brc says hate mail campaign didnt work

On June 25, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the framework of their preferred alternative that would guide the management of winter recreation in Yellowstone, Grand Teton Parks and the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. The announcement took place at a meeting between the NPS and the cooperating agencies (which included surrounding states, counties, and other federal agencies) at Cody, Wyoming.

The preferred alternative framework would reduce the numbers of snowmobiles allowed in the Parks, require the cleanest quietest technology for snowmobiles and snowcoaches, require guided trips, and a reasonable phase-in time. NPS stated that these measures met winter use goals of protecting the Park's resources while providing a high quality, safe, and affordable winter experience for all visitors.

Jack Welch, BlueRibbon Coalition President said," We are cautiously optimistic about the direction that this preferred alternative seems to be heading. However, this is just an outline and there are many important specifics that have yet to be worked out. We hope NPS planners keep the devil out of the details.

For example, the number of snowmobiles that are allowed in the Parks should make sure that historical winter use numbers are maintained and that the economic viability of the gateway communities is assured. I feel that Steve Iobst, assistant superintendent at Grand Teton National Park, hit the mark when he said that NEPA requires that substantive comments (which numbered about 100) be reviewed during the SEIS process. He acknowledged that the balance of the 350,000 comment form letters do not carry the weight of a vote on the issue."

BlueRibbon Coalition Executive Director Clark Collins said, "It appears that the NPS did not cave in to the radical anti-access group's hate campaign that has captured the attention of the national media. Propaganda and ballot box stuffing should not determine planning for visitor enjoyment and protection of our Parks' special features. Traveling down that road could eventually eliminate all visitors from our National Parks."

Welch concluded, " I hope that the Park Service has taken the first solid step in building a preferred alternative that will balance continued snowmobile access to the Parks while providing for resource protection."