On August 25th Yellowstone celebrated the opening of the new Justice Center in Mammoth. The building will serve as office space for law enforcement rangers and house the park's US Magistrate Court.

Law enforcement in the park has always been a complicated issue. When Yellowstone was founded, the original idea was to follow the model of Yosemite. Yosemite was established in 1864, when President Lincoln signed a bill granting the lands to California for the establishment of a state park. However, because Yellowstone was in both the Montana and Wyoming territories, Yellowstone was created as a national park with exclusive federal jurisdiction.

Confusion reigned in the early days of America's first national park as unclear federal power and authority led to a spate of poaching, arson, vandalism, and illegal souvenir hunting. As a result, at the request of the Department of the Interior, the Army took control of the park in 1886. This was supposed to be a temporary solution. However, the Army's command proved so effective that they remained in the park until October 31, 1918.

Some of the soldiers who had been stationed in Fort Yellowstone were recruited to become the park's first rangers. During the 1930's two different divisions of rangers emerged, and remain in place today. The Division of Interpretation, responsible for education, and the Division of Resource Management and Visitor Protection, commonly called law enforcement rangers or simply LEs.

Now housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility, the approximately 100 law enforcement rangers constitute a modern and effective police force. They are responsible for the safety and protection of over 3 million visitors to the park each year. These rangers also play an important conservation role-ensuring that these same visitors respect and preserve the wonders of Yellowstone for future generations.

Special thanks to Lee Whittlesey, Park Historian, who provided much of the information found in this article.

This November and December, you can become a field biologist, at least for a week, with the Institute's program, Food for the Masses. This ongoing research project examines wolf pack predation (what wolves are killing and how often). Paying volunteers work with an Institute team leader experienced in field research and trained by the park's wolf biologists. Primary responsibilities are to observe and document predator activity at kill sites that have been recently abandoned by wolves. Once scavenger use of the carcass declines, the team will hike to the carcass to collect more data. In addition to conducting field research, participants learn about wolf and scavenger ecology through direct observation, informal field lectures and evening presentations by guest experts.

Safe, easy, and fun! You can create an erupting volcano at home or in the classroom using the paper mache' and special "eruption mix" provided. Kit includes a fact-filled information booklet with a listing of internet links where you can learn more about these exciting natural events. Use with adult supervision. Price: $11.00 ($9.35 for members)

Join Yellowstone Guardians today and receive a free Yellowstone: Symphony of Fire and Water DVD. Yellowstone Guardians are a special group of members who provide a reliable and steady source of monthly income for the Yellowstone Association. This funding gives the Association the resources it needs to help support programs and projects in Yellowstone National Park. For as little as $10 a month-about the cost of a movie ticket-you can make a difference in preservation of our world's first national park. When signing up, please make sure you refer to offer code: Sept. 08 E-news in the comments field on our website to receive your free gift. Limit one per Yellowstone Guardian membership.