National Park Service Reveals Latest Snowmachine Plan for Yellowstone

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The National Park Service's latest proposal on the use of snowmachines in Yellowstone National Park is based on limiting their collective noise and pollution and not so much on actual daily numbers. The agency's proposal would allow up to 480 snowmobiles plus 60 multi-passenger snow coaches per day into Yellowstone.

Snowmobiles and coaches would both be subject to lower emission and noise standards. The new proposal will be undergo more public review before a final decision is made. If the plan goes through, it will take effect in the 2014-15 winter season.

Next winter's season would operate under the current limits of up to 318 snowmobiles and 78 snow coaches. The use of snowmobiles in the park has been the subject of court challenges for more than a decade.