CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The public has until next month to comment on a National Park Service proposal to allow more snowmobiles into Yellowstone National Park.

The agency proposes to allow up to 480 snowmobiles plus 60 snow coaches per day into Yellowstone. The number of snow coaches, meaning passenger vans retrofitted with skis and tracks, could double in the future if they meet noise and pollution standards.

The Park Service had set a daily limit of 318 snowmobiles and 78 snow coaches a day last winter.

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and snowmobile groups applauded the proposal, saying it will allow better public access. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition criticized it, saying winter travel should be limited exclusively to snow coaches.

The Park Service has drafted several winter management plans for Yellowstone in recent years.

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