CODY, WYOMING - Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks may not open on schedule for the winter season next month. That's because the Record of Decision on winter use in the parks was not signed Monday, November 19th, as legally required for a December 19th winter season opening.
Yellowstone spokesman Al Nash tells KULR 8 the National Park Service intends to make every effort to open the parks for the winter season as scheduled on December 19th. Nash said earlier the Record of Decision and the rules for the record of decision would have to be published in the federal register at least 30 days prior to the opening of the 2007 winter season, to allow enough time for public comments on the winter use plan.
The plan has drawn considerable criticism from Wyoming's governor, congressional delegation, and Cody community. The preferred plan would close Yellowstone's east gate to motorized use in the winter.
Park officials say avalanche danger on Sylvan Pass just inside the East Gate poses hazardous threats to visitors and park workers.