Regulations

Question 1

How to enter with your own snowmobile?

Answer 1

Apply by lottery in August, get picked in September. $40 per day plus $6 lottery fee.

Question 2

How many non-guided snowmobiles can enter?

Answer 2

Four groups per day (one for each entrance)

Question 3

What is adaptive management?

Answer 3

Blends science and public engagement, and is designed to address complex natural resource management challenges (Williams & Brown, 2012).

Question 4

What is the primary goal of the Yellowstone Adaptive Management Program for winter use?

Answer 4

continuously improve the management of winter use in Yellowstone National Park using the best available science and public input.

Question 5

Can the Adaptive Management Program cause Yellowstone to increase the number of non-commercially guided snowmobile events?

Answer 5

Total must not exceed 110, with 46 com groups, 60 snow coaches, 4 private currently. If data support > 4 non-com. groups without increasing impacts AND there are unused com. guided, then yes. Public notification before implementation (36 CFR 7.13(l)(10)(ii-iv)).

Question 6

How many commercially-guided snowmobile groups are allowed per day?

Answer 6

46

Question 7

What sparked the current snowmobile use plan?

Answer 7

Harsh winter of 1996–1997 (abundant snow, cold temps, thick ice layer in the snowpack). > 1,000 bison left the park and were shot or shipped to slaughter (Montana feared brucellosis). The Fund for Animals (and others) sued the NPS in May 1997, alleging failure to examine the environmental impacts of winter use. In 1999, the Bluewater Network filed a legal petition to ban snowmobiles from all NPS units. These two actions started 15+ years of winter use planning and lawsuits.

Question 8

What year did the first snowmobiles enter Yellowstone?

Answer 8

1963 (6 snowmobiles)

Question 9

When did Yellowstone decide not to plow in winter?

Answer 9

Decision formalized in 1968, following a congressional hearing in 1967.

Question 10

When was the current snowmobile use rule enacted?

Answer 10

Oct 23, 2013

Question 11

The University of Montana’s survey of winter visitors in 2007–2008: how many like natural quiet?

Answer 11

Almost 90% of those surveyed agreed that Yellowstone is a place for natural quiet and to hear natural sounds.

Question 12

How many snowmobiles can be in a commercial group under new BAT?

Answer 12

up to 10 snowmobiles in a group, group size averaging 7 each winter.

Question 13

When is fishing season?

Answer 13

Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (usually the last weekend in May) and extends through the first Sunday in November.

Question 14

Is smoking allowed?

Answer 14

Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins or on trails. There is no smoking in buildings or within 25 feet of building entrances.

Question 15

Where can I take my pet?

Answer 15

Developed areas within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.

Question 16

Can I leave my pet in the car? Or tied up here?

Answer 16

Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate. Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well being.