Group Wants Snowmobiles Out Of Yellowstone Environmentalists Cite Study Showing High Winter Carbon Monoxide Levels

Responding to a National Park Service study showing winter carbon monoxide levels violated federal standards at Yellowstone, a Colorado conservation group wants most of the park’s snowmobile traffic stopped.

“We’re not protecting the air, we’re not protecting the water, we’re clearly not protecting the wildlife,” said Jasper Carlton, director of the Boulder-based Biodiversity Legal Foundation. “Can you really accept one of the most polluting machines in North America in our oldest national parks?” Last week, Carlton warned the group is ready for a court fight that will be like “taking candy from a kid.” He is calling for a full-blown environmental review detailing how winter users affect the park.

The attack has angered snowmobile fans.

“We reject his claim in total and find his allegations ludicrous. They fly in the face of reason and demonstrate environmental extremism,” said Adena Cook of the BlueRibbon Coalition, an offroad vehicle group.

Carlton’s group currently has 32 wildlife-related cases in federal courts. It has fought for sturgeon in Alabama, Atlantic salmon and toads in the Rocky Mountains.

A winter visitor management plan process for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks is under way, but its scope does not go far enough, Carlton said.

Yellowstone officials have not decided whether a full impact statement is warranted.

Workers at gates to Yellowstone Park have complained of headaches, dizziness and nausea. In March, the Park Service released results that carbon monoxide levels violated federal standards in the corridor between West Yellowstone and Madison Junction.

Carlton said he envisions a day when winter visitors will see the park in snow coaches, which are cleaner and quieter than snowmobiles. He added an environmental impact statement could show that very restricted snowmobile use is warranted in Yellowstone.

West Yellowtone, Mont., Chamber of Commerce President Leif Johnson said the business community is willing to do what it takes to preserve the park, but he is not convinced snowmobiles are a big problem.