Say NO to Snowmobiles in Yellowstone

October 7, 2003

In November 2000, the National Parks Service decided to phase out snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park based on a scientific study showing that such a change would greatly benefit wildlife and the health of park staff while having a negligible economic effect on local communities. However, the Bush administration has sought to rescind this decision in order to allow continued snowmobile use in the park despite the research findings.

An additional and more recent study by the administration found that ending snowmobile use is the best way to balance preservation and use of the parks. That $2.4 million study analyzed “cleaner and quieter” snowmobiles and determined that even limited numbers of the newest machines would cause significantly greater impacts than a full transition from snowmobiles to a less polluting snowcoach alternative. The new study also concludes that phasing out snowmobiles would not cause great or even moderate economic impact. These findings are strikingly similar to those that led to the decision to phase snowmobiles out of both parks two years ago.

Air and noise pollution anticipated by the Park Service with continued snowmobile use pose serious health risks, especially to people with respiratory problems and other vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and senior citizens. Federal laws and regulations require the Park Service to preserve Yellowstone’s spectacular natural resources “for the enjoyment of future generations.” Yet under the Park Service’s new snowmobile plan, winter visitors should not expect to enjoy clean air or natural quiet.

Despite the findings of studies to the contrary, as well as public and Congressional opposition to snowmobile use in this precious natural wonder, the Bush administration is still pushing ahead with its plan.

http://www.earthjustice.org/backgrounder/display.html?ID=76