A new map by the National Geographic Society showing Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding communities attempts to promote sustainable tourism.
National Geographic officials call it a "mapguide" — part map, part guide book.
The map was unveiled Friday in Cody. Similar events are planned Monday in Boise, Idaho, and Tuesday in Helena, Mont.
The purpose of the project is to promote geotourism, or tourism that helps protect wild places, according to James Dion, associate director of the National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations.
"It's a tool to inspire local people to share what is so special about your place," Dion said.
The map is one of seven like it National Geographic has published since 2006. It includes tips for travelers, including a warning that "snow can fall at any time of the year."
The map also lists 100 annual festivals, highlights 175 points of interest and includes narratives and photographs from residents across the region.
"We went out into the local communities and asked people to give us ideas of what makes this place special, what makes greater Yellowstone unique," said Brian Sybert, Wyoming director for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a project partner.
The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management also helped fund and organize the map's production. States may reprint and sell or give away additional copies.
