National Park Service, Yellowstone Forever, and Blackstone Infrastructure’s Tallgrass Announce $105 Million Fund for Yellowstone National Park
Largest single private gift in National Park Service history will advance conservation and research, strengthen park
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The National Park Service, together with its official nonprofit and philanthropic partner, Yellowstone Forever, and Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company Tallgrass, announces the establishment of a $105 million Conservation and Stewardship Fund, creating a permanent source of support for the long-term stewardship of the world’s first national park.
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The fund will direct resources toward three priorities essential to Yellowstone’s long-term stewardship: advancing conservation and research to extend the reach and impact of the park’s scientific work; enhancing access and visitor experience through investments in infrastructure; and expanding opportunities for Wyoming students and community members to experience Yellowstone.
This latter effort will include the establishment of the Tallgrass WYld Yellowstone Initiative, named for the long-time Wyoming energy infrastructure operator with more than a decade of operations in the Cowboy State.
“More than 120 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of Yellowstone’s iconic gateway, enshrining the promise that our National Parks exist for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This historic $105 million investment honors that legacy, bringing together the best of American enterprise and conservation to expand access to Yellowstone and inspire the next generation to experience America’s great outdoors. We’re grateful to Blackstone, Tallgrass and Yellowstone Forever for their partnership and extraordinary commitment.”
“Yellowstone is one of America’s great natural treasures, and we feel a profound sense of responsibility to protect it for future generations,” said Sean Klimczak, Blackstone’s Global Head of Infrastructure. “This historic gift reflects our belief that infrastructure investment can and should be a force for good, helping us invest in Yellowstone’s future and the growth of the communities that surround it.”
“This is a transformational investment in Yellowstone National Park,” said Lisa Diekmann, President & CEO of Yellowstone Forever. “It gives us the ability to meet urgent needs today while building enduring support for the research, education, stewardship and visitor infrastructure that will protect this park for generations to come.”
“Wyoming has been part of the Tallgrass story from the beginning, and Yellowstone captures something timeless about the spirit of this state,” said Crystal Heter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tallgrass. “We’re proud to do our part to preserve what makes Yellowstone so extraordinary and to strengthen its connection with the next generation.”
The National Park Service will retain full authority over park management decisions, and projects supported through the fund will be consistent with applicable laws, policies and park priorities.
About Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park encompasses more than 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife and extraordinary natural and cultural resources. Managed by the National Park Service, Yellowstone preserves these resources for future generations while providing opportunities for public enjoyment. Learn more at nps.gov/yell.
About Tallgrass
Tallgrass is a leading infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that fuel our nation and power our quality of life. Backed by Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment firms, alongside CPP Investments, GIC and USS, Tallgrass is an established, industry-leading operator with large-scale, multicommodity infrastructure across 14 states, including more than 10,000 miles of pipelines. Learn more at Tallgrass.com.
About Yellowstone Forever
Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, dedicated to inspiring people to protect the park’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage for generations to come. Yellowstone Forever supports vital research, restoration projects, and public experiences that deepen connection to the iconic landscape. From funding groundbreaking wildlife studies to creating immersive learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, Yellowstone Forever champions enduring stewardship of Yellowstone’s natural wonders while fostering a legacy of appreciation, understanding, and protection for one of the nation’s most treasured wild places. For more information, visit yellowstone.org or follow along on Instagram @ynpforever
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
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