Snow machiners buskwhacking new trails, not sticking to the trails in restricted areas, and racing through the elk herd wintering on the feedground near Green River Lakes have been causing some problems, according to natural resource agency personnel. The agencies have proposed a solution to the problem, but they need some help.

The snow machine trail going into Green River Lakes from the Moose Creek Junction hasn't been groomed for about five years in hopes the rough trail would slow snow machiners down, but a worse effect has occurred. Instead of going slower through the elk herd, machiners are spreading out to avoid the rough spots and are encroaching upon the elk wintering grounds.

Bridger-Teton National Forest and Wyoming Game and Fish officials have teamed up to propose a solution to the problem. The trail will be groomed, 20-mile-per-hour speed limits will be established, and recreationists will be restricted to the marked trail as it passes through the feedground area.

The trail has already been marked, the speed limit posted, and new signs have been set in the area of the feedground. The signs read,

Another ongoing problem is that snowmachiners coming down off the Moose Creek trail have been dropping off into the feedground area, creating a new trail that others follow. This is not legal, according to agency officials. Snowmachiners need to stick to the designated trail in the big game winter range areas. There is a $100 fine for violating this restriction.

Forest Service personnel note that 60 percent of Wyoming's snowmachine use is by out-of-state riders. Chances are pretty small that they'll ever see this article. But local riders using the area can help by letting their out-of-area counterparts know what the rules are in the Upper Green and why.

Richard Roberson of the Bridger-Teton National Forest's Pinedale office said it's also important to note that it really isn't local users who are causing the problems. They know about the wildlife in the area, and generally slow down and enjoy the view.

So how about it, locals? Will you help convince your out-of-area counterparts to slow down and enjoy the wintering wildlife? Sticking to the trails and slowing the machines down will help ensure the wintering elk aren't moved of their winter ranges.

For more information, or for a copy of a map showing the game winter ranges and trails in the area, stop in and visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest Office at 29 County Road 154 (next to Faler's) or Wyoming Game and Fish Department Office located at 117 S Sublette.

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