December 19, 2007 is the date marked for snowmobile season to begin in Yellowstone National Park. The rules remain the same as the last three seasons regarding snowmobile access to the parks. But, things will be a little different next season.
The final environmental impact statement (FEIS) on winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks was released by the Park Service on Sept. 24, 2007 and will include the following restrictions for next season (not the '07-'08 season):
-Snowmobile daily numbers will be reduced from 720 to 540.
-All snowmobiles are to remain 100% BAT and 100% commercially guided.
-The East entrance over Sylvan Pass is closed.
-The Continental Divide Scenic Trail is closed.
-BAT snowmobiles are required for fishing access on Jackson Lake, however, the Grassy Lakes Road remains accessible from Idaho with non-BAT sleds to Flagg Ranch.
The FEIS is not a final decision, but contains the Park Service's most current thinking and foreshadows the final decision. The actual decision and related documents will be released approximately 30 days after the formal publication of the FEIS.
The BlueRibbon Coalition will continue to fight limited access to snowmobiles in this region. To find out more and stay updated on this issue, visit
www.saveyellowstonepark.com.