Federal appeals court upholds Yellowstone snowmobile ban

Absolutely fantastic news for all thinking Americans.


http://www.greateryellowstone.org/do...tay-denied.htm

Higher Court Leaves Snowmobile Phaseout in Place In Yellowstone

Ruling Comes as New Damage Tarnishes Improving Park Health



Washington, D.C.—A panel of federal judges today ruled that a phaseout
of snowmobile use under way in Yellowstone National Park must
continue.



The phaseout started December 17 and is already reducing air and noise
pollution in the country's first national park. Yet even with reduced
numbers of snowmobiles, problems persist. Monday, the National Park
Service announced that the "worst case of illegal snowmobile use ever
recorded" on Yellowstone's West Entrance road has damaged trees and
shrubs in park meadows.



Today's ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a bid by
the snowmobile industry to overturn the phaseout less than a month
after it began. Manufacturers were seeking not only to reverse the
phaseout, but also to reinstate a decision by the Bush Administration
to increase the number of snowmobiles in the park beyond historic
averages. The Administration's decision was ruled illegal last month
by another federal judge who said it violated laws intended to protect
national parks.



Today's court ruling to continue the snowmobile phaseout drew
immediate praise both locally and nationally:





Betsy Robinson, Park Guide and Business Owner, Bozeman MT (406)
522-9825

"I guided 25 visitors to Old Faithful earlier this month. Having made
the same trip in many previous winters, I'm certain that Yellowstone
is moving in the right direction. We still heard and smelled
snowmobiles. But we experienced less air pollution, less noise. My
clients were thrilled by the experience. For the sake of future
visitors, and as a business owner in the area, I'm glad that
Yellowstone's recovery will continue."



Jackie Mathews, Owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, West Yellowstone, MT (406)
646-7642

"What's best for Yellowstone's health is ultimately best for our
town's economy, so I'm glad for this outcome. There's no question that
our town depends on visitors, but it's essential that we help them
visit Yellowstone in a way that preserves the park. What we are slowly
transitioning to--snowcoach access into the park--is not just a wise
environmental plan for Yellowstone; it's also a smart business plan
for a town bordering a national park."





-more-







Roger Kennedy, former director of the National Museum of History and
former director of the National Park Service



"This decision keeps Yellowstone's recovery on track. It's a victory
for due process and sound science and for all Americans who have said
they want the first national park protected for their children and
grandchildren."

Take that, Melanie. Your optimism is so far unfounded

Oh, yeah. Rove wanted it this way (rolling eyes).

Splat!

On 14 Jan 2004 12:16:08 -0800, (Sportsmen
Against Bush) wrote:



Today's ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a bid by
the snowmobile industry to overturn the phaseout less than a month
after it began. Manufacturers were seeking not only to reverse the
phaseout, but also to reinstate a decision by the Bush Administration
to increase the number of snowmobiles in the park beyond historic
averages. The Administration's decision was ruled illegal last month
by another federal judge who said it violated laws intended to protect
national parks.