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 The
National Park Service (NPS) has begun preparation of a long-term
plan for managing winter recreational use in Yellowstone and Grand
Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial
Parkway. The initial public scoping phase of this Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) process closed on September 1, 2005. The
next public comment opportunity will be when the Draft EIS is released
in Spring 2006.
The purpose of the Winter Use Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) will be to ensure that park visitors have a range of appropriate
winter recreational opportunities, while ensuring that these recreational
activities are in an appropriate setting and do not impair or irreparably
harm park resources or values. The EIS will consider a variety of
different alternatives for managing snowmobile and snowcoach use
in the parks.
To better involve the public, non-governmental organizations, and
cooperating agencies, the NPS contracted with Cadence, Inc., a team
of experienced public engagement practitioners, to help us develop
a public involvement process for the new plan and EIS. Cadence conducted
a series of interviews with various stakeholders that led to a situation
assessment and eventually, a public engagement plan. We invite you
to read the Participation Plan that was developed to inform our
public engagement process.
The timeline for the winter use plan is as follows:
* Public scoping: June 24-Sept. 1, 2005
* Draft EIS released with 60-day public comment: Spring 2006
* Proposed regulation with 60-day public comment: Spring 2006
* Final EIS: Spring 2007
* Record of Decision: Summer 2007
* Final Regulation: Summer 2007
* Decision Implemented: December 2007
The NPS also has received an independent assessment by Dr. Cormack
Gates, of the University of Calgary, on the effects of groomed roads
on bison movement during the winter in Yellowstone. Entitled, "The
Ecology of Bison Movements and Distribution in and beyond Yellowstone
National Park," the report is now available.
As various monitoring reports are finalized after technical review,
they are being made available on our website. These reports contain
recent information relative to air quality, personal exposure monitoring,
wildlife, emissions, soundscapes and snow-water data.
http://www.yellowstonewinterguide.com/snowmobiling/snowmobiling_news.php
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