Governor Mead Calls for More Snowmobiles in Yellowstone [AUDIO]
Another advocate for increased winter-use at Yellowstone National Park stepped forward in Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, who sent a letter to the Yellowstone National Park Superintendent, Daniel Wenk, on Tuesday. In the letter Mead expressed his desire for a winter-use plan that allows more people to visit Yellowstone during the winter months.
The Governor pointed out two specific area where he believes the proposed plan falls short. First, Mead thinks the number of visits by snowmobile per day is too small. Whereas in the past, as many as 720 snowmobiles per day have been allowed, the proposed plan would alternate between allowing 110 and 330 per day. Mead also takes issue with the fact that the proposed plan would not allow any non-commercial snowmobiling.
Governor Mead wrote,
I have been vocal and direct about my position – I want to see as much reasonable use of Yellowstone as possible. Access to the Park is important to Wyoming’s economy and especially to the communities that support and surround it. I also view higher visitation as necessary for Yellowstone and the National Park Service (NPS). People must have the chance to experience the Park – summer and winter – for the NPS to fulfill its mission of providing opportunities for enjoyment and to create an affinity for this special place, which benefits all National Parks into the future.
Mead’s letter is the second in a week from a Wyoming politician expressing their dissatisfaction with the proposed winter-use plan for Yellowstone. Last week U.S. Senator John Barrasso sent a letter to Wenk urging changes to the plan including more snowmobile access and keeping Sylvan Pass open.
The public comment period on the implementation of the proposed ruled opened on July 5 and can be commented on through Sept. 6. Comments can be made in person at the Management Assistant’s Office, Headquarters Building in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. You can also mail a comment to Yellowstone National Park, Winter Use Proposed Rule, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone NP, WY 82190. Comments can also be submitted at regulations.gov.