Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park proposes new winter use plan

Posted: Jun 29, 2012 7:18 PM by John Sherer - MTN News

Yellowstone National Park has chosen a winter use proposal for review by the public. This is the Park's preferred plan, but people will have a chance to comment for the next 45 days, and there could be changes before a final plan is adopted.

The Park proposes allowing up to 110 "transportation events" a day during the winter. Each "event" is either one snowcoach or an average group of seven snowmobiles. But no more than 50 groups of snowmobiles could use the park each day. One unguided group of snowmobiles would also be allowed into the park each day.
West Yellowstone hotel, snowcoach and snowmobile operator, Clyde Seeley tells us that he sees this proposal as an improvement over the current plan. He says it offers more flexibility for vacationers and for companies that offer snowmobile and snowcoach tours.

Seeley also likes the idea of allowing non-guided snowmobilers, but says more than one group a day should be allowed.
The Park says this plan allows public use and enjoyment of the Park while still protecting resources.

Another part of the plan will allow larger groups of snowmobiles and more snowcoaches daily if the vehicles meet more stringent environmental standards.