A Portland, Ore., firm will help Yellowstone National Park identify strategies for improving its environmental stewardship practices, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation announced Monday it has contracted with Ecos Climate Solutions to help create an “environmental action plan” for Yellowstone operations.  

The plan will identify strategies for energy and water management, renewable-energy opportunities, waste management, transportation and green purchasing, according to a news release from the foundation. Ecos also will conduct a greenhouse-gas-emissions inventory and formulate recommendations for advancing climate protection.

Once the plan is completed later this summer, and if it is approved by park leaders, the Yellowstone Park Foundation will consider whether to accept the plan at its September board meeting and select specific projects for which to seek private-sector contributions.

“We hope our work with the park will serve as an example for other organizations who feel compelled to strategically implement operational improvements that result in the protection of the environment,” Jon Thomsen, Ecos vice president, said in the release.

During the past 10 years, the park has implemented an alternative fuels program, an environmentally preferable purchasing policy and environmental-education and outreach opportunities for visitors, according to the foundation.

“We are committed to helping Yellowstone implement environmentally sound practices that will ensure the protection of park resources today, as well as for the benefit of future generations,” said Paul Zambernardi, executive director of the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

The Yellowstone Park Foundation is a nonprofit that funds projects and programs for the park.