I feel for the agencies that are tasked with "keeping people safe", which is obviously a losing battle these days, and likely the main reason for this decision.
I've come to the point where I can no longer condone legislation intended to protect the stupid from their own stupidity. I suspect that many of us would have no problem taking an awd vehicle like a Crosstrek on many of the 4wd roads in national parks, most of which are not really that difficult. Unfortunately, it seems a lot of people are completely devoid of off-road driving skills, or any self-awareness related to their capabilities in the back country. They assume that their (insert car-based awd vehicle) is invincible because it drove through four inches of snow one time, which they are sure was at least 8-10"... This legislation is for them, so that the agency coming to their rescue can disuade others like them from making the same mistake... I suspect many people will get away with violating this rule, while others who get into trouble will be fined in lieu of simply becoming dead and creating negative press for the NPS...
Reading the compendium, it is interesting to note that many new half ton trucks no longer have low range in the transfer case, even though they do have selectable 2wd/Auto/4wd. Instead, they have 8-10 speed transmissions with low enough first gears that low range is really not necessary. Even my 2009 Chevy 2500 really didn't need low range given how low first gear was in the 6 speed, and I believe gearing the 10 speeds is even lower...
All joking aside,