More Valuable Than Gold

There are many beautiful landscapes in Montana, but perhaps none are more cherished than Paradise Valley, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The river valley has not retained its scenic quality by accident, and in fact, the landscape is under constant attack. The most recent threat comes in form of gold-mining near the Park’s boundary, and in response to this threat, business owners and interested parties from Gardiner to Livingston have rallied together to form the Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition, with the goal of protecting the already-thriving economic drivers of the region, such as outdoor recreation, destination tourism, and traditional agriculture. “Mining doesn’t present itself as our most competitive industry in Montana,” says Marne Hayes, founder of Business for Montana’s Outdoors. “The promise of non-sustainable jobs poses a threat to the economic drivers in these communities that exist today, and which have longevity in a balanced and diverse economy. “ For more information about the coalition, and the threats to Paradise Valley, visit dontmineyellowstone.com.