Too Little Snow for Low Elevation Snowmobiling
Jackson area damage reported
by Bridger-Teton National Forest news release
December 27, 2004
The Bridger-Teton National Forest reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile in a manner that damages the land, wildlife or vegetation on National Forest lands. With a lack of snow at lower elevations, snowmobilers need to ensure they are operating in areas with adequate snow cover. In particular, Cache Creek and Game Creek drainages near Jackson currently do not have adequate snow cover to support snowmobiles and snowmobilers are encouraged to avoid these and other low elevation drainages until we receive much more snow.
As a highlight to the problem of running over-the-snow vehicles under current snow-coverage conditions, snowmobile activity occurring on December 11th damaged vegetation and created a visible scar on the Forest within the Cache Creek drainage. This type of activity reflects poorly on other, more responsible snowmobile operators and disregards Forest regulations on over-the-snow travel.
Blake Clark, President of the Jackson Hole Snow Devils responded to news of this incident by stating, "Cache Creek is already a controversial area for snowmobiling. The BTNF has been working with all user groups to come up with a plan in order to protect an area that you can enjoy close to town. If you want to continue to be able to snowmobile in the Cache Creek Area be patient, wait for adequate snow cover and obey the rules that are in place."
For more information on suitable snowmobiling locations around Jackson Hole, please contact the Forest Service at 307-739-5400. The Forest Service is asking that anyone with information about the damage that occurred in Cache Creek to contact Forest Service Law Enforcement at 307-739-5573. Callers will remain anonymous.
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