Wilkinson relates how last winter Patty Kilderlen, executive director of the Livingston Chamber of Commerce and lifelong snowmobiler, came to personally realize that the overabundance of snowmobiles is destroying Yellowstone. During a lunch stop at Old Faithful last winter, she found herself deeply disturbed by the roar of hundreds of snowmobiles drowning out an eruption of Old Faithful. Wilkinson also goes on to recount how some gateway Chambers in the past have threatened Yellowstone Superintendent Michael Finley with political reprisal if he did not give in to their demands. The same tune is being played by politicians. Furthermore, in the Yellowstone Net discussion forums, a contributor recently pointed out Sen. Thomas' incredible claim that two-stroke snowmobile engines do not cause pollution.
Snowmobiles can provide immense entertainment, but they have their proper place and context.
If you have a story to contribute to this column, email me . For more information about my book, College Guide to a Summer Job in Yellowstone, click here . This is my first column about the incredible people I have met who have worked in Yellowstone Park. In Yellowstone . I guess the best way to start this is by talking about my god-daughter April who is on the book's cover.