Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park 150 years ago, and Yellowstone Forever – a nonprofit partner of the park – wants to make sure it lasts for another 150 years.
So, they are offering passes to the park that can only be redeemed in 2172, 150 years from now. These Inheritance Passes are available to those who donate $1,500 towards preserving the park.
Back in the 1870s, Yellowstone was created mostly to preserve unique hydrothermal features such as the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts with a stream of hot water around every 90 minutes, and Grand Prismatic Spring. According to the park description, Yellowstone is home to around half of the word’s active geysers.
The highest point in Yellowstone National Park is Eagle Peak at 11,372-feet.
“With a little imagination, and foresight, you can see all the way to 2172, when the Yellowstone Inheritance Pass is valid. Now is later, later is now,” said a video promoting the park’s Inheritance Pass.
Overall, the park spans over 3,471 square miles and covers parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. It is the core of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, “one of the largest nearly intact temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth.”
Many of the unique geological features in Yellowstone exist because the land is actually sitting atop a volcano. This volcano last had a significant eruption approximately 174,000 years ago and there have been 60 smaller eruptions since then. Although it could theoretically erupt at any time, it is not expected to within the next 10,000 years.
While a volcanic eruption could not be prevented, there are many ways to protect the park for future generations. Yellowstone Forever takes on those priority projects and funds education programs for visitors.
According to the nonprofit, “the Inheritance Pass ensures that future generations are able to experience a healthy, thriving national treasure in 2172,” and those who donate will also receive a complimentary pass “valid for entry next year.”
When 2172 rolls around, Inheritance Pass holders must present their pass to Yellowstone Forever to receive equivalent entry to Yellowstone National Park. Inheritance Passes will not be valid for upgrades to Grand Teton National Park and they are not for resale. Yellowstone Forever plans to keep records of all passes purchased in the event passes are lost.
People who send donations before this July will receive their Inheritance pass and complimentary pass in August. Passes for people who donate after July will be shipped in January 2023.
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