Montana towns need tax, policy tweaks to coexist with tourists

“Above all, proactive action is required for amenity communities to maintain the qualities that make them great. These places have a vibrancy that depends on protecting the very things that attract people to live and play there. Once amenities begin to erode, it can be very difficult to get them back.”

The paradox of a place with natural attractions that make it a great place to live but also threaten it with being ‘loved to death’ is what is known as the amenity trap.”

Close to 4 million visitors a year pass through West Yellowstone, hoping they won’t need an ambulance service supported by barely a thousand local taxpayers.