Study to See if Guided and Non-Guided Snow Tours Impact Yellowstone

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — National Park Service officials are proposing to track whether unguided groups of snowmobilers are doing more harm to the landscape than commercially led snowmachines in Yellowstone National Park.

The proposal is included in a draft winter-use adaptive management plan for Yellowstone. If adopted, law enforcement personnel would begin keeping data on violations such as disturbing wildlife and driving under the influence that distinguish between snowmobilers out on their own and those who are being commercially guided.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that the draft winter-use adaptive management plan proposes other types of data gathering that could lead to changes in Yellowstone's winter-use regulations. The proposed plan is open to public comment through Aug. 21.