CT Woman Sentenced For Walking On Thermal Area At Yellowstone

NEW HARTFORD, CT — A New Hartford woman has been sentenced to seven days in prison for walking on thermal ground at Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming.

Madeline S. Casey, 26, was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $40 in fees and a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Resource Fund, Acting U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Bob Murray announced Wednesday.

Casey appeared in federal court in Wyoming on Aug. 18 for sentencing.

“Casey was with two other people as they made their way up to a thermal pool and geyser at Norris Geyser Basin,” officials wrote in the news release. “She and one other person got off the boardwalk and were walking on thermal ground. Multiple other people were concerned and took photos and videos of the three. Norris Geyser Basin is an area well marked with signs and warnings to stay on the boardwalk.”

Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Officer Morgan Warthin said boardwalks in geyser basins “protect visitors and delicate thermal formations.”

“The ground is fragile and thin and scalding water just below the surface can cause severe or fatal burns,” Warthin said. “More than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs.”

Murray said, “For those who lack a natural ability to appreciate the dangerousness of crusty and unstable ground, boiling water, and scalding mud, the National Park Service does a darn good job of warning them to stay on the boardwalk and trial in thermal areas. Yet there will always be those like Ms. Casey who don’t get it. Although a criminal prosecution and jailtime may seem harsh, it’s better than spending time in a hospital’s burn unit.”