by geonuc » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:18 pm
That law caused some uproar earlier this year, with some arguing that it might prevent people from taking photos at Yellowstone National Park.
I don't think so. And I wouldn't call it 'anti-science' even if it acts to restrict the gathering of data. The purpose is not to restrict the furtherance of science. It's a grazing protection law designed to keep people from snooping on ranch land in an effort to expose bad or illegal ranching practices. In other words, it's designed to shield ranchers from outside interference or whistle-blowing. Ranchers have a powerful lobby in Wyoming.
It is disturbing, though and the law's definition of 'open land' is ridiculous. I expect it to eventually be challenged in federal court.