Yellowstone is set to open Snowmobiles will be allowed into the park on December 19 by JACK WELCH
EXPLORING THE PARK: The total number of snowmobiles in Yellowstone will be 720 snowmobiles per day. All snowmobiles entering the parks will have Best Available Technology (BAT) rating and be commercially guided. —photo courtesy BlueRibbon Coalition
On September 24 the park service released the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) on winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. This is the latest step in the process of developing a long-term winter use plan for the parks. The release of the Yellowstone winter use FEIS brings with it both opportunities and concerns.
First, I would like to share the good news on the coming season for 2007/2008. None of the proposed new changes listed below are scheduled to go into effect for this season. In fact, in its August 18, 2007 update, the park service stated: "The final regulations will propose a transition period for portions of the temporary plans to remain in effect. This is to provide the parks, park visitors and gateway communities with certainty and stability."
Now to the details of the 2007/2008 season’s snowmobile access. On December 19, 2007, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway are scheduled to open for the winter season. The temporary plan that has been in effect for the last three seasons is scheduled to remain in effect. Simply put, all entrances will be open, including Sylvan Pass. The total number of snowmobiles in Yellowstone will be 720 snowmobiles per day. All snowmobiles entering the parks will have the Best Available Technology (BAT) rating and be commercially guided. This is basically a repeat of the last three years' temporary plan.
Briefly, here are the key provisions outlined in the FEIS and its preferred alternative:
Snowmobile daily numbers in Yellowstone are reduced from 720 to 540 per day; all snowmobiles in both parks remain 100 per cent BAT and 100 per cent commercially guided; the east entrance over Sylvan Pass is closed; the Continental Divide Scenic Trail is closed and BAT snowmobiles continue to be 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.
In closing, please be assured that BlueRibbon and its partners are concerned about the FEIS and its preferred alternative. At the same time, we are thankful that the park service is apparently deciding to allow for some level of continued snowmobile access to the parks. We are not satisfied with that level and, in fact, we are very disappointed by the level and nature of that access. We maintain a reserve of patience and persistence for the coming fight, which we deem unfortunate but inevitable over this issue.
Please continue whatever rituals you perform in the hope for good snow and please come and visit these two national parks sometime during the 2007/2008 winter season.
Editor's note: Jack Welch is president of the BlueRibbon Coalition, a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental responsibility.
