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Wyoming Snowmobiling News
IMPORTANT!
It's very important for
members to attend the Forest Service Plan Revision Meetings. The
next meeting is scheduled for Jackson: 11/29/06, 6pm-9:30pm at
Jackson High School or Thayne: 11/30/06, 6pm-9:30pm at the
Thayne Senior Center (115 Peterson Pkwy) IT IS VERY IMPORTANT
TO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS IN FORCE!
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November 20, 2006
Important Update on Yellowstone Snowmobile Issue
Park Service releases preliminary version of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and sets meeting in Cody
to provide information on preliminary DEIS release.
The Park Service has released on the internet the preliminary
version of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This
release is for the technical review of the Governmental
Cooperators. Also, it will provide all the stake holders in the
Yellowstone Winter Use Process a chance to see the direction for
winter access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
The quote below is from a Park Service Media Release issued
November 20th and is a summary of the Park Service preferred
preliminary DEIS alternative
"Alternatives contained in the Cooperating Agency review
document are a refinement of the preliminary draft alternatives
which were made available for public review and comment in March
2006. The technical review draft identifies an agency preferred
alternative, which would generally continue the current managed
snowmobile and snowcoach program. Technical comments received
from the Cooperating Agencies will be reviewed and incorporated
as appropriate in the Draft EIS which is expected to be released
for public review and comment in March 2007. The NPS intends to
complete the EIS process prior to the start of the 2007-2008
winter season.
Under the preferred alternative, up to 720 guided, Best
Available Technology
(BAT) snowmobiles would be allowed each day in Yellowstone.
Snowcoaches would be subject to both sound and emissions
requirements, and a daily limit of 78 vehicles. There are
currently no sound or emissions requirements or daily limits on
snowcoaches. Snowmobile and snowcoach travel remains restricted
to existing park roads which are groomed for motorized oversnow
travel. The preferred alternative would also close Sylvan Pass
to all motorized oversnow travel due to unacceptable risks to
visitor and employee safety in this lightly traveled corridor.
In Grand Teton, up to 140 snowmobiles would be allowed each day,
and most of the snowmobiles would have to meet BAT requirements.
Commercial guides would not be required in Grand Teton, and
access to adjacent public and private lands would continue .
The temporary plan has addressed most of the concerns regarding
the impacts of historic, unregulated winter use. During the last
two winter seasons, guided, limited snowmobile access using
cleaner, quieter machines has been effective in improving
wildlife and resource protection, and in providing safe and more
enjoyable visitor experiences in accordance with the 2006 NPS
Management Policies."
(Note: The term guided used in the quote above means
commerically guided
only)
In addition. the Park Service announced a Winter Use Meeting
with Governmental Cooperators and a Public Information Fair/Open
House. The meetings are set for Friday, December 8, 2006.
Cooperator agencies meeting will be 9am to 2pm and Public Open
House 5pm to 9pm. Both meetings will be at the Holiday Inn in
Cody, Wyoming. The purpose of both meetings is to review the
preliminary version of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS). The public is welcome to observe the Cooperators meeting
in the morning and come to the Public Information Fair/Open
House in the evening and ask questions of the Park Service.
Note: See flyer file attached for more details on both meetings
scheduled for December the 8th. In addition, please note the
correct website address is www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/winteruse.htm
This website is where the preliminary version of the DEIS and
other information on the Winter Use Process is posted.
The actual "Draft EIS", code name DEIS, will be released in
March 2007.
That DEIS will have a range of alternatives and a preferred
alternative. We will have 60 days for a comment period on the
DEIS.
Let me thank you in advance for your help in commenting on the
DEIS next March. Also, remember to visit our dedicated website
of www.saveyeallowstonepark.com for the latest information on
the on going Yellowstone Winter use process.
In closing, the Park will open for this winter 2006-2007 on
December 20th. Make your plans to come and enjoy Yellowstone and
Grand Teton National Parks this winter on a snowmobile!
Thanks for your interest
Jack Welch, President
BlueRibbon Coalition
303-324-7185
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