CODY - The greater Yellowstone ecosystem, often identified as "one of the last best places," is at risk of being loved to death, according to a National Geographic study.

Efforts are under way to stem that tide and educate the public about responsible tourism and development in the state through a "Geotourism MapGuide" project.

The ecosystem - one of the largest intact on earth in one of the fastest growing regions in the country - faces serious threats to water and air quality, flora, fauna, and open spaces. It has increasingly become a popular place to live and play, and with the influx of residents and recreationists come a bevy of complex issues.

"We are wrestling with some huge issues," said Gene Bryan, retiring chairman of the Wyoming Tourism Board. "We are currently engaged in issues that are far beyond our purview. Previously the focus of our board was marketing, but now it's all about development issues."

Bryan cautioned that these issues could have huge effects on tourism, the state's second largest industry.

"We've always had development and energy in the state, but we've never had the issues and the impacts on wildlife, air, water and ozone that we're having now," he said.

Bryan and a variety of local and federal partners are working with National Geographic to develop the Geotourism MapGuide that will highlight the world-class natural and cultural heritage of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses both Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and surrounding communities and private and public lands in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

"This project allows us to focus in on a special area," said Diane Shober, director of Wyoming Travel and Tourism. "The greater Yellowstone ecosystem is truly one of our most unique attributes we have."

Wyoming Travel and Tourism is covering printing costs of the MapGuide, which should be available next spring. Shober added that this project aligns well with the state's current tourism campaign, Wyoming Forever West.

"We are highlighting the authentic Western adventure with wide-open spaces, starry, starry nights, unobstructed views, and our way of life," she said.

Project partners hope the MapGuide will serve as a catalyst to bring people together to create a high-quality product detailing the area and its unique heritage, culture, environment, aesthetics and more.

"We can help to sustain and promote what's special and unique out there," said James Dion of the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations.

Dion said travel and tourism is the fastest growing industry worldwide, and people are going more places than ever before.

"Tourism is more and more an important part of our American culture," he said. "And it is an important part of sustaining your local sense of place."

A 2002 National Geographic travel study found that more than 55 million adults can be described as "geotourists" - people who travel to enjoy the distinctive character of a place and are willing to help sustain and enhance those qualities for future visitors. These travelers also control more than half the household income of all U.S. travelers.

The Greater Yellowstone Geotourism MapGuide will focus on stewardship to attract these travelers who can enjoy the local flora and fauna, distinctive architecture, historic and scenic places, archeology, local music, festivals, cuisine and color, and the arts.

Information included on the MapGuide will be based on recommendations from residents and visitors. Backers of the project emphasize how critical community involvement is in order to maintain and enhance the attributes that give the area its sense of place.

"We still have a lot of open space in Wyoming," said Brian Sybert of the greater Yellowstone coalition and Wyoming project coordinator. "We still have a lot of opportunities to keep Wyoming the way it is. A project like this will help to educate the public on these opportunities."

He added: "We can raise the bar on how we choose to live and recreate in this region."