As government officials argued inside the controversy that has stretched on for years, cool temperatures and snow on the mountaintops outside reminded them that winter, and another season of roaming bison, is not far away. Some officials and others questioned whether any of the proposed changes in last year's plan would take effect before bison started wandering out of park. The time is already past for a quarantine facility to be built this year that would allow bison testing negative for brucellosis to be kept alive, officials said. But Collins said officials at the highest level of the federal government have orders to work with Montana and he would be back soon with concrete plans to deal with other states if bison are allowed to feed in Montana. Beginning November 3, snow will be allowed to accumulate on park roadways in preparation for the winter season.
Winter oversnow road openings are dependent on sufficient snow.
On Wednesday, March 4, Norris Junction to Madison Junction, and Norris Junction to Canyon will close. All remaining groomed roads will close to oversnow vehicle use at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 1998. When the interior park roads close to automobile traffic on November 3, non-motorized travel in the form of bicycles, roller blades and roller skis, will be allowed as long as weather permits. Specific information on these types of activities can be obtained by contacting the park. Anyone interested in this new, emerging concept is invited to attend the workshop.