Protecting Yellowstone is the responsibility of the American public. Yellowstone officials' winter use proposal is sparking some sharp reactions from area business owners, county officials, state politicians and even environmentalists. The Park Service has proposed the plowing of the roadway between West Yellowstone and Old Faithful during the winter months. This stretch of roadway is a popular route for snowmobilers who originate in West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone business owners, county officials and state politicians are concerned that the plowing of the roadway would hurt West Yellowstone's economy.
Environmentalists are concerned for other reasons.
Firstly, they are fearful that plowing the roadway will allow bison to more easily migrate outside the Park where they face danger from the Montana Department of Livestock. They are also concerned that plowing the roadway could lead to more animal fatalities from collisions with automobiles. It would appear that this counter-proposal, if serious, signals a new era among the counties, business owners and state politicians who have long opposed winter restrictions in Yellowstone. The private business community in the Yellowstone region, dependent upon Park tourism for economic growth, has long been at odds with the Park Service, whose job is to protect and preserve Yellowstone so that it can be enjoyed by Americans in future generations. It is refreshing to see the counties putting Yellowstone's health above profit margins.