2022 Gardiner Strong 2.0: Yellowstone Spring Flood

About this campaign

On June 13, 2022, Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding communities including Gardiner, Montana experienced an unprecedented flood. Relentless spring rain on top of a snowpack in the higher elevations resulted in record-breaking water levels. The Yellowstone Spring Flood of 2022 wiped out roadways along the Northern Range of Yellowstone in a matter of hours, cut off power and clean drinking water to residents, employees and visitors in the surrounding areas. Until the water receded, the event left the people in the middle of this natural disaster confused, scared and sad. Our community lost a building unit that was a home to 6 families who not only lost housing, but also personal belongings and memories. A bridge that connected the Tom Minor Basin to Gardiner was swept away in the rushing flow of the Yellowstone River. We all watched as the National Park Service released aerial footage of the Gardiner Canyon, and the road that many of us used and depended on for supplies, medical care, postal services, and commuting to work was ripped away by the raging Gardner River. Boulders tumbled and trees were being enveloped into the force. Park visitors were evacuated and the park was closed. These are just a few of the impacts from this flood, not to mention our friends and neighbors throughout Southwest Montana and Northern Wyoming and the businesses who depend on the visitation for their livelihood. Many of us are feeling the effects of a traumatic week while looking on into a future that will be challenging at best. In July 2020, after already being burdened by the COVID19 pandemic, our community experienced a fire that burned an integral part of our town and the "Gardiner Strong" logo was created as a fundraiser.

This design "Gardiner Strong 2.0", adapted by local artist Rachel Cudmore (the creator of the Gardiner Strong 2020 fundraiser) is a spin-off of the the original design with a focus on the flood. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be thoughtfully and strategically invested back into the Gardiner Community to help us continue to stay GARDINER STRONG!