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  • Showing posts with label Stream Access. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label Stream Access. Show all posts

    Wednesday, May 13, 2020

    Under The Radar

    A DEEP DIVE
    Trespass Or Not
    private vs. public interest
    PRIVATE LAND - PUBLIC TRAIL
    -------  
    .. Percolating under the corona-time and, becoming more of local interest than it should be, is the ongoing battle for access to isolated public lands.
    THE SHORE OF UPPER TWIN LAKE
    .. A couple of years ago the concerns were of national interest. Now they have become submerged by the political climate, a pandemic and, the malaise/fear of our population. AND, in truth, all politics is local. But the access question is still national and urgent.
    .. We refreshed our memory with a re-read of a seminal piece by Monte Reel. It details the continuing saga of access and ownership and development in the Crazy Mountains, [READ IT.]
    .. The U.S. Forest Service just announced, in a news release,  that the Porcupine Ibex Trail will be open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers on Friday, more than a year and a half after it was first proposed. The 2.7 miles of new trail will connect the Porcupine Cabin Trailhead to the North Fork Elk Creek Trail, [ READ IT - 2.]
    .. Since last fall there has been development on private plots that use public access to facilitate construction ingress and egress, [READ IT - 3.]
    .. In a rare, and mostly unseen, online letter, Kate Gervais reminds us all about the actions of out-of-state land owners and their hiding in the shadow of Greg Gianforte. Indeed, actions do speak louder than words, [READ IT - 4.]
    .. As bad as it is - right now. And as bad as it is going to be - we should keep our eyes on the many balls we were juggling previously.
    -----  
    .. Food prices are climbing. Gas prices are slowly dropping, (within the West Yellowstone Cartel.) Yes it's true all the prices are the same; after all only three families own all six gas stations. One family owns 3 -my, my, my. Just where is our FTC or ICC?
    ------- 
    .
    WALLPAPER: JUST TOO PRETTY TO BURN !!

    Friday, February 24, 2012

    Speed Bump

    RAMIFICATIONS TO FOLLOW
    Champagne Flowing In Billings
    fast & loose lost

    -------
    .. Yesterday the Supreme Court of the United states handed down a decision in the case of PPL Montana vs. State of Montana.
    .. As of this moment Montana probably owns less river bottom than it thought. As of this moment there is great celebration in the PPL offices in Billings, Montana. As of this moment fly fishers and other recreational users of Montana's waters have some worries. As of this moment the courts in Montana have the herculean task of trying to be a bit more considered in their application of laws and precedents. As of this moment it seems that the law of the land has been changed regarding the definition of navigability. As of this moment there may be fewer rivers where access is legal because of the navigability precedent.
    .. You can read all about the concerns:
    -- MidCurrent - HERE,
    -- Moldy Chum - HERE,
    -- Chi Wulff - HERE,
    -- FOAM - HERE,
    -- LOGARCHISM -  HERE,
    -- GOOGLE SEARCH -  HERE.
    .. The legal stuff is also available:
    -- Legal Planet - HERE,
    -- Environmental Law Prof Blog - HERE,
    -- Thomas Merrill - HERE,
    -- Decision (PDF) - HERE.

    .. So, Batman, what's it all mean? Well, as in many Supreme Court cases, the high court has criticized the lower courts for playing fast and loose with the law and remanded the case for correction.
    .. Interestingly the test of ownership by navigability seems to have been glossed over by much of the post decision analysis. The test of navigability at the time of statehood could be a genuine ball buster if title and ownership questions arise about current water that was not in existence then. At present there is not a set precedent - YET.
    .. Finally it also means that fly fishers have just one more thing to worry about on the river and stream access front. Consensus seems to be that the Montana stream access law is not in immanent danger - we'll see: especially if the state does not have title to currently navigable waters that did not exist at time of statehood, (think Mitchell Slough, think the re-arranged Ruby River, etc.)
    .. We believe that the real import of this case will be felt for a long time. It takes no real genius to understand that "navigability," will be a concern in legal cases for several more decades and may really mean: PORTAGE THEN - PORTAGE NOW.  Now there's a can of wigglers for ya!
    -------

    Monday, November 07, 2011

    The Search Begins

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
    Open In About Six Weeks
    but not for fishing
    READY FOR A LONG WINTER'S NAP
    -------
    .. It's time for the neighbors to scatter. Scatter to those places where fish may be found for the next seven months as they wait for the season opening next Spring. It's not a real hardship - but it's a nuisance, gas prices being what they are.
    .. Yesterday; the final day of the season in Yellowstone National Park was gloomy, filled with flurries, moderately warm, (35° F,) but a bit blustery as the winds swirled and curled.
    .. We pulled out early, (about 3:30 PM,) after sticking an exceptionally small runner with a kype that would do a monster proud - and several residents that took a fly as big as their head.
    .. Off to the local pub to swap lies, plan winter strategies, and reminisce: It's entertaining to watch fish grow during the Winter.
    -------
    REMEMBER WHEN . . . . ?

    Thursday, March 24, 2011

    DOA ?

    HB 309 TABLED
    Thanks Are In Order
    celebrations may be premature 

    -------
    .. The odious "Ditch Bill" has been tabled in the Montana Senate Agriculture Committee. This is interim good news.
    .. Now then, those of you who wrote letters, made phone calls, or sent emails - DO IT AGAIN!
    .. Thank the party you wrote to. Express your gratitude at sanity prevailing in this bizarre legislative session. The thank you's are just about as important as the call to arms. Don't let it slide.
    .. A tabled bill is not dead! Repeat; "A TABLED BILL IS NOT DEAD!" Sneak attacks are possible at the last minute when they think you're not looking. Write those letters. Let them know that you are watching.
    .. Read the news and analysis at these sites:
    ==> Chi Wulff,
    ==> Will Fish For Work,
    ==> Tight Line Adventures.
    -------
    .. Brookings pictures to follow.
    Photo courtesy of G.M. Craeg

    Wednesday, March 09, 2011

    Are They Listening ?

    SENATE COMMITTEE
    HEARS FROM PUBLIC
    Vote To Follow
    we can say it no better.
     
    -------
    .. The shouting is over. Opponents of HB 309 caused headlines. The Montana Senate and The Governor should be listening.
    .. The committee must now deliberate and vote. We're waiting. There are better reports from Helena, Montana than we can write. Read them below:

    ===> Report, WILL FISH FOR WORK,
    ===> Report, NBC MONTANA, (with video,)
    ===> First person report, THE HEADHUNTER,
    ===> Google search, Montana HB 309.
    .. And that's the way it is.
    -------

    Tuesday, March 08, 2011

    Lighting The Fires

    LETTERS AND COMMENTS
    Read 'Em & Smile
    the statehouse is crackling
    *************
    RALLY IN HELENA TODAY: 2 PM

    -------
    .. It's not a firestorm yet but Montanans are coming alive in newspapers and in person.
    .. Today is the Montana Senate hearing on HB 309. Shortly news of the results will be in the papers and on the Web. Audio and video will be available by tomorrow or the next day. T.V. will be the first to report it.
    .. Live streaming video may be available. Click THIS PAGE now. We'll keep you informed. In the meantime check the following:
    *******
    ===> Flathead Area Representatives for HB 309, read the comments in the FLATHEAD BEACON,
    ===> LaVerne Sultz Response, FLATHEAD BEACON,
    ===> T.U. Letter in BOZEMAN CHRONICLE,
    ===> The Lorax speaks:
    ..... Chi Wulff,
    ..... Missoulian, (Senator Barrett - Dillon,)
    ..... Montana Standard, (Senator Barrett - Dillon,)
    ===> NBC Montana, (poor summary,)
    ===> Trout Underground, (good reporting,)
    ===> Summary & call to arms; Will Fish For Work.
    ===> Call in the Cavalry !!! at Chi Wulff.
    -------
    .

    Monday, February 28, 2011

    Just Plain Scary

    CLICK FOR INFORMATION
    HB 309 Poop
    do it now or forever hold your tongue
    -------
    .. Despite the outcry from fisher folk this obnoxious bill is trundling along like an out of control steamroller. Opponents of the bill have noted that the response from the interested public is "satisfactory."
    .. "SATISFACTORY" is not what is needed! Words like 'enormous' and 'overwhelming' would be more to our liking.
    .. Send a letter now. Make a telephone call now. Send an email now. This insidious push to remove  access to the public-owned waters of Montana will continue if the response is only "satisfactory."
    .. Below are listed some recent blog posts, news articles, and other information that will help you understand the issue. Also listed are a few key addresses for your use.
    -------
    ==> Interview with Montana T.U. Conservation Director Mark Aegenes @ Chi Wulff.

    ==> Dirty Dozen threats to Montana's rivers and access still alive in the current legislative session @ Chi Wulff.

    ==> Ranchers Strike Back At Stream Access in The Flathead Beacon.

    ==> The debate in Helena: from KPAX.com.

    ==>Passage of the ditch bill from the Helena Independant Record.

    ==> Representative Welborn's rationale for sponsoring the bill and what the language "really" means. From his lips.

    ==> Post from The Shooting Head in Washington - good plan of action.
    -------
    .. Now that the senate has the bill we need to let the senators in Helena know our feelings. Provide them with the sane and rational reasons to defeat this bill. Here's a list:
    .....
    SD 01: Chas Vincent (R)
34 Paul Bunyan Lane
Libby, MT 59923

    293-3839 / Cvvincent@hotmail.com

    SD 02: Ryan Zinke (R)
409 West 2nd Street
 Whitefish, MT 59937

    862-0823 / Ryanzinke@yahoo.com

    SD 03: Bruce Tutvedt (R)
2335 West Valley Drive 
Kalispell, MT 59901

    257-9732 / Tutvedt@montanasky.us

    SD 04: Jon Sonju (R)
PO Box 2954
 Kalispell, MT 59903

    270-7113 / Sonjumt@yahoo.com

    SD 05: Verdell Jackson (R)
555 Wagner Ln
 Kalispell, MT 59901

    756-8344 / vjack@centurytel.net

    SD 06: Carmine Mowbray (R)
PO Box 1202 
Polson, MT 59860

    883-4677 / clarity@cyberport.net

    SD 07: Greg Hinkle (R)
5 Gable Road
 Thompson Falls, MT 59873

    827-4645 / ccwhi@blackfoot.net

    SD 08: Shannon Augare (D)
PO Box 2031
 Browning, MT 59417

    450-0020 / Shannonjaugare@aol.com

    SD 09: Rick Ripley (R)
8920 Highway 200
 Wolf Creek, MT 59648

    Ripleys@3rivers.net

    SD 10: Bradley Hamlett (D)
PO Box 49 
Cascade, MT 59421

    264-5885 / Wranglergallery@hotmail.com

    SD 11: Anders Blewett (D)
PO Box 2807
 Great Falls, MT 59403

    231-8618 / Anders.blewett@gmail.com

    SD 12: Mitch Tropila (D)
PO Box 929 
Great Falls, MT 59403

    899-3474 / tropila@mt.net

    SD 13: Edward Buttrey (R)
27 Granite Hill Lane
 Great Falls, MT 59405

    250-5103 / ebuttrey@cteq.com

    SD 14: Llew Jones (R)
1102 4th Avenue South West
 Conrad, MT 59425

    271-3104 / Lcjones@3rivers.net

    SD 15: Jim Peterson (R)
1250 Buffalo Canyon Road
 Buffalo, MT 59418

    374-2277 / jpranch@ttc-cmc.net

    SD 16: Jonathan Windy Boy (D)
Box 269
 Box Elder, MT 59521

    395-4718 / Windyboy_j@yahoo.com

    SD 17: Rowlie Hutton (R)
2 Lila Drive
 Havre, MT 59501

    hutton4senate@yahoo.com

    SD 18: John Brenden (R)
PO Box 970
 Scobey, MT 59263

    783-5394 / senatorbrenden@gmail.com

    SD 19: Donald Steinbeisser (R)
11918 County Road 348 
Sidney, MT 59270

    433-2187 / Donstein@midrivers.com

    SD 20: Frederick Moore (R)
487 Signal Butte Road
 Miles City, MT 59301

    234-3562 / elmoore@midrivers.com

    SD 21: Sharon Peregoy (D)
PO Box 211 
Crow Agency, MT 59022

    639-2198 / apsaalookewoman@yahoo.com

    SD 22: Taylor Brown (R)
775 Squaw Creek Road
 Huntley, MT 59037

    348-2070 / Taylor@northernbroadcasting.com

    SD 23: Alan Olson (R)
18 Halfbreed Creek Rd 
Roundup, MT 59072

    323-3341 / Ajolson@midrivers.com

    SD 24: Kim Gillan (D)
750 Judicial Avenue
 Billings, MT 59105

    248-6063 / Glonky@aol.com

    SD 25: Kendall Van Dyk (D)
PO Box 441 
Billings, MT 59103

    690-1728 / Kendallvandyk@gmail.com

    SD 26: Lynda Moss (D)
552 Highland Park Drive 
Billings, MT
    59102
252-7318 / Lyndamoss@imt.net

    SD 27: Gary Branae (D)
415 Yellowstone Avenue 
Billings, MT 59101

    245-2127 / Garybranae@gmail.com

    SD 28: Jeff Essmann (R)
2101 Grand Ave #5 
Billings, MT 59108

    259-8404 / Jeff@jeffessmann.com

    SD 29: Edward Walker (R)
4221 Rimrock Road 
Billings, MT 59106

    697-6967 / ewalker@edwalker2010.com

    SD 30: Jason Priest (R)
PO Box 743
 Red Lodge, MT 59068

    425-0674 / jason@priest2010.com

    SD 31: Ron Arthun (R)
285 Shields River Road
 Wilsall, MT 59086

    578-2340 / ronarthun@gmail.com

    SD 32: Larry Jent (D)
506 East Babcock 
Bozeman, MT 59715

    587-1210 / larry@imt.net

    SD 33: Bob Hawks (D)
703 West Koch Street
 Bozeman, MT 59715

    587-1403 / R_hawks@imt.net

    SD 34: Joe Balyeat (R)
6909 Rising Eagle Road 
Bozeman, MT 59715

    539-5547 / Joebalyeat@yahoo.com

    SD 35: Art Wittich (R)
3116 Sourdough Road
 Bozeman, MT 59715

    585-7418 / art@wittich4senate.com

    SD 36: Debby Barrett (R)
18580 Highway 324 
Dillon, MT 59725

    681-3177 / Grt3177@smtel.com

    SD 37: Steven Gallus (D)
2319 Harvard Avenue 
Butte, MT 59701

    494-3914 / Steve.gallus@gmail.com

    SD 38: Jim Keane (D)
2131 Wall Street
 Butte, MT 59701

    723-8378

    SD 39: Terry Murphy (R)
893 Boulder Cut Off Road
 Cardwell, MT 59721

    285-6937 / murphter5@yahoo.com

    SD 40: Mary Caferro (D)
PO Box 1036 
Helena, MT 59624

    443-4066 / Marycaferro@gmail.com

    SD 41: Christine Kaufmann (D)
PO Box 1566
 Helena, MT 59624

    439-0256 / Kaufmann@mt.net

    SD 42: Dave Lewis (R)
5871 Collins Rd
 Helena, MT 59602

    458-5511 / Davelewisd@aol.com

    SD 43: Gene Vuckovich (D)
1205 West Third Street
 Anaconda, MT 59711

    563-2313 / genev@q.com

    SD 44: Bob Lake (R)
PO Box 2096 
Hamilton, MT 59840

    363-4091 / Lakemill@montana.com

    SD 45: Jim Shockley (R)
PO Box 608
Victor, MT 59875

    642-6647

    SD 46: Carol Williams (D)
3533 Lincoln Hills Point
 Missoula, MT 59802

    728-8735 / Cwilliams@montanadsl.net

    SD 47: Ron Erickson (D)
3250 Pattee Canyon Road
 Missoula, MT 59803

    549-4671 / Nancron@aol.com

    SD 48: Tom Facey (D)
418 Plymouth
 Missoula, MT 59801

    728-6814 / facey_tom@hotmail.com

    SD 49: Dave Wanzenried (D)
903 Sky Dr
 Missoula, MT 59804

    543-2775 / daveew@gmail.com

    SD 50: Cliff Larsen (D)
8925 LaValle Creek Road
 Missoula, MT 59808

    728-1601 / Cliff@larsenusa.com
    .............
    .. If you need inspiration for a letter or email check out the one written by Wayne Mumford over at WILL FISH FOR WORK.
    ..........
    .. Fishing and catching ends on the wade section of the Madison River today, (February 28, 2011.) It's time to let the fish cavort and indulge in sexual shenanigans. Only the section between the lakes is now open. With the return of a few sunny & warm, (20's,) days the midges should return with a vengeance. We'll let you know.
    -------
    .

    Monday, February 21, 2011

    Ex Post Facto

    WATCH 'EM IN ACTION
    The Reps On The Floor
    and in committee
    (P.S. snow for a few days)

    -------
    .. If you'd like to watch the public floor show that the Montana House of Representatives put on about HB 309 you can CLICK HERE. If you want to listen to it CLICK HERE.
    .. Should you be interested enough to watch the Montana House of Representatives Agriculture Committee address this bill CLICK HERE. If you want to listen to it CLICK HERE. The committee session includes interested-party testimony.
    .. These are long media clips provided by the State of Montana and should allow you to see the House of Representatives in action. The floor session is about 37 minutes long. The committee session is about 1 hour and 16 minutes long. [Requires RealPlayer.]
    .. The first half of the committee session is given over to proponents of HB 309.
    .. The time markers for opponents of the bill & of interest to fly fishers are:
    ==> Montana Wildlife Federation =  @ 25 minutes and 57 seconds,
    ==> Montana DFWP legal counsel = @ 29 minutes,
    ==> Montana Trout Unlimited = @ 37 minutes and 30 seconds,
    ==> Clark Fork Coalition = @ 45 minutes and 20 seconds.
    .. When the Senate media becomes available we'll let you know. 
    .. If you're up for a real YUK check out the Montana Cowgirl Post on Nutjob Bills in this current legislative session.
    -------
    *P.S.
    .

    Friday, February 18, 2011

    The Good Fight

    ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL
    Please Take Heed
    -------
    .. Over the last three weeks we've spent the better part of two months rent on gasoline and motel bills, (and not fished for more than about 6 hours.) We've visited with some friends, neighbors, relatives and politicos.
    .. We've traipsed from door to door and from staffer to staffer. We've visited with elected and appointed officials. We are disheartened and enlightened.
    .. Under normal circumstances Helena, Montana would not be our choice of midwinter destinations; however this is decidedly not normal. The Montana State Legislature is in session, (once every two years,) and our seat of government is burbling with conversation ranging from medical marijuana to fishing in ditches.
    .. Unless you've been asleep at the switch, you know about the ludicrous attempt by the Montana House of Representatives to redefine public water into private water. HB 309 is a top player in any search engine right now. Even blogs and images make the hit list. And they should.
    .. We talked to our Representatives and Senators, (a perquisite of old age,) and visited with many staff persons.
    .. We also visited with some DFWP servants and can now provide you with some enlightening news. The old adage "All politics is local," is the watchword in Helena.
    .. While every person we talked with is acutely aware of the mini maelstrom surrounding this bill, they are also aware of the seeming nonchalance from citizens of the State of Montana and the deep concern of citizens from other states.
    .. It may seem callous to note that there is, apparently, more concern from outside our borders than inside. We are awakened and a bit startled!
    .. Our elected representatives need to hear from the citizens of Montana. Newspapers, Television, Blogs, and other "media" can only spotlight the issue. Citizens, however, must make their voice heard.
    .. If you've never done it before, do it now! Write a letter, make a phone call, (or if you must send an email.) Our legislators need to hear from you. The more personal the form of communication, the more effective it is.
    .. An email works. A letter from a constituent carries more weight. A personal visit is truly a heavy vote. And remember, there are people with a lot more money than us that have daily access to the law makers.
    .. Although not a certainty, it looks like our Senate will drown this obnoxious piece of legislation. Write to your Senators and give them the reasons for doing so. Let them know that the citizens of Montana are as concerned as the citizens from other states.
    .. For an excellent summation of the issue check out "Will Fish For Work." See also the interesting post in Chi Wolf!
    .. Be direct, polite, and informed. Senators listen to cogent arguments: they can use them themselves.
    .. Our Senator in SD 35 is Art Wittich: Phone = 406-444-4800, Email = senatorwittich@montana.com. It's going to be interesting to see the votes of the Senators. We've already seen the votes of the Representatives!
    -------
    .

    Tuesday, May 04, 2010

    Clarified Closure

    FOR THE EARLY SEASON
    Attention Nez Perce Fans
    streamside only 'til june 15

    -------
    .. Instead of the frequent and temporary signs in this area for the early season, the bear management team has posted a permanent closure prior to June 15, 2010.
    .. You can still fish but you should carry bear spray, take a friend, and sing ribald songs in your best and loudest falsetto.
    .. The park bear closure warning page is HERE. The official PDF map is HERE.
    -------
    .

    Saturday, May 01, 2010

    Plan Carefully

    BEARS, CONSTRUCTION, CONFUSION
    Early Season Closures
    don't be disappointed
    29 days and counting

    -------
    .. Early season fishing in Yellowstone National Park is about as good as it can get. The catching is pretty spectacular as well.
    .. If your plans include visiting the park prior to June 30, 2010 you need to be aware of the streams and areas that are open and those that are closed.
    .. With the increasing bear populations come additional and longer closures. Many of these closures are in the stream valleys that previously were classic Spring haunts for fly fishers.
    .. The bear management closures are detailed on a web page at the YNP site: LINK.
    .. These areas are shown on the map below, (right where you want to be.) In some of the closed areas provision is made for "Streamside Use." In some areas travel is limited to parties of four or more.
    .. Local "temporary" closures are well signed. In recent years the Fountain Freight Road and the Nez Perce Creek Meadows have been occasionally closed. These closures are regularly patrolled by law enforcement rangers, and warnings are not the norm !!

    -------
    .. The road construction along the Gibbon River continues this year with similar hours and closures as last year, (closed at 10:00 PM - open at 8:00 AM.)
    .. The Biscuit Basin Parking Lot will be closed for repairs to the boardwalk and steam vent replacements.
    .. Road conditions and closures are detailed on the YNP web site HERE. This page is regularly updated as conditions change.
    .. With the recent passage of the restrictive stream access law in Utah, Yellowstone Park and it's gateway communities are expecting additional visitation from that state's disenfranchised anglers.
    .. Early Spring access and pressure promises to be a circus of confusion, congestion, and elbow mania. Planning will go a very long way toward alleviating parking problems, stream access, and in-stream anxiety.
    .. Fishing regulations can be found HERE (PDF.)

    -------
    .. Wader-friendly lodging is filling up fast. If you plan to stay where conversation and amenities are in keeping with your mind set, now is the time to make your reservations.
    .. A phone call or two will acquaint you with the tying bench contents, expertise, and other things that make your time off the water a bit more endurable.
    .
    .

    Saturday, February 27, 2010

    The Invisible Hand

    ADAM SMITH NEVER MET
    A SNOWMACHINE
    The Broth Of Contention
    who gets to visit the park ?
    -------
    .. For over 15 years a battle in the courts, on the streets, in the press, and in the halls of congress has raged.
    .. It has been contested by special interest groups of all stripes: bison interests, concession interests, snowmobile interests, park interests, environmentalists all!
    .. They have battled about the kind and number of "over-the-snow" vehicles that should be 'allowed' into Yellowstone National Park during the 'winter season.'
    .. The tunnel vision of the many and diverse groups enjoined in the battle has pushed the discussion to the absurd notion that: "the number of snowmobiles that enter the park is a solution to winter access."
    .. This is a classic example of the Law of Unintended Consequences. Despite the wonderfully human hubristic notion that we can control the world around us, the audacity is overwhelming; and by pretending to do what's best for the park, the consequence is to reduce access to only those able to afford the skyrocketing prices for a visit.
    .. Not a single position paper, legal decision, or environmental argument has seriously addressed the sensible notion that a plowed road is the best access to Yellowstone National Park.
    .. The current situation, in winter, is a consequence of assuming that over-the-snow travel is best. So now, fewer and fewer, richer and richer, visitors are 'allowed' in the park. The invisible hand strikes again.
    .. Concessionaires love the affluent traveler. "Upscale" is a source of constant excitement in the shadowed rooms of hotel offices, tour companies, chambers of commerce, and merchants of gateway communities.
    .. Advocates of diesel belching buses on tracks are revolted by the term "elitist;" yet there it is. The park in winter is returning to it's railroad-driven roots.
    .. Bring the rich. Herd the rich to the right places. Tell them entertaining stories. Take their money, send them away, and call it the "Yellowstone Experience."
    .. Today shepherds on sleds herd their flocks to "THE ATTRACTIONS" and work on a time schedule that leaves little time for personal exploration or just pausing to admire the wonders. Of course, maybe the rich enjoy being herded for a change.
    .. Bus drivers become 'guides' in a quick seminar where the NPS provides the current emphasis and stories for telling.
    .. The rich are gulled into believing that traveling over the snow in a 60-year-old vehicle is part of the 'true' Yellowstone Experience. Certainly far better than driving your own car and enjoying the park with your own family.
    ---
    .. There is now a movement afoot to try to dissuade the National Park Service from it's predisposition toward over-the-snow travel. It's been whispered in this town for over 30 years. It's been spoken out loud for the last five or so years.
    .. It has now reached a formal position in: PLOWYELLOWSTONE.org. Mostly, this is a West Yellowstone initiative, however it has adherents at the south & north entrances as well.
    .. And, as you know, the road from Mammoth to Silvergate is a year-round road.
    .. We suggest that you visit the website and read about the rationale behind this thought.
    .. We know that many of our neighbors in Bozeman, Idaho Falls, Ennis, Pocatello, and Salt Lake City would enjoy a personal visit to Yellowstone without the mandatory imposition of an expensive "guided, over-the-snow, experience."
    .. At $100/day/person, (or more,) the current structure of park access certainly mitigates against large families of most economic stripes. It certainly discourages the not too affluent visitor with 3 children.
    .. There is a public comment period for the next 30 days that will allow you to voice your opinion about the winter use plan in Yellowstone National Park.
    .. Too many people fail to use the opportunity because they have become jaded about the outcomes of the process. But as they say in Chicago: vote early and vote often.
    -------
    .. What has this to do with fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park? We've heard whispers from very influential people that the best way to preserve the fishing experience in Yellowstone is to increase the cost of the fishing permit, AND add a surcharge for each river, lake, or stream fished.
    .. Certainly $100/day/stream/rod could be afforded by many affluent visitors that fish the park. "It's the upscale crowd that we want!"
    .. We'll keep you posted.
    -------
    .