DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 2
IN THIS ISSUE:
Thinking About Our Access - Page 10 Do You Have a Plan? - Page 11 USA Annual Convention - Page 14
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Jeff Eddings
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ell we turned the clocks back and the days are getting darker a whole lot earlier than I would like them to. Although the temperature during the day is crisp and somewhat bearable the temperature at night is downright cold. Thanksgiving will be over by the time you read this and Christmas is knocking on our door. Last but not least, some snow has fallen on the valley floor and even more has fallen up in the mountains. All these things add up to one thing and I think you know what it is… it’s about time to go snowmobiling!!! November is finally here and the Intermountain Snowmobile Show is behind us. I hope everyone had a chance to make it down to the show and spend some time. There were sure a lot of different and exciting things going on down there this year! I want to thank everyone that came by the USA booth and participated in our Silent Auction or our Raffle. The raffle turned out to be a huge success that I felt everyone enjoyed. At the end of the show when we pulled the tickets out of the box we had a standing room only crowd gathered around us. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife it was so thick as people waited for me to draw out the winning tickets. We sure had a good time putting on that raffle and it seemed like the attendees enjoyed it as well. Make sure to read the rest of this Snow Scoop to see who the winners were. The swap meet at the show this year was a huge success as well. In the past, we have only had a few people sign up to participate in the swap meet. This year we had about twenty snowmobiles and about six trailers full of parts show up. We hope to continue this swap meet into the future and to make it a even bigger success in years to come. Moving on to other things…how did everyone like the new digital Snow Scoop E-newsletter? I am guessing everyone must have really liked it because I didn’t get any negative e-mails sent to my account. As stated in my last President’s message, this is a new concept and we will be striving to improve it continuously. Our goal is to keep it interesting to the reader while at the same time making it affordable to the local advertiser. We are still on track with distributing membership cards to all our members starting in January 2014. I have been in contact with numerous businesses and have compiled quite a list of USA supporting businesses that are going to offer you a special discount just for being a USA member and patronizing their business. I will be bringing you more details as we get closer to January 2014. The Utah Snowmobile Association, in partnership with Utah State Parks and At Your Leisure will once again be hosting a “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” event. Mark your calendars because this year’s event will take place on February 22nd at the Monte Cristo Snowmobiling Complex. This year’s event will be extra special as
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we support our troops by making our U.S. Servicemen and Women, past and present the special guests of the day! Not only will there be snowmobiles to ride, but there will also be a host of other agencies and dealers available at the event. It is sure to be a good time and you won’t want to miss it. Ensure to watch At Your Leisure and to check www.snowut.com regularly for updates and details. Well I think I have rambled on long enough and I suspect you are getting anxious to dive into this issue and get reading. As always, be careful and courteous out on the trails and keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!
FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! E-mail the location to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered to win a weekend stay in the Honeymoon Suite at the Angler’s Lodge, Island Park, ID. Winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next Snow Scoop issue. Drawing to be held on December 24th, 2013.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CLUB DIRECTORY
Jeffery Eddings, President
Golden Spike Snowmobile Association
2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com
Dennis Kowalewski, President 1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 951-768-6728 dkowalewski@yahoo.com
Lisa Kowalewski, Treasurer
Chalk Creek Riders
1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138 treasurer@snowut.org
Wes Blonquist, President P.O. Box 385 Coalville, UT 84017 435-336-4496 wesntrac@allwest.net
Jay Ombach, Executive Director 2159 North 550 West Layton, UT 84041 801-825-1164 jayo@beacon-metals.com
Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Russ Mangone, President 2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84118 801-969-7335 slvsnow@gmail.com
Curt Kennedy, Director - Public Lands 302 South Maryfield Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-582-3882 ccklpk@gmail.com
Davis County Snowflakes Cal Taylor, President 1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 calandgena@gmail.com
Stacey Eddings, Snow Scoop Coordinator and Awards/Charity 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com
Wasatch Riders Ken Rossum, President 11461 Mountain Ridge Circle Sandy, UT 84092 801-572-4455 krrmi@msn.com
Chris Haller, State Parks Representative P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov
Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Advanced RV 4615 W 3500 S West Valley City, UT 84120
Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078
Plaza Cycle Motorsports 1379 W 3500 S Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Big Pine Sports P.O. Box 66 340 N Milburn Rd Fairview, UT 84629
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort 15870 Country Road 162 Nathrop, CO 81236
R&M Lightning 1400 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115
www.advancedrv.net
www.bigpinesports.com
Dearden Equipment 125 S Main Street Fillmore, UT 84631
www.deardenequipment.com
www.beersharley.com
www.plazacycle.com
www.rmproducts.info
www.mtprinceton.com
Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116
D&P Performance 110 E Center Street Cedar City, UT 84720
www.dandpperformance.net
www.stateparks.utah.gov
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www.tricityperformance.com
Cutlers, Inc. 271 N State Street Orem, UT 84057
www.shopcutlers.com
South Valley Motorsports 11553 South State Street Draper, UT 84020
www.southvalleymotorsports.com
Pinedale Travel & Tourism 19 E Pine Street Pinedale, WY 82941 www.visitpinedale.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2013 Intermountain Snowmobile Show Raffle Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 USA Business Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 GSSA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2014 ASCA Raffle Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 USA Fundraising Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Divas Partnering with State Associations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thank You For Your Support! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Thinking About Our Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Simmons, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Do You Have a Plan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Trailhead and Trail Etiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 National Vintage Snowmobile Championship Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Avalanche Center Fundraisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Classified Ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 USA Holds Annual Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
DISCLAIMER USA is Utah’s advocate for snowmobiling! As the voice of over 26,000 registered sled owners in Utah, the Snow Scoop is USA’s official publication. All contents of the Utah Snow Scoop are copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission. Submitted articles and advertising do not necessarily represent the opinion of USA or the Utah Snow Scoop. The Utah Snow Scoop is not liable for any claims by those not of the same opinion. The Utah Snow Scoop welcomes articles, letters, pictures and advertisements. Please submit all material in electronic format by the respective issue due dates to the Snow Scoop Coordinator. Articles should be .doc files and advertisements should be .jpg, .tiff, .psd, .ai, or .pdf files.
ISSUE DEADLINE RELEASE DATE
November October 28 November 11 December November 25 December 9 Winter January 13 January 27 March February 24 March 10 The Utah Snow Scoop is owned and published by the Utah Snowmobile Association. The Snow Scoop coordinator is Stacey Eddings. She may be reached at: Utah Snow Scoop 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796
utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com For current Snow Scoop advertising rates, please click here or visit http://www.snowut.com/
Congratulations to Jamie Adelsgruber. He is the lucky winner of November’s “Find the Snowflake” contest. Jamie correctly identified that November’s snowflake was hidden on page 10 within the title “LET’S KEEP BACKCOUNTRY SNOWMOBILERS ALIVE!!”
2013 INTERMOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE SHOW RAFFLE WINNERS
suggestions about the raffle or would like to see something inparticular raffled off, then please send me an e-mail at president@ snowut.com
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS
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he Utah Snowmobile Association would like to thank everyone that participated in our raffle this year at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. This was the first year that we conducted the raffle and it seemed everyone involved enjoyed it. This was just one fund-raiser for the Utah Snowmobile Association we had at the show this year. We appreciate everyone that generously donated towards our cause which ultimately supporting your cause…is keeping your riding areas open for you to enjoy! Congratulations to the following winners:
by Jeff Eddings, President USA
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he Utah Snowmobile Association always welcomes new members, especially business members. After all, it is the businesses that supply us with our snowmobiles, parts, accessories, clothing and anything else we need so we can go out and enjoy the sport of snowmobiling. Without the businesses behind us, we sure would have a rough go of it! The Utah Snowmobile Association appreciates all that our Business Members do for us and we would like to say “Thank You” for your continual support. Additionally, to express our gratitude we would like to extend the following special offer to any current business member or any new business member.
•• Josh Ross from Full Throttle Inc. won the Samsung Television •• Kooper Sugihava from Ogden, UT won the Ipad Mini •• Traci Anderson from Peterson, UT won the Camp Chef Stove •• Jackson Hole Snowdevils from Jackson, WY won the Motorola Radios •• Daniel Lindsey from South Jordan, UT won the Go-Pro Hero •• A business card size ad ran in the Snow Scoop for two months. Camera •• A banner ad displayed on www.snowut.com for two months. •• Dennis Kennedy from Ogden, UT won the $200 City Creek To take advantage of this great offer, simply contact Stacey at Gift Card utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com or at 801-510-7796 for more details. Make sure to visit us at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show next year to see what new prizes we will have to raffle. If you have any
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SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB by Russ Mangone
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ell another great Holiday has come and passed and we are knocking on the door of another one. We hope that everyone had a great and safe Thanksgiving. We hope that you had a good time with family and friends.
GSSA NEWS
by Dennis Kowalewski
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We had our 1st club meeting of the upcoming season last month and we had a pretty good turn out and had a really good meeting. We discussed our ride schedule for this year. We have some really good rides planned for this year. You can check them out on our website at www.slvsnow.com. As of right now we are planning on our annual overnight ride the weekend of Feb 28th- March 2nd. We are going to Afton Wy and will be staying at the Flying Saddle Inn. These rides are always fun. We also talked about our new Facebook page for our club. You can check it out on facebook at Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club. Our member Ben Hancock has volunteered to set this up and is doing a fantastic job at it.
ello everyone. We are still waiting for that BIG snowstorm to hit northern Utah(the south already had their turn) so we can get out and ride. But that doesn’t mean the Golden Spike Club isn’t doing anything.
We had our first official meeting on the 20th at Daddy D’s. Have you ever had your hamburger on a glazed doughnut? It can get sticky and even messy but that’s what the plastic gloves are for. Anyway, attendance was good and I think everyone had a good time. Many members renewed at this meeting. I would like to welcome our newest members Scott, Kimberly, Ashlee and Jonathan Kevwitch, Mike Lane, and Randy, Stacey, Kobe, and Kooper Sugihana. Hope to see you at future events.
We had our annual Christmas party earlier this month at Geckos Mexican Grill and we had a good time. We all had a good time and everyone enjoyed themselves. It’s always fun to get together in a party setting.
Plans have been finalized for our Christmas party. It will be at Grey Cliff Lodge in the Ogden canyon on Dec. 14. at 6 P.M. There will be a gift exchange as well as several door prize gifts. Get with Stacey Eddings to get your reservations for what should be a fun event.
Other than these few things we have not done much, just waiting for the snow to fly so we can get out there and start riding. Come on Mother Nature we have all been good, so let it snow. You can We are also finalizing plans for a twilight/night ride on Jan. 25 . always check out the Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club at www. This will be followed by a catered dinner at Hardware Ranch. A slvsnow.com or on facebook at Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club. short presentation about the ranch by the staff will follow dinner. As we say “Pray for Snow”. We hope to have a good turnout for this event. From our club and our families to you and your families have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Just a short thought here. But after attending the latest fund raising snowmobiling movie by Alpine Assassins at Perry’s Egyptian’s theater over the weekend, where would these riders ride if they were prohibited from entering some of the back country they ride in? I’m not sure they could make much of a movie just riding the trails. It’s just another reason to join your local snowmobile club and be proud supporter of the same. See you on the snow! Dennis Kowalewski Golden Spike President
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2014 ACSA RAFFLE CALENDAR
USA FUNDRAISING EVENT
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June 2 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: $200; 3rd Prize: (3 winners) $40; 4th Prize (26 winners) $20
DIVAS PARTNERING WITH STATE ASSOCIATIONS
by Jeff Eddings, President, USA
by Jeff Eddings, President, USA
he 2014 ACSA Raffle Calendars have been released and ig Bubba’s trailer Sales & Manufacturing in Ogden has generare now available for purchase through your club president. ously donated a two place open snowmobile or ATV trailer This year there were only 3,000 calendars printed and the to the Utah Snowmobile Association for a fundraising inichances of winning are approximately one in eight. Every calendar tiative again this year. purchaser is eligible to win all of the 365 prizes listed below. This is a great way to possibly win some great prizes while supporting Once again, the Utah Snowmobile Association would like to share this fundraising initiative with our member clubs. USA will proACSA and your state organization as well. vide the tickets and each member club will be able to keep 50% February 3 of their ticket sales. This is an excellent opportunity for your club 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: $200; to raise some extra funds for those special projects or to whatever. 3rd Prize: (4 winners) $40; 4th Prize (25 winners) $20 All you have to do is ask your family, friends, co-workers and othMarch 3 ers to help support your organization and the Utah Snowmobile 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (4 winners) Association. Ticket prices will once again be only $5.00. The $40; 3rd Prize (24 winners) $20 drawing will take place at USA’s Annual Convention in April 2014. April 1 If you haven’t received your tickets yet, then please contact your 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (4 winners) club President. If you are just looking to purchase tickets you also $40; 3rd Prize (26 winners) $20 have the option of buying tickets online at www.snowut.com or May 1 clicking here. 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: $200; 3rd Prize: (3 winners) $40; 4th Prize (25 winners) $20
June 27 1st Prize: Klim Jacket valued at $250; 2nd Prize: (3 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (26 winners) $20
Giving $$ to State Associations!
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ivas SnowGear realize they ride many miles every year and know we could not do it without the support of the State Associations. This is the first year of this program —one they hope to continue annually.
August 1 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (5 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (25 winners) $20 September 2 1st Prize: (4 winners) $50; 2nd Prize (27 winners) $20
Here is how the giveback program works:
November 3 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (5 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (25 winners) $20
For every new Facebook “like” (fan) that Divas get, a donation of $.10 will be given to your State Association by simply posting the Association that you are affiliated with. For every 100 new likes from your State Association, an additional $10 will be donated. If your State Association reaches 250 new likes -- an additional $25, 500 new likes -- an additional $50, and 1,000 gets an additional $100 donation!
December 1 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (4 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (25 winners) $20
You can do this by going to your State Association’s Facebook page and liking -- or go to Diva’s @ www.facebook.com/divassnowgear1 and clicking the LIKE button.
October 1 1st Prize: $3000; 2nd Prize: (5 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (24 winners) $20
December 15 1st Prize: $300; 2nd Prize: (4 winners) $40; 3rd Prize (25 winners) $20 For more information or to obtain calendars, please contact your local club president or e-mail me at president@snowut.org.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! The Utah Snowmobile Association would like to take this opportunity to thank the following businesses for their generous donations to this year’s “Silent Auction” fundraiser at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. The money raised helps USA continue opposing initiatives that threaten snowmobile riding areas and allows us to continue to protect our right to ride! Please ensure to say thank you to these businesses that support you the next time you visit them! •• Tri-City Performance, Centerville, UT •• Dick’s Boat Shop, Clearfield, UT •• The Edge Powersports, Draper, UT •• South Valley Motorsports, Draper, UT •• Loose Wheels Service, Duck Creek, UT •• Diamond S Manufacturing, Ephraim, UT •• Plaza Cycle, West Valley City, UT •• Layton Cycle, Layton, UT •• Newgate Motorsports, Riverdale, UT •• Big Boy’s Toys, N. Ogden, UT •• Cutler’s Performance, Orem, UT •• Buttar’s Tractor, Tremonton, UT •• Golden Spike Equipment, Tremonton, UT •• 4 Seasons Powersports, Ogden, UT •• Utah Valley Powersports, Springville, UT •• Duff Shelley, American Fork, UT •• Dearden Equipment, Fillmore, UT •• Wells Cargo, Layton, UT
•• Big Pine Sports, Fairview, UT •• Morgan Valley Polaris, Morgan, UT •• Recreational Outlet, South Salt Lake, UT •• Club Rec, Eden, UT •• Back Country Powersports, Duck Creek, UT •• Weller Recreation, Kamas, UT •• Powerhouse Motorsports, Pleasant Grove, UT •• Frank May Ski-Doo, Honeyville, UT •• River Oil Services, Salt Lake, UT •• Cache Honda Yamaha, Hyde Park, UT •• Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club, Salt Lake, UT •• Bluffdale Equipment, Bluffdale, UT •• ADS Motorsports, Ogden, UT •• Simmons, Inc, Providence, UT •• R&M Lightning, Salt Lake, UT •• High Adventure Powersports,
Salt Lake, UT •• Beaver Creek Lodge, Garden City, UT •• Daniels Summit Lodge, Heber, UT •• Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City, UT •• Powder Ridge Village, Eden, UT •• Klim, Rigby, ID •• Angler’s Lodge, Island Park, ID •• Island Park Cabins, Idaho Falls, ID •• Flying Saddle Resort, Alpine, WY •• Box Y Lodge, Alpine, WY •• Yellowstone Vacations, W. Yellowstone, MT •• Three Bears Lodge, W. Yellowstone, MT •• Dennis Kowalewski, Eden, UT •• Glen Zumwalt, Fairview, UT •• Yamaha Manufacturing •• Polaris Manufacturing •• Arctic Cat Manufacturing •• Bombardier Recreational Products
MUFF POT RECIPE STUFFED CHEESEBURGER - Lisa Kowalewski Ingredients: ½ lb ground beef 2 Tbl dried parsley 1/8 tsp dried garlic 2 Tbls chopped red onion 2 Tbls dijon mustard 1 egg yolk salt & pepper to taste 2 Tbls cheese of your choice 1 oven bag
2 hamburger buns lettuce/tomato/onion bacon and more cheese mayo/mustard/ketchup
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, except for the cheese if preparing a cheeseburger. Make into 2 meat patties making an indentation in the center of each and fill with 1 tablespoon of cheese. Top each patty with an equal amount of remaining mixture to cover indentation on patty. Place in oven bag and place in cooker. Total ride time to prepare is approx 1 hour. More time can be used to cook the meat thoroughly. ENJOY! 9
THINKING ABOUT OUR ACCESS
recreation groups, sportsmen, politicians, etc.) there is the potential to see a huge wilderness designation component tying-up over a million acres of public land. Again, this is not snowmobile country, but think about the policy creep into other public lands.
By Curt Kennedy, USA – Director Public Lands
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have been thinking lately about the myriad of issues that generally impact our access to public lands. Many of those issues are primarily related to country that is not conducive to snowmobiling, but the policy decisions that result from those issues could be a major, precedent-setting blow to our winter recreation. I will randomly comment on some of these.
First, the Winter Wildlands Alliance litigation against the Forest Service is a direct hit to snowmobiling. The recent Judge’s Decision in favor of WWA would mandate winter travel planning, similar to what was undertaken for rubber-tired recreation. The snowmobile manufacturers, through ISMA (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association) were denied intervener status and we are now awaiting development of a mediation plan for consideration by the Court system. Keep in mind, a designated route plan for winter travel (if it came to that) would be the end of our western riding experience.
Fourth, the BLM and Forest Service have issued a joint Land Use Plan Amendment for changes to 14 BLM and 6 Forest Service land use plans to address management of Greater Sage Grouse habitat in Utah and portions of Wyoming. Habitat management considers everything from energy, minerals, rights-of-way, wildfire, vegetation, livestock grazing, recreation, and travel management to socioeconomics. Environmental groups love policy decisions related to habitat management because it is a wonderful tool to help close off huge blocks of public lands to traditional uses.
Fifth, and lastly, I want to mention the general trend in the thinking of the current political administration. Let’s look, for example, at the comments made by the newly appointed Secretary of Interior, Sally Jewell, who has responsibility over the National Park Service, BLM and Fish & Wildlife Service. In a speech made on October 31st to the National Press Club, Secretary Jewell implied the only way to adequately protect/preserve public lands is by specially designating them as Wilderness, National Monuments or some other Second, a recent Judge’s decision against the BLM with respect to designation. In that same speech she went on to say “President the Richfield Resource Management Plan said the BLM failed to Obama is ready and willing to step up where Congress falls short.” minimize impacts on sensitive soils, streams, wildlife and archaeo- This certainly puts active management for multiple uses on the logical sites in south-central Utah when it authorized nearly 4,300 back burner. miles of off-highway vehicle routes in 2008. Environmentalists believe five other BLM plans have the same deficiencies and will I could go on and on, but I suspect you would think I am being ultimately receive the same fate in the Courts. Although these overly pessimistic. The real point that I am trying to drive home is lands do not have snowmobiling opportunity, for the most part, the huge challenges we have in protecting our access to public lands. let’s hold that thought in anticipation of the policy decision fallout. I contend that active management for the benefit of many uses does not have to occur at the detriment of reasonable conservation. We Third, Congressman Rob Bishop is in the process of developing can sustain quality landscapes for all future generations and provide a draft public lands bill coined as a “grand bargain” intended to for nature’s requirements of the lands, but it will take active involveend the long-time conflict over public lands in six eastern coun- ment of willing and open minds. This is a major human resource ties covering approximately 18 million acres. Although the intent commitment and there is no question that our access is worth it! is to provide clarity and certainty to expectations of all public lands users (wilderness advocates, energy developers, motorized
SIMMONS, INC.
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he date was Nov. 3, 1991, Verlin Simmons wrote in his journal, “I have a new idea on making skis and hope to market them. I would like the skis to be concave, I will make up a set and try them on my own sled. They should give me better turning and flotation in deep snow.” Then started the long process of finding materials and testing… For over 20 years, Simmons, Inc. has been setting the standard in the snowmobile aftermarket industry, with such innovations as the Flexi-Cleat and the Flexi-Ski. These products have been known for dramatically improving ride quality and performance. Simmons now offers 3 different generations of skis. Visit their website for more information. www.flexi-ski.com
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February 1 - Bucky’s Backcountry Riding Clinics February 15 - Vintage Snowmobile Races March 8-9 - RMSHA White Pine Hillclimb
If you would like to see your business published in the Snow Scoop for free, send a one paragraph article describing your business to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com. Remember, the more interesting the article, the more the reader will remember it!
DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? by Ken Rossum
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he snow months are just starting and snowmobiling in Utah is in high gear. In most areas the snow has been accumulating with the forecast for more storms moving in over the next several weeks. It is certainly the time of year that snowmobilers dream about. The new sleds have very few miles on them and the older sleds have found areas that need attention.
Is there another area that needs attention and if so how does it fit in your snowmobiling plans? Do you have a plan and how do you implement it? Have you taken the basic steps to help protect yourself, your family and your friends? All right, this is not going to be a big safety lecture that I am sure many of you have heard. The idea is just some basic thoughts of coming back with same smile that you started out with in the morning. Are you fortunate enough to not be a member of the “overnight” club? Ask any charter member of this club and they will quickly tell you what they did not do correctly. They will be the first to tell you how good that candy bar tasted at 2:00 AM. They will point out that how long their water supply lasted or didn’t last, that staying with their machine gave them at least some feeling of security. They couldn’t believe how hard it was to find wood to burn in the forest and when they did find wood, it wouldn’t burn. Sure the fingers and toes got cold until they couldn’t feel them anymore. They fought the panic thoughts and forced themselves not to fall asleep. Should thought be given to weather conditions? How about avalanche danger? Both of these should be a “No Brainer”. Everyone has access to a weather report and forecasts through television, newspaper, radio and the internet. The avalanche forecast is readily available through the Utah Avalanche Center. The Avalanche Advisory line information is available at 888-999-4019 or www. utahavalanchecenter.org. This information helps you to “Know Before You Go”. This information that you receive is very helpful in giving thought to what your plans should be for your ride. It may mean watching the sky closely and the condition of the snow you ride on. Your plan should include “Zero Tolerance” in your group when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. Drinking and driving is no more responsible while snowmobiling than it is while driving any other motor vehicle. There are more snowmobile fatalities each year in the United States as a result riding while drinking than any other cause. The time for your favorite spirit is when your riding is done and you have arrived home safely.
and a hand signal that you are turning in the middle of open field does not make much sense. Your right! The hand signals are really made for the trails with multiple riders. The one hand signal that is used the least in the Utah, but could be most helpful, is indicating the number of riders following in your group. If you simply hold up the number of fingers for the number of riders following, it gives a quick input to what is around the corner. If there is more than five simply hold up five fingers. If each successive rider will indicate the number of riders following, it will provide no surprise around the next corner. The last rider would hold up a closed fist indicating that he is the last one of his group. Ask yourself how many times have you met several riders and just when you think they have all passed the last rider is trying to play catch up cutting the inside of the corner. Try it and you will be surprised how many people think that you are just waiving to them.
These are just basic safety ideas that you should plan for. No one wants to spend a night out in the cold, just be prepared in case you have to. Know the weather and snow conditions. Drinking Most of us that drive cars, trucks and so on and think nothing of and driving are never a good combination. It is against the law to using our signal lights to let others know what are intent is or what operate a snowmobile while drinking, just like it is while driving is going on. There is an internationally accepted snowmobile stan- a car. Let others know your intent by using some basic hand sigdard of hand signals to use to let others know what your driving nals. After all, the goal for all of us is to have a great day riding and intentions are. I realize that many of us do very little trail riding come home with a smile on your face.
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TRAILHEAD AND TRAIL ETIQUETTE
by Chris Haller, Utah State Parks OHV Program Manager Snowmobiling is a popular activity in Utah- maybe it’s because we have the greatest snow on Earth! Because Utah is a winter destinations for many, it is important to be an ambassador for our sport and set good examples of responsible use and trail etiquette.
•• Do not disturb or harass winter wildlife- view from a distance. •• Minimize harmful emissions by keeping your snowmobile tuned up and maintained. •• Pack it in and pack more of it out! For more information, safety tips and maps, visit ohv.utah.gov. RIDE ON!
•• Use common sense when parking. Park close to other vehicles and use as little space as possible. If stopped on a trail, pull your sled as far to the right as possible so other riders can pass. •• Ride only on roads, trails or play areas marked open. Do not trespass onto private property. Leave gates as you found them, unless posted otherwise. •• Ride on the right side of the trail, single file, and when approaching corners or blind spots, reduce your speed. •• When traveling downhill give uphill riders the right-of-way and pump your brakes to keep them from locking. •• Always yield to non-motorized users and operate at a minimum speed near skiers and/or snowshoers. •• Do not ride off of cornices. When climbing hills use caution upon approaching the summit. •• Lean into turns, with your upper body, to enhance the snowmobile’s maneuverability. •• Use common snowmobiling signals to communicate with your group and other riders. •• Know the area where riding- have a map with you to verify riding boundaries.
NATIONAL VINTAGE SNOWMOBILE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW COMING TO WEST YELLOWSTONE IN MARCH
VSCA National Championship Classes
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•• Featured Year 1978 •• Custom •• Cutter/Sleigh •• New Vintage 1980-1989 •• Race IFS This prestigious event will be held March 14-15, 2014, in West •• Race Pre 1977 Yellowstone, MT, during the 24th Annual World Snowmobile Expo •• Race 1977-1981 and WSVSA Vintage Snowmobile Round-up which now features •• Antique Unrestored exciting vintage snowmobile racing. Featured attendees will include •• Vintage Unrestored the 1970 world record speed run champion Duane Eck along with 1969-1971 his incredible Double Eagle Ski-Doo snowmobile at the very site •• Vintage Unrestored 1972-1974 the record was set. He, along with numerous famous race and snow•• Vintage Unrestored mobile personalities, will be in attendance as well. Participants are 1975-1977 expected from across the United States and Canada. •• Vintage Unrestored 1978-1979 For more information, visit www.wsvsa.com or call (541) 788-5444. he Western States Vintage Snowmobile Association has announced its selection by the Vintage Snowmobile Club of America, to host the 9th Annual VSCA National Vintage Snowmobile Show scheduled for 2014.
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•• Antique Restored •• Vintage Restored 1969-1971 •• Vintage Restored 1972-1974 •• Vintage Restored 1975-1977 •• Vintage Restored 1978-1979
Vintage Oval Racing Classes •• 440 Free Air Stock •• 440 Fan Stock •• 440 Mod •• 340 F/A & Fan Stock •• Single Cylinder Stock •• Single Cylinder Mod •• Women’s Stock •• Juniors Stock •• Veterans Stock (50+ yrs) •• Trailer races
AVALANCHE CENTER FUNDRAISERS
by Craig Gordon, Utah Avalanche Center
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any thanks to all of you who helped support the Utah Avalanche Centers recent fundraisers. The annual Boondocker premier at Brewvies was an amazing night and our most successful ever. We offered two standing room only shows and by all accounts… everyone was stoked! Dan and his crew produced a first class viddy with remarkable footage, leaving everyone psyched for the upcoming winter and wishing we could ride half as solid as the Boondocker athletes.
Of course, it takes great partners to make a successful event and our good friends at the Utah Snowmobile Association were super generous, providing a tasty dinner of pizza and nachos for all who attended. In addition, Tri-City Performance in partnership with Polaris handed Craig a set of keys to this years 2014 loaner sled. Fast forward to the second week of November and the Ogden area got to see the premier of Thunderstruck 12. Like last year, Rick Crowley generously donated the Cinepoint 6 Theater and not only did we get to see an awesome movie, all proceeds went to help out the Avalanche Center. Remember- proceeds from all these sled events go specifically towards avalanche education and outreach projects geared specifically for sledders. This year look for several more beacon checkers at key trailhead location at the Uinta’s and Monte Cristo. Since the 2004-05 season, Tri-City Performance has helped the Utah Avalanche Center with a loaner sled. This years ride looks very fast!
Since the 2004-05 season, Tri-City Performance has helped the Utah Avalanche Center with a loaner sled. This years ride looks very fast!
CLASSIFIED ADS
Used Yamaha Track, P/N 8V0-47110-00, 15” x 116” Drive Pitch 2.52”, Profile Height .725”, 46 Clips, $25.00 Call Jeff at 801-510-7791
Ski-Doo Alpine Parka, Large, Like New! $40.00 – Call Jeff at 801-510-7791
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Set of four trailer wheels and tires, Tires are 205/75-14 mounted on 14 x 5.5” rims. Bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5”, 1 tire is in great shape, 2 are decent and one should be replaced. $50.00 takes all four - Call Jeff at 801-510-7791.
USA HOLDS ANNUAL CONVENTION
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he Utah Snowmobile Association held its Annual Convention and Awards Banquet on May 4th at Granny Annie’s Restaurant in Bountiful, Utah. Although this was a time to come together as an association and reminisce on the season, it was also a time to recognize some of the association’s best! Previous Awards Coordinator, Mike Johnson had the honor of presenting a unique gift to each winner for their outstanding achievements.
Mark Mitchie was named Snowmobiler of the Year. Mark is a member of the Davis County Snowflakes Snowmobile Club and has served on the USA board of Directors for many years. Along with winning Snowmobiler of the Year, Mark was also nominated into the USA “Hall of Fame” for his many years of outstanding support to the Utah Snowmobile Association. Way to go Mark!
Reggie and Marcia Hyde received the Family of the Year Award. Reggie and Marcia are members of the Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club and are a very active in their club. You can be sure that Reggie and Marcia will be at every club related event to lend a helping hand. Reggie and Marcia put 100% into their club and its activities and can always be counted on to help out at USA events as well.
Nathaniel Eddings was selected as the Youth Snowmobiler of the Year. Nate is a member of the Golden Spike Snowmobile Club and has been involved with club activities for many years. No matter the event, you will always find Nate either in the forefront or behind the scenes helping out ensuring everything goes as planned!
Groomer of the Year was awarded to Chris Evans. Chris has been a superior groomer of the Mount Nebo Complex for over a decade. You can always count on Chris to leave a professional groomed trail after he has completed his run, and he has the compliments to back that up! Keep up the good work Chris.
The Dealer of the Year was presented to Frank-May Ski-Doo, Honeyville, UT. The good folks at Frank-May Ski-Doo can be counted on time and time again for their continual support of USA and local club functions. Frank-May Ski-Doo is also well known for their above reproach personalized service.
The Davis County Snowflakes won the honor of Club of the Year. They spend countless hours volunteering their time for the betterment of snowmobiling as well as the community. Their club has grown exponentially over the years and so has their commitment to the sport. Many of their members are and have been extensively involved with the Utah Snowmobile Association. Congratulations Snowflakes.
The winner of the 2013 USA $1,000 Scholarship Award was Sheriden Baugh from the Chalk Creek Riders Club. Sheriden submitted his scholarship application and wrote a persuasive essay that was chosen as the winner. And because Sheridan won at the state level, his application was forwarded on to the Western Chapter Level for a chance at a $2,000 scholarship award. Great job Sheriden and good luck in college!
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Our readers: •• Are 87% male, with a median age of 45. •• Have an average annual household income exceeding $100,000! •• Spend over $6,000 per person annually on snowmobiling! •• Average 14 trips per season! •• Our latest survey shows: •• 100% of respondents read every issue of the Snow Scoop! •• Snow Scoop in-home time averages 75 days! •• Over 80% of our readers own other OHV’s/recreation equipment! Our online presence: •• 96% of our readers have high speed internet and shop online! •• 25% of our site visits are from our membership! •• 75% of our site visits are by those who may not have seen your ad! Plan now to capture your share of snowmobile dollars! Advertise in the Utah Snow Scoop! Call Stacey at 801.510.7796 to reserve your space today!
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed $60 million.
Join online at www.snowut.com
•• December 14 - GSSA Christmas Party •• December 18 - USA Board Meeting •• January 4 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Ride •• January 6 - Davis County Snowflakes Club Meeting •• January 10 - Public Avalanche Training •• January 11 - Public Avalanche Training •• January 11 - Davis County Snowflakes Club Ride •• January 11 - GSSA Ride •• January 13 - Winter Issue E-Newsletter Content Due •• January 15 - GSSA Meeting •• January 18 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Ride •• January 18 - GSSA Ride •• January 19 - GSSA Ride •• January 23 - Davis County Snowflakes BSA Event •• January 25 - GSSA Ride
Please send application and check to: Utah Snowmobile Association, 1794 N 6250 E, Eden, UT 84310
UPCOMING EVENTS
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