Proposed Winter Use Rule for Yellowstone Released For Public Comment

A proposed rule concerning winter use in Yellowstone National Park has been released for public review and comment.

The rulemaking process is in addition to, but separate from, the public review and comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the park’s winter use plan, which was released for public review and comment in early May.

The proposed rule was published today in the Federal Register, and is open for a 60-day public review and comment period through September 6, 2011.

The proposed rule and an electronic form on which to submit written comments are available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. You can find the proposed rule by conducting a “search for a proposed rule” and enter the keyword “Yellowstone.”

Written comments may be submitted through this website, in person, or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax, or email. No bulk comments will be accepted. Due to the project’s time schedule, the National Park Service will not entertain any requests to extend the comment period.

The public review and comment period on the Draft EIS closes July 18, 2011. Additional information on the Draft EIS is on the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yell.

Both the proposed rule and the Draft EIS are available on compact disc or in printed paper form. Request one in writing at: National Park Service, Management Assistant’s Office, P. O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.

The National Park Service intends to have a final EIS, a Record of Decision, and a final rule guiding winter use in place before the start of the 2011-2012 winter season.