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| WEDNESDAY January 17, 2001 Vol 5, # 5 |
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| WEDNESDAY January 17, 2001 Vol 5, # 5 |
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| Site Search | Support Yellowstone! Discussion Free Internet, Email, More Email Newsletter | |
YELLOWSTONE ROAD
REPORT PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN- |
SNOWMOBILE BAN UPDATE News Brief WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. -- According to a report by the National Park Service, snowmobile usage in the national forests surrounding Yellowstone National Park may lessen if and when the snowmobile ban in Yellowstone takes effect. However, the United States Forest Service and snowmobile outfitters claim just the opposite. Whereas the NPS has projected that the snowmobile traffic in the area would drop by up to one-third, some business owners in the larger Yellowstone area are concerned that snowmobile traffic in nearby national forests may increase to such a large degree that it could lead to a Forest Service ban on snowmobiles. Indeed, snowmobile outfitters are applying for more permits in the Togwotee area south of Yellowstone. In the meantime, an analysis of a bison study to be published in Wildlife Management Journal later this year reveals that groomed snowmobile trails in Yellowstone have little effect on bison migration patterns during the winter months. A 1997 lawsuit by Fund for Animals concerning the plight of Yellowstone's bison was a factor leading to the eventual proposal to ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone. This recent study contradicts an internal Park Service study from the mid-1990s which did determine that groomed trails did impact bison migration patterns. In the face of the proposed Yellowstone snowmobile ban, city officials in West Yellowstone, Montana are considering whether or not to sue the National Park Service to keep Yellowstone open to snowmobiles. A final decision on the proposed ban was delayed until July 31 by a vote of Congress last month.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Russ Finley
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YELLOWSTONE
INTRODUCES WINTER JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- Yellowstone National Park has launched a new winter Junior Ranger program to better meet the needs of winter visitors. The program is designed for kids aged 5-12 and their families. Participants explore the winter world of snow, ice and stream through activities focusing on geology, wildlife adaptation, weather, snow crystals and more. Activities include a paper, ranger-led presentation, recording of wildlife observations, recording of geyser activity and a hike, snowmobile or snowshoe outing. Children can participate by requesting the program at either the Mammoth or Old Faithful visitor centers. The cost is only $3.00 per child. Upon completion of the program, participants receive an embroidered patch. The summer version of Yellowstone's Junior Ranger program awards 15,000 patches annually. |
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| JACKSON HOLE LAND TRUST
RECEIVES GIFT News Brief JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. -- The Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole has donated a 42-acre conservation easement on East Gros Ventre Butte to the Jackson Hole Land Trust. Formerly a part of the Hansen- Mead ranch, the conservation easement on the property ensures that no further development will occur. Cattle continue to graze on the land in late spring and summer, but the area also provides year-round mule deer habitat and important winter range as well. The Jackson Hole Land Trust uses conservation easements to secure critical wildlife habitat and to maintain open space in Jackson Hole. |
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| GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
UPDATE News Brief GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Mont. -- A sow bear with at least one cub is using the crawl space under a park building for its winter slumber. Rangers have posted warning signs on the building, which is closed for the winter season. Officials hope the mother bear and cub wake before humans return in the spring. The bears are believed to be black bears, although no one has gotten close enough to determine their identity for certain. |
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