WASHINGTON - The National Park Service is proposing to maintain current snowmobile regulations that would allow 720 snowmobiles per day to enter Yellowstone National Park.
A draft statement issued by the agency Monday mirrors a temporary plan that is currently in place and has been in use for the past two winters. It would also allow 140 snowmobiles a day to enter Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway, which connects the two parks.
The snowmobiles must use what the Park Service calls "best available technology" to reduce noise and pollution levels. And a requirement for use of commercial guides in Yellowstone would remain.
Park officials stressed that the report is only a draft and the plan is the agency's preferred alternative out of several proposals. A final plan is expected to be issued in time for the 2007-08 winter season next year.
The agency has been looking at a wide range of options, from an all-out ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone in favor of snowcoaches - which run on tracks and can carry several people - to allowing more snowmobiles, which generally carry one to two.
"We are far away from the final decision," said Grand Teton National Park spokeswoman Joan Anzelmo.
The plan would also limit snowcoaches in Yellowstone to 78 per day and require those vehicles to meet sound and emissions requirements.
The plan was issued Monday to involved state, local and federal agencies. The public will be able to comment on a separate draft expected in March.
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Posted in State-and-regional on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 12:00 am
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