Contacts

href="mailto:brjack_w@sharetrails.org">brjack_w@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: href="http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#JackW">http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#JackW

Date: 03/18/2010


Yellowstone Scoping Process Continues...12 years and still snowmobiling in Yellowstone!

The Congressional mandate for Wilderness is entirely different than that of the National Park System. Wilderness is all about protection. National Parks protect, but also are supposed to be visitor friendly. The idea is for the American public to come and visit.

When creating the National Park System, Congress mandated that the Park Service: (1) "promote" and "provide for the use and enjoyment" of park resources, and (2) and "leave [the park resources] unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Radical environmental groups openly admit they would like to change that. They think National Parks should be all about protection, just like Wilderness, and they are working hard to make that happen. Wilderness activist groups have attempted to close all the dirt roads in Canyonlands National Park, eliminate Personal Watercraft from Lake Powell, and ban snowmobiles from Yellowstone.

Snowmobiling is a wonderful and totally unique way to experience Yellowstone in the winter. Technology allows us to have that experience and minimize impacts. Guides ensure compliance with all Park Service rules. Just like in Canyonlands and Lake Powell, BRC fights to protect snowmobiling in Yellowstone because it's the right thing to do.

That is why we fight. Let's take a look at who we fight.

BRC has proudly joined others in fighting for reasonable snowmobile access to Yellowstone for the last twelve plus years. Among those on the other side is a group called the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.

In an article titled GYC Wants Snowmobile Ban by Next Winter, the Island Park News reported on a recent fund-raising event hosted by Mike Clark, Executive Director of the Bozeman-based Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC).

GYC purports to support science-based management policy for Yellowstone. But we're not so sure.

Island Park News quotes Clark as asking for donations to:
"support a plan for Yellowstone that will eliminate snowmobiles and promote a quieter and cleaner winter experience for visitors, and more important, for the wildlife that call Yellowstone home. Unfortunately, the National Park Service continues to allow snowmobiles, causing unnecessary noise and pollution in America's first national park."

But the Park Service study reports:
Air quality is very good to excellent in the winter. Best Available Technology snowmobiles, limits on numbers of oversnow vehicles, and commercial guiding have all contributed to the improvements in air quality. The BAT technology snowmobiles are currently all four-stroke machines that produce far less pollution than traditional twostroke snowmobiles. Yellowstone intends to implement a BAT requirement for snowcoaches in the future that would continue to improve air quality.

Island Park News quotes GYC's Clark as saying:
"Snowmobiles have been a noisy, air-fouling, wildlife-stressing influence in Yellowstone for four decades. At one point, nearly 2,000 snowmobiles daily were roaring across the park without restriction. The time is now to do what is right for Yellowstone and its wildlife,"

Let's look at what the Park Service science says about that:
Extensive studies of the behavioral responses of five species (bison, elk, bald eagle, trumpeter swans and coyotes) to over snow traffic showed that these animals rarely showed high-intensity responses (movement, defense postures, or flight) to approaching vehicles. For individual animals, 8 to 10 percent of elk and bison show a movement response to snowmobiles and snowcoaches. Approximately 90 percent of elk or bison either show no apparent response or a "look and resume" response.

This level of reaction was consistent for a wide range of daily average oversnow vehicle use (ranging from 156 to 593 vehicles per day). Thirty-five years of census data do not reveal any relationship between changing winter use patterns and elk or bison population dynamics. No wildlife populations are currently declining due to winter use (swan populations are declining, but this decline is being experienced regionally and due to factors unrelated to winter use in the park or region).

GYC also says it
Promote the most environmentally friendly means of visiting the park's interior, such as snowcoaches, snowshoes, and skiing;

That sounds nice, except that based on wildlife monitoring, the odds of eliciting a movement response were higher for snowcoaches than snowmobiles.

That's who we fight. We fight well-funded extremists bent on changing the way the National Park System is managed. They distort and lie about the science they claim to hold dear. They operate under a classic "ends justify the means" modus operandi.

In the larger philosophical struggle over management of public lands, National Parks are the tip of the spear. BRC is proud to have been in the trenches over the last 25 years, and we are committed to continue that fight.

How you can help:

The NPS is preparing another Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park. The anti snowmobile forces tried to have the federal courts close Yellowstone. Thanks to the involvement of snowmobilers and OHV users across the country, all they got was another EIS.

It is one of many such environmental analyses, and it is an important and required skirmish in our ultimate battle to finally ensure snowmobiles can stay in Yellowstone. We know the process seems to never end, but the anti-access groups hope to exploit apathy and confusion. It is important that we stay engaged with our consistent and increasingly-supported opposition.

The good news is that recent studies are showing the claims of GYC and other anti-motorized groups as vastly overstated. This EIS could provide for a reasonable, science-based, long-range Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park.

BRC HAS AN ACTION ALERT HERE:
http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1139

MORE INFO ON SAVEYELLOWSTONEPARK.ORG:
http://www.saveyellowstonepark.org

LINK TO PARK SERVICE LETTER HERE:
http://tinyurl.com/YNP-Response-to-Form-Letters

LINK TO ISLAND PARK NEWS:
http://www.islandparknews.com/

Posted at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BlueRibbo...g/snownews

Date: 03/18/2010

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear Action Alert Subscribers,

SITUATION
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park. The purpose of the EIS is to establish a management framework Yellowstone's unique and valuable winter recreational resources.

This plan will determine whether motorized winter use of the park (including wheeled motor vehicles, snowmobiles, and snowcoaches) is appropriate, and if so, the types, extent, and location of this use. A Winter Use Plan is needed at this time because:

The NPS is deciding whether snowmobile use should continue, and if so, under what limits and restrictions. The EIS will evaluate the environmental effects of winter use on air quality and visibility, wildlife, natural soundscapes, employee and visitor health and safety, visitor experience, and socioeconomics.

The public comment period for the "scoping" phase of the EIS ends March 30, 2010. Comments in the Scoping process are extremely important. SNOWMOBILERS NEED TO COMMENT BY MARCH 30.

Read more about this continuing saga: in Yellowstone: Snowmobiling in Yellowstone - Why We Fight  http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=YNP

For questions and other information, contact John Sacklin at (307) 344-2019. More info is also available on the web at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Snowmobile enthusiast NEED to comment during this initial phase, and if you have ever been to Yellowstone, we need you to comment regarding your experience.

BRC'S THREE-STEP ACTION ITEM
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS:

NOTE: Please be polite and, if possible, make your comment letter as personal as you can.

STEP 1: Click on the following link, which will take you to the NPS comment webpage.
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm....ntId=31782
Read and follow the instructions for completing the Comment Form.

STEP 2: Use the comments suggestions below as a guideline for your comments. Cut and paste is okay, but try to make your comment letter as personal as possible.

STEP 3: Take just a minute to add a bit about where you live, any winter visits you have made to Yellowstone, how often you go, how long you have been riding in the area and/or how important the area is to you.

Once you have completed your comments, click the "Submit" button.

Optional:
You may also comment by mail to: Yellowstone National Park, Winter Use Scoping, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone NP, WY 82190.

COMMENT SUGGESTIONS:

When creating the National Park System, Congress mandated that the Park Service: (1) "promote" and "provide for the use and enjoyment" of park resources, and (2) and "leave [the park resources] unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." These are coequal, yet sometimes conflicting, mandates that require the NPS to balance both interests when making management decisions.

The previous management plan took a reasonable approach to snowmobiling, although subsequent analysis indicates daily limits were to low. Snowmobiling in Yellowstone is a delightful, unique and valuable experience. Technology allows us to have that experience and minimize impacts. Guides ensure compliance with all Park Service rules.

The Purpose and Need and the Planning Objectives of this EIS should reflect the socio-economic importance of snowmobiling in the Park. Snowmobiling has a long, rich history. Snowmobiling in the Park is highly valued by those participating. Allowing snowmobiling to occur is consistent with the agency's management plan, its national planning guidelines and its strategic plans. It is also consistent with recent agency direction to encourage increased visitation to National Parks. Snowmobiling is consistent Congressional direction in the establishment of both the National Park System and Yellowstone National Park itself. All of this should be reflected in the purpose and need statement itself.

Given that recent studies seem to indicate that impacts of snowmobiles have been vastly overstated by some stakeholders, it is appropriate for the agency to develop at least one Alternative that enhances snowmobiling experience.

Please consider developing an Alternative that considers increasing the daily limits and an Alternative that considers modification of the Guide system to allow individuals to become certified as guides.

A key consideration in any NEPA analysis is "context" and "intensity." In past analysis, the agency has focused on potential impacts of snowmobiling without the proper context. The key flaw in previous analysis is that it failed to consider impacts of wintertime activities in the context of year round use. I formally request that the agency consider impacts of snowmobiling in contrast to summer use.

As one who values snowmobile use as a modality to visit public lands, I can say that the experience of snowmobiling in Yellowstone provides an unparalleled inspirational experience. The Park's interpenetrate information, provided at the Park Entrance and the destinations as well as by guides is excellent. Snowmobilers leave with an enhanced appreciation of Yellowstone's natural resources.

The scoping information referenced several Plan Objectives, including those related to Visitor Use. One Plan Objective is: Provide opportunities that are universally accessible.

I support this objective because many snowmobilers use snowmobiles for access and recreation because they are physically unable to snowshoe or ski. But I am concerned that the Objective may be interpreted as meaning ALL opportunities should be universally accessible. Such an approach would be like requiring ALL hiking trails in the Park be universally accessible. Also, your analysis should consider that snowmobiles are chosen as a preferred recreation modality by many of the elderly and the handicapped.

At least one alternative should include a one-year (or more) transition period after the EIS is completed in late fall of 2011. Having a decision made on winter access to Yellowstone Park within a very short period, possibly only 30 days before that 2011-2012 season begins, would be a hardship on the snowmobile operators and the general public.  This transition period would allow operators and the general public to make appropriate plans for the 2011-2012 season.  Snowmobile operators need to place orders for machines in spring 2011, and the public needs to be able to make plans to visit the park with sufficient certainty that will accommodate early vacation planning and airline discounts.

The EIS needs to consider flexible limits on the numbers of snowmobiles that daily enter the Park from all gates.  Consideration should be given to two concepts.

First, if the total number of snowmobiles allowed in the Park daily is 450, then certain days of the winter season a 20% increase of 90 additional machines should be allowed on those peak days.  Peak days would be established in advance of the season. The number of peak days would not exceed 20% of the total season days.

Second, that the total number of snowmobiles allowed in the Park on a daily basis be available to each gate with a base allocation of the current historical numbers. Example, using current allocation of 318 for all gates, base allocation at the West Gate is 160.  If West Gate operators know in advance that they will not be using the full 160 then the other gates could use the left over allocation at their respective gates.  A system would be developed to deal with this reallocation process.

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________

As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!

Contacts

href="mailto:brdon@sharetrails.org">brdon@sharetrails.org
- Webpage: href="http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DonA">http://www.sharetrails.org/staff/#DonA

Date: 03/17/2010


OAKLEY, CA (March 17)--A national recreation group exercised its appeal rights today by filing a Freedom of Information Appeal to the Department of Interior (DOI). The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is taking this action because the agency stated they found no records or communications regarding the designation of a national monument in the heart of a popular destination OHV area in the Mendocino National Forest.

BRC is concerned the agency arbitrarily restricted its search to the "Secretary's Immediate Office and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks." The initial FOIA request was for the DOI in general and did not specify the search be limited to the physical space of the Secretary's Office.

Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, states, "BRC is concerned the DOI's 'no records' response does not comply with President Obama's promise of transparency as articulated in the early days of his presidency."

"Our members who recreate at the Stonyford OHV Area deserve to see any information that pertains to the potential designation of this popular recreation site as a national monument. I hope the agency complies with the spirit and intent of this appeal and searches its relevant departments and agencies for the requested materials," Amador concludes.

A copy of the FOIA Appeal may be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/FOIA-Appeal

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org

Posted at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BlueRibbo...nDzg/media

March 2010 eNews

Posted on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST at http://ufwda.org/pdfs/Mar_10_E-news.pdf

Date: 03/16/2010

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber in Idaho,

Last week I sent you an Action Alert regarding potential changes to the Fairfield Ranger District's Winter Travel Plan.  Sandra Mitchell from the Idaho State Snowmobile Association (ISSA) wanted us to forward some comment suggestions on the project.

We know Idaho's snowmobilers and OHVers are experienced at commenting, but we decided to do one of our INSANELY EASY 3-Step Action Items so that you won't have to take unnecessary time from work and family.

Thanks!
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

BRC'S THREE-STEP ACTION ITEM
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS:

NOTE: Please be polite and, if possible, make your comment letter as personal as you can.

STEP 1:  Open your email program and start a draft email. Address the email to:
                commentsintermtn-sawtooth-fairfield@fs.fed.us
                Put "Winter Travel Plan Revisions" in the Subject Line.

STEP 2:  Use the comments below as a guideline for comments in your email.
                Cut and paste is okay, but try to make your comment letter as personal as possible.

STEP 3: Take just a minute to add a bit about where you live, where you like to ride
               and how much trail-based recreation means to you. Be certain to include your
               name and address. A return email address is NOT sufficient! ("anonymous" emails
               are often discarded).

It's good to begin with a bit of personal info such as how long you have been riding in the area and/or how important the area is to you.  If you have not ridden in the area before you can still say it is important because the Fairfield Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest provides many opportunities for winter recreation.

COMMENT SUGGESTIONS:

Mike Dettori, District Ranger
Fairfield Ranger District
Attn: Winter Travel Plan Revisions
PO Box 189
Fairfield, ID 83327

RE: Winter Travel Plan Revisions

Dear Ranger Dettori,

I would like to offer the following comments on your Winter Travel Plan Revisions for the Fairfield Ranger District.

I strongly support option 3 of your scoping notice, opening a motorized corridor through what is currently a wildlife closure area from Couch Summit to Fleck Summit.

As the wildlife has moved, the open corridor will have little or no impact to elk and it would provide a valuable recreation opportunity for the visiting public. Also, opening a travel corridor is an equitable option between the general public and private land owners.

I support opening the corridor all the way to Featherville. This would open up thousands of acres for snowmobiling and access to many rural communities that are in dire need of additional visitors in the winter months.

Any closures or other measures needed to protect other species such as wolverine, mountain goat and lynx should be based on sound biology and science rather than speculation.  You should be able to demonstrate that any closures are truly necessary for the animal's well being and survival.

I support mitigation instead of closure where significant impacts to wildlife can be substantiated. For example, instead of closing those high elevation areas with potential for natal denning, why not develop an Alternative that considers mitigating potential impacts with education or other methods. The Forest Service should consider snowmobilers to be part of the solution rather than assuming we are the problem.

I support  the opening of areas where past closures have been found unnecessary and hope other units will consider similar actions.  Snowmobiling is a low impact activity enjoyed by thousands of Americans from across the nation.  The national forests are indeed public lands and we/I believe that to the extent possible they should be open to public access.  We find this action by the Fairfield District both refreshing and historic.

Thank you for considering my comments.  We wish to be involved throughout the travel plan modification process.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________

As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!