2006 ORV Study

A survey and economic assessment of Off-Road Vehicle use in Wyoming.

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Review of Research Related to the Environmental Impact Statement for the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

Prepared by:
University of Wyoming
Institute for Environment and Natural Resources

Unlike most of the reports reviewed in this document, the major report on wildlife issues does not represent a collection and analysis of data, but rather it is an extensive review of current literature (Oliff et al, 1999) on the effects of winter recreation on wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area. The Kurz report (1998) on bison in the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone, however, does follow the format of the other reports, that is, in the collection and presentation of data.

In general, both reports offer valuable insights into the impact of winter use on the wildlife of Yellowstone. In the development of park management policies, however, it would be helpful either to conduct or to examine further studies, with more data on specific management questions. For example, it would be useful to identify, over time, critical habitat for the various sensitive species. And given the fact that wildlife may be particularly sensitive to weather and climate conditions--which change over the course of time. On-going monitoring would be extremely useful.

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Over-Snow Vehicle Sound Level Measurements

Conducted for the Winter Use Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.Memorial Parkway.

Prepared by:
John Daily
Jackson Hole Scientific Investigations, Inc.

This study of over-snow vehicle sound levels was conducted to provide new and additional information for preparation of the Winter Use Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. The pass-by sound level of a variety of over-snow vehicles was measured at operational speeds that would be experienced under normal use of the vehicles while in the national park units. The pass-by testing included four different types of snow coaches and various models of snowmobiles. All testing was conducted on the same day in the same location with the same terrain and background conditions.

Supplemental Sound Level Measurements

Snowmobile Survey

Prepared by:
Chelsey McManus, Roger Coupal, David Taylor
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wyoming

This report is a summary of the results from the 2000-2001 Wyoming Snowmobile survey. It combines the information from individual reports on three types of snowmobilers in Wyoming - nonresidents, residents and snowmobile outfitter clients. It is intended to illustrate the similarities and differences between Wyoming snowmobile trail user groups. Comprehensive, in-depth discussions of each of the groups can be found in their respective reports. However, this document is simply a combination and summary of these other reports to assist in comparisons between the Wyoming snowmobile trail users. The reader should consult the other individual reports for more detailed information on a specific snowmobile group.

Wyoming Snowmobile Executive Summary
Results from 2000-2001 Snowmobile Survey: Resident
Results from 2000-2001 Snowmobile Survey: Non-Resident
Results from 2000-2001 Snowmobile Survey: Outfitter Client
Results from 2000-2001 Snowmobile Survey: Outfiter Interviews

Determination of Snowcoach Emmisions Factor

Prepared by:
Southwest Research Institute
Chad S. Lela
Jeff J. White
James N. Carroll

As emissions standards grow more stringent and play a vital role in the operation of vehicles, information needs to be present for different classes of vehicles. While no regulations currently exist for over-snow vehicles, determination of which type of vehicle to operate is largely influenced by the emissions output of these vehicles. Snowcoaches are an "option" being considered in an environmental impact statement (EIS), as a winter transportation replacement for snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Since they are being considered, accurate emissions factors are needed to compare the relative impacts of these two types of vehicles.

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An Expert Opinion on the Reasonableness of the Cooperating Agencies’ Alternative #2 for Inclusion in the Yellowstone Winter Use SEIS

Prepared by:
Dr. Glenn Haas, Leader
Dr. Patrick Long
Dr. Richard Perdue
Dr. Donald Rodriguez
Dr. Marcella Wells

The Cooperating Agencies associated with the Yellowstone National Park Winter Use Plan have the opportunity to submit an alternative to the National Park Service for consideration in the court-ordered Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). Under the leadership of Wyoming State Parks, the Cooperating Agencies believed an expert opinion from professionals who could objectively and fairly examine the reasonableness of their alternative would be helpful. Wyoming State Parks thus contracted with a team of park, recreation, and tourism experts in mid-September 2001, with the charge to accomplish a rapid reasonableness assessment by October 30, 2001.

The project objective was to prepare an expert opinion on the reasonableness of the Cooperating Agencies’ Alternative 2 (CA#2) and to recommend ways to strengthen its soundness. This project did not involve an assessment of other past or current alternatives, nor was it intended to be an endorsement of one alternative over another.

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Wyoming's Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Prepared by:
John T. Keck, Director, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Overall, Wyoming supports the general concepts presented in Alternative 2. We believe the proposed actions presented in this alternative would adequately address the pertinent issues that were identified by the FEIS and DSEIS. The alternative, overall, provides the most reasonable balance between: 1) allowing appropriate public access on an individual level to an appropriate range of activities, and 2) providing adequate, appropriate and reasonable protection for the precious natural resources within the parks. We believe this balance fulfills the National Park Service’s dual obligation to conserve, while at the same time provide for the enjoyment of, park resources and values. While we believe Alternative 2 as presented in the DSEIS does a good job of balancing protection with access, we will offer suggestions in Section 2 of these comments in regards to how Alternative 2 could be further refined and improved to even better balance the solutions to issues.

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Appendix

ORV Permits

Prepared by:
Wyoming State Trails Program, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources

2002 was the first year the public had the opportunity to purchase an ORV (off road vehicle) permit. This report shows the number of permits sold per county. This is first year the State Trails Program issued 8465 permits during the period July 6th, 2002 thru October 2nd, 2002. The 2006 Report is also available.

Calendar Year 2002 - ORV Final Report

Calendar Year 2003 - ORV Final Report

Calendar Year 2004 - ORV Final Report

Calendar Year 2005 - ORV Final Report

Calendar Year 2006 - ORV Final Report

Calendar Year 2007 - ORV Final Report