WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso , both R-Wyo., expressed disbelief on Wednesday after meeting with Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis about the Park Service’s plan to ignore the public input and close the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.                         

Park officials revealed a preview of the final Environmental Impact Statement, which has a preference to close the East Entrance of Yellowstone.                                      

“I joined forces with Cody residents to fight for continued access to Sylvan Pass. It quickly became apparent that the National Park Service made up its mind even before hearing from the public. Gateway communities should have a strong voice in Park Service decisions – especially those that impact our local communities. While there have been deaths in Yellowstone National Park , there have NOT been deaths at Sylvan Pass. Unfortunately, the risk assessment didn’t take into account the safety record of the past three decades. The Park Service also gave conflicting reasoning for closing the Pass. They have flip-flopped their arguments between cost concerns and safety risks. I don’t buy it, and I don’t think the people of Cody do either. It’s unbelievable to me that the Park Service can ignore the delegation, the state, the public, and the gateway community when reaching their decision.” Barrasso said.

The National Park Service is expected to release the final Environmental Impact Statement for Winter Use Planning for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks Monday, Sept. 24.

Also at the meetings with Enzi, Barrasso and Lewis were Winter Use Planning Director John Sacklin and Grand Teton National Park Planning Coordinator Gary Pollack.