Snowmobile and snowcoach tours are the means by which many West Yellowstone businesses get by during the park’s winter months. That’s why the proposed, new winter use plan has so many West Yellowstone residents worried.
The National Park Service held a meeting Tuesday night to present the proposed winter use plan and take feedback. The new plan calls for variable use, allowing an average of 254 snowmobiles and 63 snowcoaches on any one day. Many operators say that’s not enough to meet the needs of park visitors.
They say limiting the use of snowmobiles and snowcoaches will also drive prices up for visitors, making winter use of the park something only the wealthy can afford.
"By continuing limiting, limiting and limiting the amount of snowmobiles available for use in Yellowstone, there’s no question what happens, the price is going to go up substantially," says snowmobile operator, David McCray.
However, operators like Randy Roberson with Yellowstone Vacations say the plan is not all that different from ones they’ve seen before.
"When I’ve compared it to my own actual use and what the park’s seeing, itself, it’s not a whole lot different than what we’ve seen the last few years," says Roberson.
Some residents, though, would like to see more access to the park but not through over-snow vehicles.
"Plow it. It’s that simple," says resident, Doug Edgerton.
Despite the ongoing controversy, park officials are happy to hear discussion.
"I’m always sort of energized at these meetings because people care so passionately about Yellowstone and that’s a great thing," says Yellowstone Superintendent, Dan Wenk.
Park officials say public comment will be considered when finalizing the winter use plan. Bozeman residents will have the chance to attend a meeting Wednesday night. It starts at 6:30p at the Bozeman Holiday Inn.
