Decision on Snowmobiles in Parks Due Soon

Laramie, Wy – A judge may make a ruling on the future of snowmobiling in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as soon as Tuesday. The judge is considering an appeal from conservation groups. They appealed the Park Service's decision to allow snowmobiling to continue in the parks.
The snowmobile season is supposed to start Wednesday morning at seven. Yellowstone spokesperson, Cheryl Mathews says they are prepared to open then, although she says the Park Service does not speculate about the outcome of court cases. Mathews says they are planning to open based on the record of decision from 2003; that allowed for some snowmobiling in the parks. Mathews says people with plans to come and visit the park and snowmobile should check the Yellowstone or Grand Teton website for the latest information.
The executive director of the Cody Chamber of Commerce, Gene Bryan, says it is frustrating for local businesses to not know if snowmobiling will be allowed. He says the one outfitter for the East Gate to Yellowstone is preparing to start business on Friday and has a good number of reservations already.