East Gate Closure

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By Penny Preston

Story Published: Sep 21, 2007 at 7:03 AM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 21, 2007 at 7:03 AM MDT

MAMMOTH - Wyoming’s senators say they’re shocked that Yellowstone officials are recommending closure of the park’s East Gate in the winter. Mike Enzi and John Borasso say the decision ignores public input.
At the end of the summer season, cars line up at Yellowstone’s East Gate. The cars will stop coming through the gate in a month or so, when the park closes for the summer season. But, this winter will be the last for motorized access here, if the preferred alternative is chosen in the final record of decision. In a meeting in Washington, Superintendant Suzanne Lewis told Wyoming’s senators the EIS released next Monday will recommend winter closure of the east gate to snowcoaches, and snowmobiles.
The senators, and Wyoming’s governor cried foul, after Lewis added cost as a reason for her decision, in addition to concerns about avalanche danger. Yellowstone Park Spokesman Al Nash told KULR 8, “Safety is paramount, but cost of different mitigation strategies is something we’ve looked at and talked about.” In his press release, Senator Borasso said Sylvan pass is safe, with no avalanche deaths there since motorized winter use started. He also accused Lewis of ignoring input from Cody and Wyoming.
Nash said a small number of people sent in comments on the proposed East Gate closure. But, “Of those who commented on Sylvan Pass, the majority commented in favor of continued over snow vehicle access on Sylvan Pass.” Hundreds of people came to meetings with park officials to urge the East gate be kept open in the winter. But, park spokesman Al Nash says other things must be considered. He explained, “We have a body of law, regulation, and now, over a decade of data, analysis, and modeling that have to combine in total.” Nash says the Park Service will take about a month to issue its record of decision, which may, or may not choose the preferred alternative. Nash told KULR 8 the rule making, which follows the record of decision must be complete by the time the park opens for it’s winter season December 19th.

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