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Schweitzer vows to promote snowmobiling in Yellowstone
Posted on Feb. 8
By the Associated Press
BOZEMAN - Gov. Brian Schweitzer vowed to promote snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park Tuesday after taking his first ride through the park.
Schweitzer, a Democrat, rode from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful and back on a trip organized by Bill Howell, a partner in a snowmobile rental shop in West Yellowstone.
The governor said the park was uncrowded, and the bison, elk and swans he passed seemed unfazed. He added, "I didn't see any clouds of exhaust."
Afterward, Schweitzer met with a group of West Yellowstone civic and business leaders.
"We need to get the word out that we're open in the winter," he told them. "It's a new and improved experience. It's not crowded. Not even close."
Schweitzer added that he would "use the bully pulpit" he's got to advocate snowmobiling in the park. "I'll talk about the great experience I've had."
The National Park Service is in the midst of preparing a new long-range plan for winter use. A draft of that plan is expected later this year.
West Yellowstone has historically been the busiest gate for snowmobiles entering the park.
Some environmentalists have advocated mass-transit snowcoaches as the preferred way to see Yellowstone in the winter. They say snowcoaches are family-friendly and better for the environment.
Schweitzer said he stopped at Old Faithful and talked to people from all over the United States and several other countries. The economic impact of those visitors is vital, he said.
"That's all new money," he said.
Posted on Feb. 8
By the Associated Press
BOZEMAN - Gov. Brian Schweitzer vowed to promote snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park Tuesday after taking his first ride through the park.
Schweitzer, a Democrat, rode from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful and back on a trip organized by Bill Howell, a partner in a snowmobile rental shop in West Yellowstone.
The governor said the park was uncrowded, and the bison, elk and swans he passed seemed unfazed. He added, "I didn't see any clouds of exhaust."
Afterward, Schweitzer met with a group of West Yellowstone civic and business leaders.
"We need to get the word out that we're open in the winter," he told them. "It's a new and improved experience. It's not crowded. Not even close."
Schweitzer added that he would "use the bully pulpit" he's got to advocate snowmobiling in the park. "I'll talk about the great experience I've had."
The National Park Service is in the midst of preparing a new long-range plan for winter use. A draft of that plan is expected later this year.
West Yellowstone has historically been the busiest gate for snowmobiles entering the park.
Some environmentalists have advocated mass-transit snowcoaches as the preferred way to see Yellowstone in the winter. They say snowcoaches are family-friendly and better for the environment.
Schweitzer said he stopped at Old Faithful and talked to people from all over the United States and several other countries. The economic impact of those visitors is vital, he said.
"That's all new money," he said.
