“Every year I have to explain to my urban colleagues the importance of snowmobiling to the Yellowstone community,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Snowmobiling plays a critical role in the local economy and provides access to public lands for thousands who wouldn’t otherwise have it.  Today, I urged Director Bomar to continue to support an industry that's important to Montana and a recreational opportunity that's important to all Americans.”

            The letter was cosigned by members of the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho congressional delegations. 

            “While we are obligated to preserve these parks for future generations, we feel there is also an obligation to the current generation to allow access to these public lands,” said Rehberg and cosigners in the letter.  “We believe that reasonably managed snowmobile use, which allows the public to enjoy some of our nation's most valued possessions, can be consistent with the goals of conservation and preservation.”

Letter:

The Honorable Mary Bomar

Director

National Park Service

1849 C Street NW

Washington, D.C.  20240

Dear Director Bormar:

We are writing to convey our concern for the continued public winter access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

As residents of the intermountain west we share a love of the outdoors and the beautiful lands our region offers.  As such, the preservation of our national parks is something we are deeply concerned about.  We recognize that these parks require skillful and careful management to ensure that future generations will experience these national treasures. 

While we are obligated to preserve these parks for future generations, we feel there is also an obligation to the current generation to allow access to these public lands.  We believe that reasonably managed snowmobile use, which allows the public to enjoy some of our nation's most valued possessions, can be consistent with the goals of conservation and preservation.  Therefore, we strongly encourage the Park Service to maintain a significant level of oversnow access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

We fully recognize this is a complex issue.  We appreciate the efforts of the Park Service thus far, and look forward to working with you on this important matter.

Sincerely,