snowmobile ban for west yellowstone
Amsnow
Check out the CNN poll asking whether you would like to see snowmobiles banned or limited at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
This past Tuesday, the National Park Service unveiled a draft plan offering several proposals to curb the number of snowmobiles in the Jackson Hole and West Yellowstone area parks. A complete ban of snowmobiling is one option, but International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association President Ed Klim says that's unlikely.
"I do believe we'll see continued use of snowmobiles in these parks," Klim said. "I would certainly say the study needs more review, but it's a step in the right direction."
An Associated Press article states that critics feel snowmobiles disrupt wildlife and pollute the air, while supporters say the environmental threat is overstated and that snowmobilers bring needed revenue to communities around the parks.
Just before leaving office, the Clinton administration adopted a plan banning all recreational snowmobiling in the parks by the winter of 2003-'04. The snowmobile association filed a lawsuit and as part of a settlement the Park Service was ordered to conduct a second environmental impact study. The draft study offers four alternatives:
1. Phase out snowmobiles beginning in December, with a full ban effective in the winter of 2003-'04.
2. Begin phasing out snowmobiles in 2003-'04, with a full ban in 2004-'05.
3. Cap the number of snowmobiles entering the park from West Yellowstone, Montana, at 500 and make them meet stricter emission standards by 2005. The west gate is where 80 percent to 90 percent of all snowmobiles gain entry and where the worst pollution is found.
4. Cap the number entering from the west gate at 330, require stricter emission standards and require snowmobilers to travel with a Park Service guide.
According to the AP, the final two alternatives call for keeping at current levels the number of snowmobiles entering Yellowstone from the east gate and Grand Teton from the south.
Take a moment to express your point of view by answering the CNN poll. Remember that your right to snowmobile in our first National Park is at stake. See you at the CNN poll.