POWELL - Rich Holstein, who has salvaged large amounts of reclaimed wood from the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, has another grand plan he says could benefit the National Park Service and the local economy.

Holstein proposed a large-scale reclamation plan for national parks across the country. Under his plan, all buildings being remodeled or in the throes of demolition would have wood and other building products saved to create keepsakes and art.

The National Park Service would continue to pay for reclamation costs. But, he said, the they would get 25 percent of the profits from sales of products created from recyclables crafted by Holstein and his employees. Since 2005, Holstein has harvested wood from the Old Faithful Inn to create picture and mirror frames.

Holstein said folks want to purchase treasures from their visits, not knickknacks with "Made in China" stamped on the bottom.

"Everybody is looking to take something home made from the park," he said.

Those treasures could include throw rugs recycled from park carpets, brass key rings from pipes and wires, and picture frames from walls and floors.

The project could employ locals at a pay scale ranging from $10 to $18 per hour, Holstein said.

"In five years, we're talking about hundreds of jobs coming to Cody," Holstein said.

Judy Jennings, chief of the Yellowstone Business Management Office, said she likes Holstein's proposal. But she said there are still a few details that need ironing out.

"I think he has a really good idea, but all the pieces have to fall in place," Jennings said.

Holstein would have to either partner with contractors demolishing or remodeling park buildings or hammer out a deal with the Park Service to salvage materials.

Jennings said products removed from buildings are considered Park Service property until the stuff is dumped at landfills.

Competition also could be a factor, Jennings said. Holstein might have to compete with others to claim recycled goods.

Jennings noted Holstein's plans might coincide with President Bush's Centennial Initiative to improve national parks and encourage partnerships within the private sector.

"This really fits in with the Centennial Challenge," Jennings said.

Enthusiasm is one commodity Holstein seems to possess by the truckload.

"He has got the right personality, passion and drive to do it," Jennings said.

Holstein already has established a reputation. He's acquainted with Gov. Dave Freudenthal and is well known in Yellowstone. He said his plan even has some backing from Park Service officials.

"There is no doubt I have the support of Yellowstone behind this," he said. "They think it's absolutely the best idea they've heard in years and years. Now I need to get the public behind it."

Money might be a factor. But something else is just as important, he said.

"This has to be done with heart, because it is for the love of the national parks," Holstein said.

Last Christmas, Holstein and others sold 1,500 picture frames he had crafted from beautiful hardwood from the Old Faithful Inn.

According to Holstein's proposal to the Park Service, his products currently are sold in 200 stores.

Holstein is a self-proclaimed advocate of national parks and a craftsman who loves his work.

He acknowledges it is a big project to tackle, but believes he just might pull it off.

"If anybody can prove it can be done, it's me."