Outfitters in the Jackson Hole area say a new plan for snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks would cause uncertainty for their businesses, even if the plan is adopted this coming November.  

The final environmental impact statement, released Monday, suggests Yellowstone allow 540 snowmobiles each day.

Concessionaires in the park say the plan offers little long-term stability because of lawsuits that have successfully challenged two snowmobile plans in the past.

The latest plan would likely face litigation, as well. The final environmental impact statement has detractors on all sides, most notably Shut Out of Yellowstone, a group of Cody residents who object to a recommendation that would close Sylvan Pass and the East Entrance of the park because of concerns about the cost and safety of avalanche control.

Jeff Golightly, general manager of Togwotee Mountain Lodge, said he appreciates the effort park personnel have put in to finding a compromise among user groups, but he said the plan would do little to help his business.

“Going forward, the likelihood that there is not going to be a lawsuit is about nil,” he said. “The idea that there is some stability is not realistic.”

Further, a decrease in the number of snowmobiles allowed through the South Entrance, from 256 to 185 per day, could mean a 20 percent reduction in the lodge’s winter business, he said. The lodge’s allocation would likely drop from 36 snowmobiles a day to about 28.

“That will definitely cap us on our busiest days,” he said. “The unfortunate thing is that most of us have already bought and paid for snowmobiles to run at full capacity.”

Flagg Ranch President Michael Perikly said a requirement instituted in 2004 that snowmobilers use professional guides in the park has cost a lot of business already. While the ranch, located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone, once ran about 85 unguided snowmobiles per day, its allocation went down to about 20 guided snowmobiles, which he now farms out to different companies. Perikly eventually sold off his sleds and closed the restaurant and other parts of the concession.

Unless the park allocates about 40 guided snowmobiles to Flagg Ranch, Perikly said business will likely decline even further. He agreed with Golightly that a lawsuit is likely inevitable.

“I can’t believe that the environmentalists will be happy with this,” he said.    

According to Mallory Smith, chief of business resources for Grand Teton National Park, concessionaires just want an end to the uncertainty.

“What they are looking for most is some kind of longer-term stability,” she said. “Whatever it is, they would like to have it in place for the long term.”

Smith said some new rules, like a provision allowing two-stroke engines in both directions on Grassy Lake Road, could provide opportunities for businesses.

“The operators are extraordinary at working it out under the conditions provided,” she said. “I do think there is good opportunity here.”

The environmental impact statement now goes to Mike Snyder, director of the National Park Service’s Intermountain Region, for a final decision, due out in mid-November.