Mack, that's a very thoughtful reply and I agree this is a political tennis match and sure as hell shouldn't be. As a federal park, Yellowstone belongs to the nation at large--not only the local citizens who just so happen to benefit from the tourism industry it drives. Local input should be solicited and accepted as you say, but ultimately as a Nat'l Park (the first one too--well over 100 years of Federal management) it should have the stewardship it deserves (contrary to those 'Wise Use' nut jobs all over the west, our Nat'l Parks ARE to be preserved--we're not talking about a nat'l forest or BLM land) and protected from petty politics. Just because there has been 'historical' use of snowmobiles in the park doesn't mean its not a bad idea--remember my stories of Yosemite's FireFalls and feeding the bears at the valley dump? Two incredibly bad ideas, but still took some good science and a well-reasoned argument to convince everyone.
that's my main problem with congress and this administration--how they're able to ignore the latest and best science (public opinion as well--check any gallup poll on the environment as an issue topic) and still deny it is beyond me... today's number of 'concerned scientists' groups against the dubya-led administration is longer than it even was for Satan himself, James Watt!!
kirk
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