitalized the West Yellowstone College Study Project in an attempt to diversify our local economy. We have been successful in securing a grant from the Montana Department of Commerce and being sponsored by the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Area to assist in the project. Currently, Community Matters of Joliet, Montana, an economic development consulting company, has been chosen to determine the feasibility of diversifying and expanding the economy of West Yellowstone through the development of college oriented partnerships with regional universities and researchers in the areas of tourism, hospitality, recreation and science. The study was completed in July 2007 with initial college programs sponsored by interested regional universities beginning in the spring of 2008.

Grants Acquired:

Montana Department of Commerce, sponsored by the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation and
Development Area (RC&D) – West Yellowstone College Feasibility Study.

Gallatin County Historical Preservation Board – West Yellowstone Historical District Walking Map.

Three Bear Lodge Marketing & Promotional Fund – marketing and promotional projects in West Yellowstone.

Also Visit: W. Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce | W. Yellowstone Historic Center | Town of W. Yellowstone | Events Calendar