Though I do love riding motorcycles though the woods, I also value the fact they exist and that I can walk to the top of Mount Tam, for example, and be at peace away from engine noise. I also appreciate the pristine conditions of the land, and wish there was even more set aside for non-road use. NRDC’s BioGems News reported today that a federal judge backs the Clinton-era snowmobile ban in Yellowstone Park. Having hiked and ridden on horseback through Yellowstone I appreciate the news:
On the eve of Yellowstone National Park’s winter season, a federal judge ordered the Bush administration to revive a Clinton-era plan to phase out snowmobile use in the park. The Bush administration’s counter-proposal, which would have increased the number of snowmobiles allowed in America’s oldest national park to 950 a day, ignored the Park Service’s own findings on the dangers of this activity to park visitors and wildlife. The reinstated plan calls for admitting just 490 snowmobiles per day this winter, and none the following season, and for expanding the use of environmentally friendly snow coaches. News of this victory will be particularly satisfying for BioGems Defenders, who sent tens of thousands of messages in support of a Yellowstone snowmobile ban last year. The Bush administration, though, still seeking to overturn the plan, has already filed its intent to appeal the judge’s decision.
There has to be some happy medium for off road riding. Here in France, it’s just not allowed. You can only do it if you’re in some motorcross club on their tracks. Only very special section are allowed, and then only on special occasions.
Most forests allow horses, but then don’t horses chew up the forest as well ?? Guess this is one of those things that can’t be won…..
We are elated to hear of mr. sullivans ruling on the snowmobile ban in yellowstne,and we are sure mr. Roosevelt would certainly approve.we strongly believe motorized vehicals of any kind have no place in our nationl parks or forests.I have witnessd first hand trenches dug into the earth by spinning wheels of 4 wheelers raceing thru the woods small trees smashed to the ground.This kind of damage takes DECADES to heal,some of it never does.We are very disapointed in Mr.Bush for attempting to over turn Mr.Clintons effort to return the parks back to the dream Mr. Roosevelt had for them.