Snowmobile ban chills business

A ruling requiring cleaner machines has kept down the crowds, merchants say.
WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. (AP) -- Getting a table at Bullwinkle's Saloon & amp; Restaurant is easy this winter. So is finding a room at any local motel -- if they're still open.
This town just outside Yellowstone National Park and largely dependent on park visitors is much quieter than normal, and for many residents, the mood is bleaker.
Although snowmobiles still cruise the powdery streets of the self-proclaimed "snowmobile capital of the world," the numbers are far below those in previous years.
Residents blame it on a federal judge's ruling that reversed Yellowstone's snowmobile rules just hours before the start of the season in December and on the confusion and uncertainty that have surrounded the issue for months.
"Just tell them: Yellowstone is open and West Yellowstone is open," said Jackie LaFever, from behind the bar at Bullwinkle's Saloon & amp; Restaurant.
Ruling
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan put a cloud over the town's economic outlook when he ruled that the National Park Service had to revive a Clinton-era plan that banned snowmobiles from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
The rules, originally scrapped by the Bush administration in favor of cleaner machines, favor mass-transit snow coaches, which would reduce pollution in the parks. Although a limited number of snowmobiles will be allowed to enter this winter, all will have to be part of commercially guided trips.
Perhaps none of the towns around the park are feeling the economic pinch as much as West Yellowstone, which historically has been the most popular gate for entering Yellowstone in winter.
Town officials are trying to figure out what happens to West Yellowstone and its businesses if Judge Sullivan's ruling withstands an appeal.
The not-knowing is the worst part, said Bill Howell, whose business includes snowmobile rentals, a hotel and restaurant. "I haven't really thought about next year," he said. "How can you?"
No customers
Howell, whose total fleet numbers 137 machines, was among those who invested in cleaner snowmobiles that could meet the Bush plan standards. His limit in the park is now 35 a day, but there haven't been many takers so far.
"I haven't been able to fill those all days because people aren't coming," said Howell, who also rents machines to people who want to ride snowmobiles outside Yellowstone. "You can't survive with what they're proposing."
Snowmobile businessman Kent Swanson agrees. He said he may have to file for bankruptcy if he can't generate more revenue and attract more riders.
On average, Swanson said only about half his 46-snowmobile fleet is rented each day. Swanson, too, said he got back in the snowmobile rental business specifically because he anticipated a profit before the change.
Cheers, boos
Conservationists cheered the federal changes and say they offer all visitors a chance to see Yellowstone without the buzz of so many snowmobiles.
"I think once things settle down, it will be good for the economy," said Betsy Robinson, a guide based in Bozeman who takes trips into the park.
In town, many business owners paint a different picture.
Some restaurants like The Gusher have scaled back hours. A few motels are closed. And the Food Roundup, a local grocery, recently laid off three part-time workers and a full-time worker.
Linda Heyes, coordinator of job and social services, said job openings have been down "dramatically."