*** BLUERIBBON ALERT *** BLUERIBBON ALERT *** BLUERIBBON ALERT ***
Dear Subscriber:

Last night, March 25, Peter Jennings on ABC World News Tonight aired a vicious attack "news" segment on snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. You need to protest! While you will see a suggested letter below that you can cut and paste, I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO ADD OR REVISE SOME SENTENCES TO MAKE IT PERSONAL! Please e-mail ABC news NOW!

To view the story, go to:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/snowmobiles020325.html

To Comment, go to:
http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/WorldNewsTonight/WNT_newemail_form.html

Fill out the form and enter your comments. Feel free to Copy/Paste comments from the sample letter below as desired. However, revising these comments and adding your own will give the message much greater impact.

Hit "SEND" and your comments are on their way!

Sincerely,
Adena Cook
BRC Public Lands Director
(bradena@sharetrails.org)


===== (SAMPLE LETTER) =====

Dear ABC World News Tonight:

On March 25, you aired a vicious attack on snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park. This so-called "news" piece was punctuated by over dramatized scenes of purported impacts on air quality and wildlife. Your news report refused to admit that simple good management measures can protect snowmobile access, visitor choices, and the environment.

First of all, existing snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks has never violated any ambient clean air standards. Second, this year entrance passes are sold elsewhere - not at the gate. Visitors just drive through, with no stopping and no fumes buildup. Snowmobile clubs and businesses had requested this reform for years.

Even so, the snowmobile industry has demonstrated that the machines can be cleaner and quieter. Last November, the NPS received data from snowmobile manufacturers showing that some new snowmobile models reduce emissions by 90 percent. These are production models available today from local snowmobile dealers.

Snowcoaches are no answer. A recent study sponsored by the State of Wyoming found that snowcoach emissions are six times higher than the new snowmobiles. Did you know that snowcoaches are so noisy that passengers have to don earplugs to ride in them?

Contrary to your news report, visiting Yellowstone in the winter by snowmobile is the most pleasurable way to experience the wonders of our first and most famous national park. It is, by far, the first choice of most visitors.

We don't need bans, we need balanced management.
*** END ALERT *** END ALERT *** END ALERT *** END ALERT ***

:usa:

Dear ABC World News Tonight:

I usually expect a balanced report from your team and it's members, but on March 25, you aired a vicious attack on snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park. This so-called "news" piece was punctuated by over dramatized scenes of purported impacts on air quality and wildlife. Your news report refused to admit that simple good management measures can protect snowmobile access, visitor choices, and the environment.

First of all, existing snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks has never violated any ambient clean air standards.

Second, this year entrance passes are sold elsewhere - not at the gate. Visitors just drive through, with no stopping and no fumes buildup. Snowmobile clubs and businesses had requested this reform for years.

Even so, the snowmobile industry has demonstrated that the machines can be cleaner and quieter. Last November, the NPS received data from snowmobile manufacturers showing that some new snowmobile models reduce emissions by 90 percent. These are production models available today from local snowmobile dealers.

Third, You fail to mention any of the good things snowmobilers do for the community and the environment. They keep the areas and trails groomed, help with erosion problems, rescue countless hikers and other lost stranded individuals, and provide a host of other services to the local communities. Snowmobiles also provide a means of transportation into the parks for those of us that are disabled and can not hike.

Snowcoaches are no answer. A recent study sponsored by the State of Wyoming found that snowcoach emissions are six times higher than the new snowmobiles. Did you know that snowcoaches are so noisy that passengers have to don earplugs to ride in them?

Contrary to your news report, visiting Yellowstone in the winter by snowmobile is the most pleasurable way to experience the wonders of our first and most famous national park. It is, by far, the first choice of most visitors.

We don't need bans, we need balanced management.

Sincerely,
Peter S. Di Primo


:usa:

I am disgusted at your portrayal of the snowmobile population. I am a snowmobiler and we and our trails are under constant attack by people who don't live anywhere near the places they are trying to close. Most of the people have never even been to these places. Why don't you do a story on the false information being provided by federal employees to shut down ohv trails. That would be true journalism without this "Sierra Club" slant you always seem to take.

Pssst Peter...... did you send in that exact email? Cuz you wrote first, third and third and forgot the second in there.... doh....

I sent in an email too.... I love how news stations work hard to bring us one sided stories..... :rolleyes: Maybe one day they'll get a clue and do research from both sides rather then the SC side who always says whatever it takes no matter how untrue to get their views across....

Originally posted by ChevyCaGal
Pssst Peter...... did you send in that exact email? Cuz you wrote first, third and third and forgot the second in there.... doh....


Thank's Steph, I threw that up as a quick sample that morning and wrote a completely different (but the same;)) letter that night.... I fixed this one though :)


:usa: