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Gov. Mead wants Tellowstone to stop snowmobile restrictions

Gov. Matt Mead
Gov. Matt Mead

Governor Matt Mead has sent a second letter to Yellowstone National Park advocating for a winter-use plan that allows more visitors per day and non-commercial snowmobiling.

Yellowstone National Park released its proposed Winter Use Rule for public comment in July, and since then, Gov. Mead has sent two letters to the park asking for the rule to be revised.

Under the proposed rules, a limited number of snowmobiles would be allowed in the park each winter, varying between 110 and 330 per day for half the winter season, then dropping to 220 and below for the second half of the season. Also, all over-snow travel would require commercial guiding.

In his letter to the Park Service, Mead called Yellowstone "a magical place where citizens should be afforded the opportunity to enjoy its natural wonders year-round".

Mead's letter also pointed out that several communities close by rely economically on the park, and that by limiting access in winter, the Park Service would be straying from its mandate of providing opportunity for citizens to enjoy and benefit from the park.

Mead's letter arrived Tuesday on the final day public comment on the proposed rule was allowed.

The park service will now examine comments made by the public, but hopes to have a permanent rule ready and implemented by December 15.