Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis announced today that a $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of five snowmobilers who illegally entered the park along a remote section of the west boundary on Thursday, February 5, 2004. The snowmobilers entered the park in Idaho, passing within feet of a bright orange boundary marker and placard indicating that snowmobiles are not permitted.

Evidence indicates that these individuals rode over 45 miles into the park's backcountry across remote and pristine meadows, through steep avalanche-prone canyons, over frozen waterfalls and cascades, and off dangerous cliffs. The snowmobilers ran over and damaged numerous live trees along the way.

Rangers are actively working to locate the individuals responsible for this illegal and damaging activity. Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is encouraged to contact Yellowstone National Park Ranger Tom Schwartz at: 406-646-7315.

Similar to previous years, park rangers have noticed an increasing pattern of illegal snowmobile use along the park's western boundary. In one particular incident on January 10, 2004, two snowmobilers illegally entered the park and purposely drove through several meadows between the West Entrance and Madison Junction. Yellowstone National Park's Law Enforcement Office continues to investigate and follow up on information they have received specific to this case.

Rangers have increased boundary patrol efforts in an attempt to curtail illegal snowmobile use in Yellowstone's backcountry, logging more than 3,300 miles and 300 hours of staff time since December 15, 2003. Superintendent Lewis noted, "It is the responsibility of the individual snowmobiler to follow park rules and regulations concerning appropriate snowmobile use in the park. We will continue to strongly enforce park regulations to protect and preserve park resources."

Superintendent Lewis reminds all winter visitors that the use of oversnow vehicles off designated routes is prohibited. Recreational oversnow vehicle travel in Yellowstone National Park is allowed only by guided snowmobile tours or by commercial snowcoaches between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Information provided by the NPS