Clean Snowmobile Facts
- CONCERNS
- National Parks
- Air Quality
- Water Quality
- Personal Exposure
- Other Concerns
- SOLUTIONS
- Engine Technologies
- Two-Stroke Engine Principles
- Two-Stroke Engine
Modifications - Four-Stroke Engines
- Electric Snowmobiles
- Fuels & Lubricants
- Oxygenated Fuels
- Biodegradable Lubes
- Low PM Lubes
- Clean Snowmobile Challenge
- What You Can Do
- REGULATIONS
- MONTANA ISSUES
Solutions - What You Can Do
Overview
Snowmobile and snowcoach rental operators in and around Yellowstone National Park have taken steps to protect air and water quality. These private snow machine operators and the National Park Service have been using 10-percent ethanol blend in their machines. In addition to this 10-percent ethanol blend, snowmachine rental operators have been using synthetic lube oils, and the Park Service has been using biodegradable lube oils. These combined efforts have reduced carbon monoxide and particulates.
Service stations in West Yellowstone, Montana, and Cody and Jackson, Wyoming, have made oxygenated fuels available to the public for all private vehicles. Snowmobilers in the Yellowstone area also encourage visiting snowmobilers to join the effort to use oxygenated fuels and synthetic, low-emission lube oils in the area and to spread the word when they return home.
Checklist for a more environmentally friendly snow machine:
- Use proper jets, keep engines tuned and clutches adjusted properly for the elevation where machines are operating
- Use oxygenated fuels such as 10 percent ethanol blend to reduce pollution
- Use synthetic low-particulate lube oils to reduce particulates and smoke
- Use synthetic biodegradable lube oils to reduce potential impacts to health and the environment
- Check with your dealers, outfitters, and/or retailers for availability of these and similar products.
Selected Links
Make Your Snow Machine More Environmentally Friendly (248k pdf file)
Tread Lightly’s Guide to Responsible Snowmobiling focuses on educational and safety material. The guide covers snowmobiling and the environment and includes information on preparation, clothing, safety, trail etiquette, negotiating terrain, riding tips, and survival techniques. It also includes an equipment checklist and low-impact camping tips. The guide can be purchased for $1.00 through Tread Lightly, Inc.
