Ray Ring's excellent article on the Wyoming political pressure that has kept Yellowstone Park's eastern entrance open in winter despite the high cost, considerable danger, and minimal snowmobile traffic neglected to mention a key background factoid on this issue (HCN, 2/02/09).

Cody, Wyo., for years had a powerful ally in its demand to keep Sylvan Pass open in the person of Paul Hoffman, whom the Bush administration named as deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks. Before his appointment, for 10 years Hoffman was executive director of the Cody Chamber of Commerce and Cody Economic Development Council in Wyoming.  From 1985 to 1989, he was state director for then-U.S. Rep. Dick Cheney.

Ross Rodgers
Bozeman, Montana