Snowmobiling News
The National Park Service (NPS) has begun preparation of a long-term plan for managing winter recreational use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. The initial public scoping phase of this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process closed on September 1, 2005. The next public comment opportunity will be when the Draft EIS is released in Spring 2006. more info
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The purpose of the Winter Use Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be to ensure that park visitors have a range of appropriate winter recreational opportunities, while ensuring that these recreational activities are in an appropriate setting and do not impair or irreparably harm park resources or values. The EIS will consider a variety of different alternatives for managing snowmobile and snowcoach use in the parks.
To better involve the public, non-governmental organizations, and cooperating agencies, the NPS contracted with Cadence, Inc., a team of experienced public engagement practitioners, to help us develop a public involvement process for the new plan and EIS. Cadence conducted a series of interviews with various stakeholders that led to a situation assessment and eventually, a public engagement plan. We invite you to read the Participation Plan that was developed to inform our public engagement process.
The timeline for the winter use plan is as follows:
- Public scoping: June 24-Sept. 1, 2005
- Draft EIS released with 60-day public comment: Spring 2006
- Proposed regulation with 60-day public comment: Spring 2006
- Final EIS: Spring 2007
- Record of Decision: Summer 2007
- Final Regulation: Summer 2007
- Decision Implemented: December 2007
The NPS also has received an independent assessment by Dr. Cormack Gates, of the University of Calgary, on the effects of groomed roads on bison movement during the winter in Yellowstone. Entitled, "The Ecology of Bison Movements and Distribution in and beyond Yellowstone National Park," the report is now available.
As various monitoring reports are finalized after technical review, they are being made available on our website. These reports contain recent information relative to air quality, personal exposure monitoring, wildlife, emissions, soundscapes and snow-water data.
For more information please visit the National Park Service website:
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/winteruse.htm
37FOther pages you might find helpful:
Yellowstone NP News
Yellowstone National Park news and information.
