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Posted by Ballpark Frank (99.197.42.18) on 09:06:45 11/30/11
In Reply to: Doug, you did a great job of capsulizing a macro-issue posted by Ballpark Frank
Doug,
I had intended to include this in my first post, but neglected to.
On the subject of our hubris, regarding resource management issues, here is something most environmental groups, particularly the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, would not enjoy hearing.
A few years back, in the midst of the ongoing battle over snowmobiles in Yellowstone, Dr. Jim Halfpenny, noted tracking expert, Yellowstone Association Institute instructor, and owner of A Naturalist's World, told us that in his experience, we disturb/displace wildlife much more in winter when we go off into the backcountry on our skinny skis (guilty as charged). Snowmobile activity is confined to the roads and developed areas, whereas skiers can wander all over the place. Ever since Jim said that, I have consciously observed wildlife behavior in the Yellowstone winter, and I have to agree with him. Many of the roadside critters are somewhat habituated to the traffic, whether over-snow vehicles in the interior or traffic between Gardiner and Cooke City. Those far away from the road do not expect to encounter humans, and they react accordingly.
(On a personal level, I have not inserted myself in any meaningful way into the winter use issue. I figure there is plenty of advocacy on both sides. They don't need me, and that frees me up to tilt at other windmills.)
Ballpark
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