Debate: Ban on snowmobiles in US national parks

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Should snowmobiles be banned in US national parks?

Background and context

Snowmobiles are widely used in many US national parks where snow falls in the winter. Yet, with the popularity of the sport growing, particularly in parks such as Yellowstone, questions have arisen regarding the environmental impacts as well as noise pollution. Is this recreational activity legitimate, or should it be banned? See the below article for more background.

• "Snowmobiling in Yellowstone. Where the Arctic cats roam". The Economist. Feb 7th 2008

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Parks mission: Are the national parks for preservation or enjoyment?

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Yes

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No

• National parks are for people to enjoy; snowmobiling qualifies.

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Noise pollution: Do snowmobiles cause noise pollution?

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Yes

• Snowmobiles cause noise pollution.

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No

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Air pollution: Do snowmobiles cause significant air pollution?

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Yes

• Snowmobiles cause air pollution.

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No

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Flora/Fauna: Does snowmobiling have adverse effects on flora and fauna?

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Yes

• Snowmobiles have adverse effects on flora and fauna.

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No

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Bison migrations: Does snowmobiling have harmful effects on bison migrations?

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Yes

• Road-grooming for snowmobiling causes harmful bison migrations Daniel Dustin. "Ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park". Parks & Recreation. June, 2003 - "Exacerbating the situation is what some scientists believe to be a direct link between the grooming of Yellowstone's roadways for snow traffic and the increased ease with which bison move in and out of the park. In recent years, many of the bison have been infected with brucellosis, a highly contagious disease that threatens domesticated livestock outside the park. Fear of contamination has resulted in the killing of large numbers of bison when wandering beyond the protective boundary of Yellowstone into Montana."

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No

Click on the pencil icon and research and write arguments here

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Pro/con resources

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Yes

• Daniel Dustin. "Ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park". Parks & Recreation. June, 2003

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No

• Stop the Yellowstone Snowmobile Ban. Online Petition

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