End to Snowmobile Ban in Parks Sought

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Sep. 03, 2004

End to Snowmobile Ban in Parks Sought

ROBERT W. BLACK
Associated Press


CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Attorneys for snowmobile manufacturers, winter resorts and other tourism-related ventures have asked a federal judge to permanently lift a snowmobile ban in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks so the businesses can have peace of mind about their survival.

U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer heard the request Thursday from the businesses, joined by the states of Montana and Wyoming. Their lawyers said action by Brimmer would prevent another federal judge, in Washington, D.C., from reinstituting the 2001 ban and creating economic uncertainty for the area.
(snip)

The Clinton administration ban, to take effect last winter, was set aside in early 2003 by the National Park Service to settle a lawsuit filed by snowmobile makers. Under the agreement, new rules were drafted to allow a limited number of snowmobiles inside the parks.

Brimmer's Washington colleague, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, overturned the regulations and ordered the ban to begin this year. Brimmer set aside Sullivan's decision in February.
(snip/...)

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/consumer_news/9572453.htm
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[RC]

1. Was not one of the purposes of declaring an area

a Nation Park to preserve the national pristine beauty? Is not silence a part of that pristine beauty?

[telamachus]

3. One would think...

I for one would not like to hear the scream of an engine while in the 'back-country'

What I do not understand is that there are millions of acres of federal lands that are both great to look at and have tons of snow in winter. Throw in all the state parks that do manage snowmobiles and I don't see why they want to invade areas that others (vast majority) want to be left alone.

'industry lawyers' of course!

[struggle4progress]

4. Noise also interferes with wildlife behavior.

[RC]

2. Self Delete