In This Issue
Americans Have One More Week to Express Views on Administration's Yellowstone Snowmobile Proposal
The American people have one more week to comment on the Bush Administration's plan to continue large-scale snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. This proposal, released in late August, would actually allow more snowmobiles in Yellowstone when compared to historic averages. Since the proposal was released, the Park Service has taken new actions which raise additional questions about the degree to which it will address the most serious problems caused by snowmobiles. In justifying the decision to keep snowmobiles in the parks, the Administration consistently maintained that severe pollution problems would be solved as industry produced increasingly "cleaner and quieter" snowmobiles. Last month, the Park Service took a step backward by authorizing the use of several 2004 model snowmobiles that produce more air pollution than similar ones manufactured only two years ago. Instead of improving, the industry is backsliding and the Administration's flawed approach simply accommodates it..
The Administration is rushing ahead to issue a final snowmobile rule by the traditional start of the snowmobile season in mid-December.
Denver Post Highlights Threats ATVs Pose to National Forests
The Denver Post published a series of editorials last week that focus on the four great issues facing National Forests as highlighted by Chief Dale Bosworth. The editorial on October 1, 2003, addressed "unmanaged recreation," using off-road vehicles as the sole example. The piece made clear that allowing cross-country travel on our National Forests is a relic of history: "Federal law doesn't expressly require ATVs to stay on roads in all places, although some areas are off-limits. The broad exemption is uncalled for in the 21st century. All motorized vehicles should have to remain on real roads and be prohibited from zooming anywhere on public lands." The Post also calls for a clear and understandable signing policy as well as more personnel to enforce the rules.
For More Information
