Yellowstone’s newly certified Lake and Tower General Stores Re-Open for the Season Today
YELLOWSTONE, Mont. (May 27, 2011) –Yellowstone’s Lake and Tower General Stores, which are operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, have been recognized by Yellowstone Business Partnership for their sustainability. The award was presented during the Yellowstone Business Partnership’s annual spring conference at Jackson Lake Lodge, in Grand Teton National Park May 23-25.
Yellowstone’s Lake and Tower General Stores are the first pilot projects to become successfully certified as sustainable under the Greater Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development (GY-Framework). The rating system goes beyond LEED standards to address the nationally significant natural and cultural values of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
The stores were noted for incorporating sustainability practices during renovation projects. Both stores re-open for the season Friday, May 27.
“We are delighted that Delaware North companies Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone is leading the way in terms of third-party certification for sustainable development in the world’s first national park.” said Deb Friedel, director of sustainability for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. Friedel accepted the award on behalf of Delaware North Parks & Resorts.
The historic Lake General Store was built in 1912. In 2009, Delaware North Companies focused renovation efforts on saving the structural stability, providing a safe environment and enhancing the sales floor. Due to the work completed by Delaware North Companies, the Lake store was saved and remains one of Yellowstone’s extraordinary historical structures while having a reduced environmental impact.
Work on the Tower General Store was completed in the spring of 2010. The project was aimed at improving and accommodating the changing and growing purpose of the store while considering sustainable and environmental incentives.
Yellowstone Business Partnership was joined by 140 volunteers and experts in ensuring the rating system benefited from a wide diversity of regional knowledge and experience. Projects are rated using 57 credits that cover categories such as land use and conservation, biodiversity, recreation resources and public service and infrastructure.
