Yellowstone is inviting the public to review and submit comments on its draft World Heritage Report. The document shows recent progress addressing some threats to park resources which were first identified two decades ago. The park was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1978.

Because of some specific threats to values which make Yellowstone unique, the U.S. Government agreed to allow the park to be placed on the “List of World Heritage in Danger” in 1995. As a stipulation for removal from the list in 2003, Yellowstone is required to regularly report on both the original threats and the progress made resolving the issues. The latest draft progress report is available for public review and comment through January 11, 2015 on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment web site at http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/YELLWHR2014.

All comments will be reviewed by the National Park Service and transmitted, in their entirety, along with the final report to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for consideration by the World Heritage Committee.

All member nations of the World Heritage Convention voluntarily nominate their own sites embracing outstanding natural or cultural values. Member nations retain complete sovereignty over each site and over the operation of locations added to the World Heritage List.