Yellowstone Sharply Increases Snowmobile Limit

November 18, 2008

Matthew Brown, AP (Casper Star-Tribune)
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Excerpts:
 
Yellowstone National Park abruptly dropped plans to sharply reduce the number of snowmobiles allowed this winter, drawing a quick backlash from conservationists who want fewer of the machines.

Park officials said Monday that 720 snowmobiles would be allowed into the park daily beginning Dec. 15. That's more than double the 318 proposed just two weeks ago.

….Park spokesman Al Nash said administrators decided to revert to the old temporary plan so they could dive immediately into coming up with a long-term solution. "Our intent with the temporary plan was to be open. Complying with the judge's ruling means we'll be open. Therefore we have accomplished our intent by complying with the judge's order," Nash said. "We need to shift our focus to that long term."