National Park Service Seeks Comment on New Yellowstone Use Plan

The public has until the end of this month to comment on seven alternatives outlined in the newest Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for winter use in Yellowstone National Park. The alternatives range from no snowmobile/snowcoach use to returning to the 720 snowmobile/78 snowcoach limits of 2004.

The Preferred Alternative proposes four use-levels for snow vehicles, ranging from 110 to 330 snowmobiles and 30 to 80 snowcoaches a day. Half the winter season would be highest-use days. A third would be at an intermediate level of 187 to 220 snowmobiles and 48 to 50 snowcoaches daily. The rest would be at 110 to 143 snowmobiles and 30 to 80 snowcoaches. The number of vehicles and days at each level was based on usage over the past six years. Limits would be published a year in advance. As was the case last winter, the Preferred Alternative would require all snow vehicles to be commercially guided, enter the park by 10:30 a.m., and stop operation by 9 p.m. It would also keep Sylvan Pass open. Snowmobiles would have to meet Best Available Technology requirements and snowcoaches would have to meet stricter requirements by 2014. The plan is intended to allow park visitors to have a variety of experiences and let park staff observe how park resources react.

A copy of the DEIS is available online. To comment, click on "Open for Comment", then on "Winter Use Plan/EIS", then on "Comment on Document". You may also send written comments to:

Yellowstone National Park
Winter Use DEIS, Box 168

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

A final decision is expected this December. In any case, the winter of 2011-12 will continue last winter's levels of 318 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches daily into the park.