Posted on Fri, Sep. 03, 2004
End to Snowmobile Ban in Parks Sought
ROBERT W. BLACK
Associated Press
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Attorneys for snowmobile manufacturers, winter resorts and other tourism-related ventures have asked a federal judge to permanently lift a snowmobile ban in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks so the businesses can have peace of mind about their survival.
U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer heard the request Thursday from the businesses, joined by the states of Montana and Wyoming. Their lawyers said action by Brimmer would prevent another federal judge, in Washington, D.C., from reinstituting the 2001 ban and creating economic uncertainty for the area.
(snip)
The Clinton administration ban, to take effect last winter, was set aside in early 2003 by the National Park Service to settle a lawsuit filed by snowmobile makers. Under the agreement, new rules were drafted to allow a limited number of snowmobiles inside the parks.
Brimmer's Washington colleague, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, overturned the regulations and ordered the ban to begin this year. Brimmer set aside Sullivan's decision in February.
(snip/...)
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/consumer_news/9572453.htm (Free registration required)