Wyoming Governor responds to Yellowstone winter use plan

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead has endorsed “Alternative Four” as the best option under a new Yellowstone National Park Winter Use Plan. Mead said the plan “allows for market driven decisions (and) an opportunity for increased access and operator flexibility.” The alternative is also favored by the National Park Service.

In a letter to Yellowstone Superintendent Daniel Wenk, Mead supported a two-season transition period, non-commercial guided access for snowmobiles, development of standards that would increase access, and maintaining entry to Yellowstone through its east gateway. The Governor committed to work with the Park Service to provide for non-commercial guided snowmobile access, including identification of the resources required to ensure the program’s success.

“Yellowstone is a magical place, particularly in the winter,” said Mead. “Alternative 4 is the optimum choice for managing over-snow vehicle use in Yellowstone,” Governor Mead said. “This gives citizens the opportunity to visit Yellowstone through a non-commercial guided snowmobile access program.”