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Yellowstone National Park How Snowmobiles Harm the Park More than a decade ago the Park Service began to study the impacts of snowmobiling on Yellowstone's air quality, wildlife, natural quiet, human health and visitor experience. Upon review of the Park Service's analysis, the Environmental Protection Agency described the findings as "among the most thorough and substantial science base that we have seen supporting a NEPA document." These studies concluded: Snowmobiles cause air and water pollution. In the 1990's, the highest carbon monoxide levels measured in the United States were found at the West Yellowstone park entrance. On an average weekend, snowmobiles pour out more pollution in Yellowstone than automobiles emit in the park in an entire year. These pollutants include but are not limited to carbon monoxide, ozone, and carcinogens such as benzene. Snowmobile exhaust poses a significant health risk to Park Service employees. Pollution resulting from these machines became so severe in the mid-nineties that the Park Service had to install a special ventilation system to pump fresh air into ranger booths to protect the health of park employees. Today, park employees in Yellowstone are issued gas masks to ward off headaches, dizziness, and nausea that result from exposure to high levels of snowmobile exhaust. Snowmobile engine noise shatters Yellowstone's natural quiet. The whine of snowmobiles penetrates up to 10 miles into the wilderness surrounding Yellowstone's winter travelways making it virtually impossible for the average visitor to escape the roar of these machines. The chronic noise drowns out the sounds of the region, often some of the Park's most popular visitor attractions: the bubbling of it's hot springs, the howl of it's wolves, and even the gushing of Old Faithful. Snowmobile use threatens Yellowstone's unique wildlife. The Park's wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves, are impacted by both the noise and the speed of these machines. By scaring wildlife away from prime foraging areas and causing them to expend important energy reserves, snowmobiles represent a significant strain on animals already stressed by harsh winter conditions. Snowmobile use conflicts with the visitor experiences of others. The whine and roar of snowmobiles disrupt the parks natural sights, sounds, and the very values that make Yellowstone special. The constant noise produced by these machines frightens wildlife and forces other visitors and park employees to wear earplugs. The haze that results from snowmobile exhaust also decreases visibility and restricts scenic views in certain parts of the Park, even clouding the spectacle of Old Faithful. Snowcoaches: the clear (and cleaner) alternative With an average 3 million visitors a year, Yellowstone is one of our nation's most popular parks. The Administration has an obligation to ensure the health and safety of Americans who visit the park, and snowcoaches provide that opportunity. Prior to announcing its decision in January of 2001, the Park Service weighed a number of options before determining that a phase out of snowmobiles in favor of an expanded snowcoach system was the only way to adequately ensure protection of parks resources and visitor health. Having operated in Yellowstone for four decades, the move toward an expanded snowcoach system would ensure adequate and equal public access while also protecting the park's clean air, unique wildlife, and visitor and employee health. Photo courtesy Tom Murphy; used with permission. Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club