<HTML><HTML>In response to Leslie Quinn's message "from one of the rabble," I'd like to chime in with the observation that while I have never been so fortunate as to have spent time in YNP in the winter, I have had the unfortunate experience of visiting state parks in my home state that are infested with ATV's, making such activities as picnicking, wildlife watching, or just hanging out pretty unpleasant.  My guess is that there are similarities.  It makes me sick to think of the noise, exhaust fumes, and general havoc snowmobiles must create at YNP. I have little sympathy for those whose need for adventure, or whatever it is, requires them to drive a private vehicle in a public park to the detriment of the environment as well as other park visitors.  The snowcoaches provide park access; if some percentage of park visitors chooses not to use them, that does not make the policy wrong.  Like most unpopular policies (anti-smoking, for example) this one will become the norm after some time has passed and it becomes clear that it won't be reversed.  For the record, I believe there should be a regularly scheduled bus shuttle service operating in the park during the summer season. Just one of the "armchair" rabble. Debby Stahl In a message dated 2/14/2005 7:25:44 PM Central Standard Time, ruthleslie@ispwest.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">A message from Leslie Quinn ruthleslie@ispwest.com In a recent post, Bob Berger says: "Let me summarize these snowcoach stats. Though typically brilliant rule making, the NPS has reduced the number of winter visitors to Yellowstone's interior by nearly two thirds." Bob, you say that like it's a bad thing! The park doesn't smell so bad now, there isn't the constant buzz in my ears all day, and the roads are smooth and a pleasure to drive on for the first time in years. The last two winters in the Park (my fourteenth and fifteenth) have been the nicest ever. And yes, I know, I'm being selfish, and what I like don't make me right. Just one of the rabble, Leslie _______________________________________________ Geysers mailing list Geysers@wwc.edu https://mailman.wwc.edu/mailman/listinfo/geysers </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>