<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="MS Exchange Server version 6.5.7654.12"> <TITLE>Vista project at other Park</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY>  Shenandoah Natural Resource Fact sheet states: "The many named overlooks and drive- by vistas present along Skyline Drive are well known and loved by Park visitors. Every overlook and drive- by vista exists because of a down- slope area of vegetation removal known as the “ vista clearing zone”. Vista clearing zones need periodic clearing to maintain the associated lines of sight. This work is challenging and hazardous to do by hand, because of the extremely steep slopes, thick vegetation, and unstable footing. For this reason the Park currently maintains vista clearing zones with broadcast herbicide application. In some cases, fire is used to maintain the clearings. The Natural and Cultural Resources Division has worked with the Maintenance Division to survey all of the vistas for species of concern, and special arrangements are made for any vista clearing zone that is close to sensitive plant communities or populations. Furthermore, routine clearing operations have been suspended when particular species of exotic plants have been identified at the vista. In those cases work is concentrated on removing the exotics and limiting their spread. A Vista Management Plan was prepared in 1982 but it is outdated and needs to be revised." My guess is that _if_ Yellowstone has such a plan it is similarly obsolete or not acted upon.  I'm sure traditional views in Yellowstone would be similarly loved _if_ visitors could only see them today!  Viewsheds need to be restored and then preserved for future generations.  Precedent exists, at the very least as shown by Shenandoah, so I suggest getting together to prod some action.  Those on this list who agree please file a written comment with US Dept of Interior <A HREF="http://www.doi.gov/contact.html">http://www.doi.gov/contact.html</A> .  The subject should also be brought up in face-to-face meetings.  Squeaky wheels get grease, especially from above! Thanks, Udo Freund </BODY> </HTML>