September had two major legal decisions affecting Yellowstone. First, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service withdrew the proposed rule to remove gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains from the endangered species list. Second, a federal judge rejected the park's winter use plan, which regulates and allows snowmobile and snow coach use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Regarding wolves, federal attorneys asked the district court in Missoula to remand the case to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This follows from the July 17 decision to grant a temporary injunction against delisting. The judge ruled that the plan did not provide adequate genetic mixing of wolf populations. The decision included strong language against weak protection of Wyoming wolves. This move by the federal government effectively moves wolf delisting back to square one. The Fish and Wildlife Service will examine the delisting plan and address the concerns in the injunction before going through the process of submitting a new plan. Nevertheless, wolves are protected inside the park.

In his ruling on the winter use plan, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said, "According to (National Park Service's) own data, the (plan) will increase air pollution, exceed the use levels recommended... to protect wildlife, and cause major adverse impacts to the natural soundscape in Yellowstone." The winter use plan would have allowed 540 four-stroke engine guided snowmobiles, as well as 83 snow coaches, into the parks each day. The National Park Service is creating a new plan that should be ready for public comment by mid- November. The service intends to have a final decision on that plan prior to the planned winter opening on December 15.

Whatever happens, Yellowstone's Northern Range will remain open to automobiles. This area is home to some of the best wildlife-watching in America, and has numerous opportunities for world-class skiing and snowshoeing.

Join our expert naturalist guides this winter for a private wildlife tour on the Northern Range. Our daily programs run year-round and are a great way to see the park's famous wildlife. We'll pick you up in the morning at your hotel, then we'll head out for a full-day excursion into the park. We can include an optional snowshoe, ski, or hike, and all activity will be tailored to your fitness level. For the children in your group, we can include activities perfect for their ages and help them earn a winter Junior Ranger badge. Days are 8 hours in length and rates start at $495/day for up to 5 people.

Thank you to all our members for helping to support the Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center (HRC). Since the opening of the HRC in May 2005, the number of researchers using the park's library and museum collections has doubled. The Yellowstone Association's long-standing commitment to supporting these programs has been critical to their success. Libraries throughout the National Park System suffer from a lack of funding and most are not fortunate enough to have a benefactor such as the Yellowstone Association. The Yellowstone Research Library is located in Gardiner, Montana, is open four days a week Tuesday-Friday and provides a full array of services for the public, park employees, and a variety of research patrons. YA members also enjoy borrowing privileges. Thanks to all our members for their generous support!

Jim Halfpenny, A Naturalists World. A large male grizzly (Ursus actos) left this footprint along the banks of Trout Creek in Yellowstone National Park on June 4, 1997. This cast reveals that the bear walked in wet mud pock-marked by raindrops. Its foot sank deeply into the mud, allowing its impressive claws to show. The bear probably weighed over 450 lbs. The original footprint is archived at the Track Education Center Museum, and registered as #70125. Made of polyurethane plastic. Price: $64.99 ($55.24 for members)