Posted 7-21-08

Governor Remains Concerned About Sylvan Pass Agreement

Cheyenne, Wyo. (Office at the Governor) -- The National Park Service today amended its record of decision on winter access to Yellowstone National Park through Sylvan Pass to indicate that the pass will remain open in winter.

On hearing the news today, Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued the following statement:

"I'm pleased that the Record of Decision has been amended to ultimately reflect the Sylvan Pass Study Group's goal to keep Yellowstone's East Gate open for motorized winter access to the park. However, I still have concerns about Sylvan Pass remaining predictably and consistently open in the future. The language that causes me specific concern states that while the pass will remain open from Dec. 22 through March 1, it is conditioned by "weather related constraints and National Park Service fiscal, staff, infrastructural, equipment, and other safety-related capacities." I hope in the future the Park Service will not use this vague language as justification for closing Sylvan Pass. We look forward to working with the Service to keep the pass open so that businesses in Park County can rely on continued winter access going forward."