Wyoming-Montana-Idaho: Yellowstone/Grand Teton Region
Score: 71

These jewels of the U.S. National Park System are being well cared for. "Park management and concessioners have both adopted pretty advanced techniques for the conservation of the natural resources and wildlife." But snowmobiles in the park and sprawl in adjacent communities could spell trouble.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"Amazing opportunities to experience nature with great interpretation. Built environment in good condition, tourism development high. Very overused; not a place to visit in July and August. Good sense of stewardship among locals. National Park Service works hard to preserve resources."

"Great region to learn about geology, geography, and geosciences. Great place for geotourism activities, school fields trips, and adults. Offers wide range of accommodations and recreational activities. Locals look at tourism income as an important source of revenue—a strong incentive to conserve wildlife, such as wolves, for tourism purposes. Park areas are well maintained and controlled. Communities on the park's periphery do not seem to have good planning or design controls. Levels of crowding on park roads are excessive—particularly when wildlife near the road results in extensive traffic jams even in shoulder seasons. Excellent visitor management in walkable sites; good signage. In-park services are good and the designs are suitable for a national park."

"Plenty of wonderful places outside the parks (Yellowstone and Teton) to get away from crowds. There is still growth and sprawl, driving up the living costs for those who live and work in the region. The shoulder seasons can be wonderful. The current federal administration's environmental response will be helpful in wildlife management. In many areas, as in California, invasive plantlife will increase fire danger."

"Need to ban snowmobiles. Need to stop all prospecting in the national forests."