‘Ban’ Overstated
Snowmobiling
Claims about a settlement that restricts snowmobiling at Yellowstone National Park are premature and have hurt local businesses.
The National Park Service and the Fund for Animals were wrong when they issued news releases last week saying the lawsuit had been settled, area business and winter recreation groups charge.
One West Yellowstone snowmobile rental agent reported receiving a number of cancellations from snowmobile associations who believe Yellowstone will be closed to winter use. Several hotels and motels also report cancellations by groups which traditionally have visited the Yellowstone area in the winter.
The Fund for Animals and the Biodiversity Legal Foundation sued Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in May, claiming trails groomed for snowmobiles enable wildlife - particularly bison - to migrate unnaturally.
The news releases said a settlement had been reached, but did not make it clear when restrictions might be imposed. The Park Service said it would prepare an environmental impact statement over the next three years, and that the park would continue under the present winter plan during that time.
At least one snowmobile trail in the parks could be closed each winter to see what effect the closure has on wandering bison. The road between Fishing Bridge and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone could be closed to snowmobilers this winter.