Utah Snow Scoop - January 2018

JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4

IN THIS ISSUE: UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION AWARDS - PAGE 6 HISTORY OF THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION 1961-1993 - PAGE 18

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cal Taylor, President

Chris Mazuran, Treasurer

1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 president@snowut.com

1741 East Shane Cir. Sandy, UT 84092 801.815.5079 theskulljolly@gmail.com

David Klamm,

Jay Ombach, Executive Director

Vice President

765 East Center St. Bountiful, UT 84010 801.845.6932 dpklamm@yahoo.com

Russ Mangone, Secretary

2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84129 801.969.7335 rumangone@gmail.com

2159 North 550 West Layton, UT 84041 801-825-1164 jayo@beacon-metals.com

Curt Kennedy, Director–Public Lands

302 South Maryfield Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-582-3882 ccklpk@gmail.com

Stacey Eddings, Snow Scoop Coordinator

2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com

Gina Taylor, Awards

1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 calandgena@gmail.com

Chris Haller, State Parks Representative

P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov

CLUB DIRECTORY Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club

Les Thompson, President 2760 N 1650 E Layton, UT 84040 801-771-8748 slvsnow@outlook.com

Davis County Snowmobile Club

Jon Lifferth, President 2622 West 900 North Layton, UT 84041 801.698.1341 liffejon@hotmail.com

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Golden Spike Snowmobile Association

Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 jefferyeddings@yahoo.com

USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Frank May Ski-Doo 6740 North Hwy. 38 (Honeyville) Brigham City, UT 84302 www.frankmayskidoo.com Brandin’ Iron Inn 201 N Canyon St. West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 www.stateparks.utah.gov Weller Recreation 936 W 200 S Kamas, UT 84036

Flying Saddle 118878 US Hwy 89 & 26 Alpine, WY 83128

FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! E-mail the location to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered into a drawing. Must be a USA member to participate.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GSSA NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 USA POKER RUN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ASCA NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ARE YOU BEEPING?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 BEST DAM DRAG RACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 A UINTA SNOWMOBILE EXPERIENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? WHERE YOU CAN & CAN’T RIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 HISTORY OF THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION 1961-1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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 October September 25 October 9 November October 23 November 6 December November 20 December 4 Winter January 8 January 22 March February 26 March 12 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/

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Cal Taylor

Its years like these that take an appreciation of the mountains and Mother Nature to be able to get out and enjoy the winter landscape from a snowmobile or snowbike. We have a lot of things to complain about, the lack of snow, avalanches on all the slopes above 30 degrees and trying not to hit rocks and stumps that are just under the top of the snow. But, so far I have had some really great experiences out on the snow.

One of those great experiences was getting trained.

This is a great year to get some training. I just received my Avalanche Level 1 from The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and Bret Rasmussen was my instructor. Two things here, one, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything or any other ride and second, there were lots of avalanches to look at and study. If you recreate in the backcountry away from the resorts, you need to get some training and get out there and practice, so if ever you need to use these skills you will be ready.

Another great experience has been to spend a lot of time with the Utah Avalanche Centers’ Mark Staples and Craig Gordon and really looking at the impacts of motorized travel as it pertains to avalanches. I have so much more respect for them and what they do day in and day out for us just to make sure that we have the best time out on the snow with our family and friends.

Lastly, snowmobilers rock when it comes time to serve others and volunteer their time. The amount of projects that are getting done and services such as teaching and lending a hand to a complete stranger who got stuck in a hole is so amazing to me. Keep it up, keep making us look good to those who think we are just out there to ruin someone’s day.

Hopefully winter will show up sometime this year, but if it doesn’t change from its current status, I know I can say, “I had a great season! I learned so

many great skills, ones that I wished I would have learned sooner.” Go take an avalanche course, go get some medical training, hire and instructor, watch as many help videos as you can if that’s how you roll, but bottom line, spend the time this year to become a better snowmobiler so when the snow decides to get here, you are ready for anything!

See you out there!

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UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION AWARDS Log on to www.snowut.com, click on Awards, click on nominations, Download file or submit online.

•• Snowmobiler of the Year •• Snowmobile Family of the Year •• Youth Snowmobiler of the Year •• Snowmobile Club of the Year

•• Snowmobile Dealer of the Year •• Groomer of the Year •• Snowbiker of the Year •• Scholarship: Submit essay (see current topic)

Anyone can make a nomination, however the nominees must be members of the Utah Snowmobile Association. Nominations are due by April1st.

GSSA NEWS

by Debbie Hudman

Fellow Snowmobilers, Where is all the local snow? We all need to travel to the East!

Eight of us braved the cold on New Years Day. It was 19 degrees when we left our home in Tremonton and got down to 5 degrees as we drove up the mountain to Monte Cristo. It was a beautiful day, with enough snow to ride but nothing to brag about. There weren’t a lot of people riding— figured everyone worried there wasn’t enough snow.

The company was great: Jeff and Stacy, Bruce, Keith, Chris, and Preston and Debbie, son Cory and 6 year old grandson Bryden. It was three generations of Hudmans riding. Cory makes riding look so fun and easy, even with a 70 pound son in front of him. We went on Curtis Creek road over to see Beer and Whiskey Hills from a safe distance. Then down Millie Spring and back up a draw. Fresh, untouched snow lots of the way. Then we went over to the Grand Canyon for a crystal clear view. Put on 48 miles. A fun ride.

Chris said he was out of shape and felt like he had done 2300 squats. The next morning I felt the same.

Always takes a few rides to get the muscles in shape.

Many of our Club have invested in radios and beacons. A great way to top off your snowmobile equipment. A rather small investment to ensure safety when you ride.

Here’s to hoping for lots of snow. As Bruce said, if we don’t get more snow, we need to go hang out with our friends the Kowalewskis in Hawaii.

Hope to see you all at the State Poker Ride in Strawberry on February 27th.

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The Utah Snowmobile Association will be hosting it’s 3rd annual Poker Run Fundraiser on January 27th at Strawberry Bay Marina. Ride will start at 9:00 a.m. from the Strawberry Bay Marina parking lot and will conclude at 3:00 p.m. at the Strawberry Bay Marina Lodge.

All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib and Turkey dinner will be served around 4:30 p.m.

***Dinner limited to the first 75 people who sign-up*** Thousands of dollars in Raffle Prizes!!!!

10% Discount on Room Rates for Participants Reservations must be made prior to December 15th Call 435-548-2261 or online @ strawberrybay.com to make your room reservation.

If making your reservation online, enter “USA Poker Run” in “Special Needs and Preferences” block at checkout.

Ride/Dinner/Poker Card (Members) - $45.00 Ride/Dinner/Poker Card (Non- Members) - $55.00 Poker Cards - $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 Raffle Tickets - $1.00 each or $20 for an arm length

Event open to the public. Dinner not required to participate. For information or to sign up please contact Russ Mangone at 801-518-1825 or visit www.snowut.com or our Facebook page!

1st Place - $300 2nd Place - $200 3rd Place - $100 Worst Hand - $50

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE?

by Kevin Beilke, Editor (SnowTech Magazine)

So you’re riding on a groomed trail and you see some inviting land off the trail that begs to be tracked up. We’ve all been there, over and over again.

Everyone of us likes to tear up the fresh, untracked snow.

Before you peel off the trail and tear it up, you MUST ask yourself – is this land public or private?

If you don’t KNOW the answer, don’t go off the trail!

Pretty simple, eh? So, why is this basic common sense logic so often ignored?

This is an increasing problem, particularly in areas where there is NO public land and FEW off trail riding opportunities, but it is a problem everywhere groomed trails are located.

Riders seem to have the idea that if land isn’t posted closed it must be open for them to ride on. NOT! Snowmobilers MUST know if the land they are about to ride onto is public or private, each and every time they decide to go off a groomed or marked trail.

This is the premise upon which we propose to have new trail signs created, so clubs can remind riders who come across such inviting areas. Public or Private? If you don’t know, don’t go!

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As a general rule, you are legal to ride on groomed snowmobile trails, on un-plowed forest roads, along most roads in the public right-of-way (ditch) along the road, and on certain public lands. Other than that, you have to assume the land is PRIVATE and to track it up is ILLEGAL trespassing.

So, you go make a few tracks off the trail, big deal, right? This is the exact attitude that gets trails closed.

Landowners everywhere are being disrespected by snowmobilers taking liberties and trespassing on their private land, so they tell the trail club to close the trail and go elsewhere. You know how it is, a favorite trail no longer goes where it used to, ever wonder why? In almost every single case, it is because the landowner gets upset with continual trespassing onto their private property. Use of private land is a PRIVLEDGE, not a RIGHT. What is really troubling is the trail clubs will have such areas clearly marked with “Stay on Trail” signs, but there are sled tracks going off trail all over the place. Since we know the riders can read English, we then know for a fact the riders are simply IGNORING the signs and doing whatever they want to. Why would the club take the time to post such signs?

Um, because the trail is on private land and have been told the trail will be closed if the snowmobilers keep going off trail? Hello?

Hate to say it, but this is more of a problem with younger riders than it is older ones, and it is usually more of a problem with out-of-town riders than it is local ones. Generally, but not always. Mature riders do not want their local trails closed, nor do they want to upset their neighbors they live near to. Simple logic here. Younger riders seem to have the “entitlement” attitude where everyone owes them something and they can do as they please, that the rules don’t apply to them. When a snowmobiler knowingly goes off trail onto private land, they are showing disrespect for the landowner, the local club that worked so hard to place the trail, and the sport as a whole.

We see this more and more where we ride in the U.P. of Michigan. For some reason, people think that “off-trail” riding means tearing up the fields next to the groomed trails. If you see an open field next to a groomed trail, it is almost always private property. That is why it is open and not wooded, somebody cleared the land. It should be just as logical that if you can see houses and farms, you are on private land.

Pretty basic common sense, but too many snowmobilers seem to be lacking this intelligence.

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Even within tracts of public land, there are often smaller pieces of private land grandfathered in that were there long before the national (or state) forest was created. Just because you are in the middle of a great big piece of public land doesn’t mean it is 100% public, rarely is. Snowmobilers need to pay attention.

They need to study maps, carry a GPS, and be keen to what sections of trail are located on private land and what sections are on public land.

Moral of the story, know the laws and know the lay of the land where you are going to be riding. Know where the private land ends and where the public land starts. Each and every state or national forest now has land use regulations, it is your responsibility to know what the rules are where you will be riding.

Know what is legal and what is not legal to ride. Do not assume an open unless posted closed policy, verify it. What might be acceptable behavior back home for you might not be acceptable behavior where you are going to be riding. It is each rider’s responsibility to know the laws and legalities of snowmobiling in each area they visit.

The future of our sport and groomed trail system depends on this vital compliance. Each year trails are closed, rerouted and made less desirable due to the ignorance of a few. Ride only where legal. Leave your loud exhaust systems at home, as they also cause land owners to close trails. You might think riding a loud machine is your right, but it is not, especially when we are riding on private land. Stay on the trail and forest roads unless you know for a fact the land is open for you to legally ride on. Behavior like this is closing trails for the rest of us. Pretty soon, areas that used to welcome snowmobilers will be pulling up the welcome mat, telling the tourists to stay home. For those of you who don’t remember what it was like to ride back in the 70’s with no groomed trails, you just might get the chance to find out if you continue this behavior.

I would like to think that since you are reading this, you are not part of the problem but part of the solution in doing what we can to educate those less informed. Peer pressure is perhaps the best deterrent, but then again, it is very difficult to control ignorance and stupidity. We must at least try to salvage what we have before it is too late.

Kevin Beilke – Editor Shared by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations – with permission from SnowTech.

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Find your recipe for adventure at:

FRANK MAY SKI-DOO 6980 North 3600 West Honeyville, UT 435.279.8421 frankmayskidoo.com

ARE YOU BEEPING? If you have been up to the Monte Cristo Snowmobile Complex lately, you may have noticed the “Are You Beeping” station that has been recently installed.

The purpose behind the “Are you Beeping” station is to allow snowmobilers to check their avalanche beacons. As snowmobilers pass by the station, the electronic red X will change to a green O if your avalanche beacon is transmitting. The station is maintained by the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association. The station is owned by the Department of Natural resources, but is maintained and monitored by the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association. Please utilize this asset the next time you are heading out from the Monte Cristo trailhead and report any damage or problems with the station to the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association.

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BEST DAM DRAG RACE East Canyon State Park is pleased to announce its first ever snowmobile drag race. This event is designed for the snowmobile enthusiasts who like to ride fast.

The race course will be a groomed snow track on the lake. Participants will test their skills in this head to head, double elimination tournament.

Weather conditions for the tournament are a must.

Mother Nature must agree with us for the event to happen. In the event we have to postpone the event, full refunds will be given.

To sign up for this event visit; https://www. eventbrite.com/e/east-canyon-state-parkb e s t - d a m - s n o w m o b i l e - d r a g - r a c e - t i c ke t s 41832854193?aff=ehomecard For more information please visit eastcanyonstatepark.utah.gov or visit us on facbook.

IN RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT Frank May Ski-Doo of Honeyville, Utah was recently recognized as the official Ski-Doo dealer of the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association (GSSA).

Jeff Eddings, President of GSSA along with other members of the association presented the Frank May team with a custom plaque and thanked them for their years of outstanding support to local snowmobile clubs and the Utah Snowmobile Association.

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A UINTA SNOWMOBILE EXPERIENCE

by Chris Haramoto, East Canyon State Park Manager

The North Slope of the Uintas offers a unique snowmobile experience. A little over 100 miles from Salt Lake City and its worth the drive. The North Slope is listed within grooming complex three, which offers approximately 151 miles of snowmobile trails in the area. The U.S. Forest Service grooms the North Slope trails and they do a great job providing this service.

Starting at Bear River Service parking area you can access miles of groomed trails and play areas. One cool feature you should hit is the warming hut near Whitney Reservoir. Here you can warm up and eat a snack on your route. A large play area is perfect for the entire family.

Another ride you should take advantage of is the North Slope Trail. This is a 45 mile route that will take you near Lyman Lake. The opposite trailhead is near Mt. View Wyoming. Make sure you have your out of State Registration if you take this scenic route.

Remember to make a detailed plan were you will ride and let family or friends know the plan. Ride with a buddy and make sure you take the necessary safety equipment with you when you ride. Always wear your helmet and your avalanche beacon.

For more information on this riding complex or many others please visit ohv.utah.gov.

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PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? WHERE YOU CAN & CAN’T RIDE

by Kevin Beilke, Editor (SnowTech Magazine)

In the Spring issue of SnowTech Magazine we discussed the growing problem of snowmobilers trespassing on private land. Many, more like the majority, miles of groomed snowmobile trail cross private land. Even in areas with generous amounts of public land, the trails often must cross private lands to interconnect.

With the growing popularity of off trail riding, we find an increasing number of snowmobilers who are not familiar enough with the land or area they are riding in and do not study maps long enough to know where it is legal to ride, and where they need to stay on the trail. When we talk about “off trail riding” we are talking about riding in areas with no groomed trails, we are not referring to tearing across an open field right next to a groomed trail, but that is exactly the behavior that is causing all of the problems.

One almost needs to be a major in psychology to better understand the behavioral issues at hand. Do the riders not understand that the land adjacent to the trail is private, thus their off trail excursions are illegal trespassing? Or, do the riders know the land is private but do not think it will matter if they put down a few tracks? Or, do the riders know the land is private and simply do not care about land owner rights, and figure they won’t get caught?

Anyone involved with trail clubs and associations know first hand how much of a problem this is becoming.

They go out to talk with the land owner to secure an easement or permission for the trail to again cross the private land, but are told to move the trail, snowmobilers are no longer welcome. Why? Sometimes it is due to the loud machines, sometimes it is due to a land use conflict, but most often it is due to the inability of the snowmobilers to stay on the trail. Plain and simple. Snowmobilers running over small trees, trampling whatever might be under the snow, spinning their tracks and causing erosion, any and all of it.

Even if they cause no damage, it is a matter of permission and respect – respecting private property, not going somewhere if you do not have permission, and understanding what the word “no” means. Pretty simple, yet often misunderstood.

Trail clubs do their best to convince the land owner to “give them one more chance” and put up more signage to keep the riders on the trail. Maybe with extra signs indicating this is a sensitive area that requires riders to stay on the trail maybe they will be better next year? While this seems to be a logical strategy, it often times has the opposite effect. It is like riders see these signs and completely ignore them, going right past them to tear up the fresh snow out in the open field.

So with each year, as we all venture out onto the groomed trail network, we find the trail has been moved, relocated, or worse yet, closed. You often wonder why. What happened to cause the trail that has been here for 10-20 years to get moved? Instead of taking the scenic route along a fence line and through the woods, you now are forced to ride alongside the roadway in the ditch. Oh boy, that sure is fun. Slowly, year after year, more and more sections of “good” trail are replaced with ditch trail, using the last remaining path we have access to – road right of ways.

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One theory is that younger riders, who seem to be the bulk of the problem, do not remember what snowmobiling was like before we had groomed trails. They do not remember hitting rocks, hitting culverts, riding only ditches and lakes and rivers, not having a safe, marked, smooth path designated for snowmobiles.

They do not know how much time and effort and money went into creating a trail system in the first place.

Because if they did, they might try a bit harder to keep what we have. The entitlement attitude they carry in their daily lives will slowly destroy the privilege that many of us have worked so hard for, for so long – having a safe place to ride our snowmobiles close to home in areas with little public lands.

To that end, each and every rider must ask themselves before they go off the trail – is this land public or private? If you don’t know, don’t go. Carry a map and learn how to read it. Know where you are. Pay attention to the signs along the trail. Use GPS information that indicates land ownership. Know where the restricted areas are. Know the customs and laws of each area you go to ride. Ignorance is no excuse!

Shared by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, with permission from SnowTech

HISTORY OF THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION 1961-1993

by Les Thompson, SLVSC President

After talking with many of the families of the early pioneers in the Utah Snowmobile Association, we have pieced together what we feel is a pretty fair evaluation of how the U.S.A. came into fruition. If we have left anyone out we apologize and we will make any changes necessary.

In 1959 Hugh Sweeten was one of the first Utahans to grasp the promise of being able to zip across the snow on a snowmobile. In 1960, a friend from Pinedale, Wyoming let Sweeten borrow a pair of the new snow machines. One year later, Sweeten teamed with Ray Curtis, Andy Anderson and Ken Sato to form the Utah Snowmobile Association, which eventually ballooned to 500 members. During the next couple of years the association (especially the Sweeten family) was very heavily involved in the racing portion of the association. They participated in a very grueling Winnipeg to St Paul Winter Carnival “International 500” race that took four days to complete. One of the families’ fond memories was a fun-filled weekend in Sun Valley they spent with one of Hollywood’s rugged movie star, James Garner.

It seems they had their share of problems the same as we do now. They wanted to see the manufacturers put money into safety programs instead of spending so much on racing on the factory level. It was also suggested they each donate $10,000 to buy a tract of land in Utah where people could ride and they wouldn’t have to worry about a cop or forest ranger breathing down their necks.

In 1966, the original charter was signed by Spencer Saito, Terrance Anderson and Hugh Sweeten and by-laws were adopted in 1967. Spencer Saito was the President at that time. Following is a list of the U.S.A. presidents from 1966-1981 1966-67 Spencer Saito 1968-70 George Sanders 1971-72 Hugh Sweeten (Dec.) 1974-75 John Ashby 1976-77 Roger Shepherd 1978-79 Craig Cazier

1967-68 Terry Anderson 1970-71 Harold Greenleaf (Dec. 1972-74 Dick Siddoway 1975-76 Leonard Holesapple 1977-78 Jim Shoop (Dec.) 1979-81 Myrna Kuefner

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In the fall of 1981 the club split and the new Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club was formed. Craig Cazier went in as president of the Utah Snowmobile Association and Richard Clark became the first president of the Salt Lake Valley club. Craig served as president from 1981-1993.

1981-1993

During the next eight years there were many exciting changes that took place in the U.S.A. Craig, along with his great board members were instrumental in presenting three bills in the Utah Legislature which totally revitalized the OHV program. Senate Bill No. 40 would have transferred .3% of the proceeds from fuel tax, exclusive of special fuel taxes into the existing off-highway vehicle restricted account. Craig and his officers lobbied very hard to get a full 1%, however, after the bill went through both houses, an amendment was attached which limited the total proceeds to just $250,000.00 Although the group was disappointed at what they considered a low ceiling, they were grateful the bill did as well as it did. Senate Bill No. 38 provided for off-highway vehicle registration, titling and licensing for off-highway vehicles. Senate Bill 39 was a mandate providing for off highway vehicle operators to be at least eight years of age. It also required a minimum education standard for operators eight to under 16 years of age when operating on public land or designated streets or highways; established minimum standards for off-highway vehicle safety instructors; established fees for an off-highway vehicle safety and education program and increased offhighway vehicle registration fees. Craig served on the OHV program for eight years and was responsible for getting the ceiling on the state gas tax raised from $250,000 to $600,000.

Craig and his board spent years working with the Utah Travel Council and Utah Travel Region to sell snowmobiling as the other winter sport. They organized a Governor’s and Legislator’s ride five years in a row. They organized a state-wide snowmobile ride that extended over 500 miles from Vernal, Utah ending at Ruby’s Inn in Southern Utah. This ride included newsmen, State Parks and Rec. representatives; Representatives from the Governor’s office and an International Snowmobile Representative. Craig himself has ridden in every state and province in North America’s snowbelt areas.

Craig was responsible for helping organize 11 snowmobile clubs in Utah and had an excellent rapport with the snowmobile dealers in Utah. In 1987, the U.S.A. board voted to bring all of the Snowmobile Clubs to one big state ride at a different location each year. They also voted to hold a convention and Sno-Ball at the end of the snow season. Other items decided on were to produce U.S.A. patches, stickers and pins; to find methods to fund the state association as well as to help fund local clubs and events and to develop membership in local clubs and find interested new members and form new clubs.

During this period of time the U.S.A. was responsible for over 900 miles of groomed trails in Utah and since then lodges have been built to accommodate tourist and local travel in these areas. Craig was responsible for starting the Utah Snowmobile Association the ‘Sno-Scoop” and for years was responsible for publishing the newsletter himself.

In the Fall of 1987, Craig met with eight snowmobile organizations in Point-au-Pic, Quebec to lay plans for the 1988 International Congress to be held June 8-11, 1988 at Point-au-Pic. Craig was not only involved in snowmobiling on a state level but an international level as well. He is past chair of the Western Chapter and was awarded the prestigious award of International Snowmobiler of the Year Award in 1988.

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Also, in 1988, a new and unique organization to the sport of snowmobile – the National Snowmobile Foundation was launched by the International Snowmobile Industry. Its main purpose was to focus on public information and education programs, research and programs to assist charities and charitable fund-raising efforts.

In February of 1988, Craig along with Ted Wooley of Utah Parks and Recreation were present when Governor Norman Bangerter declared March 6 through March 12th as Utah Snowmobile Wee. As part of this week the U.S.A. planned a trail ride and dance. eight snowmobile clubs throughout Utah participated. The ride took place at Lake Creek trailhead in Heber City. That evening a dance was held at the Crossroads Private Club in Heber City.

In April the first annual U.S.A. Sno-Ball and convention was held at the Airport Hilton. Guest speakers included Cliff Blake of the National Forest Service; Reed Stadler of the Bureau of Land Management, Ted Wooley, Utah Parks and Recreation and Steve James, Editor of Snowmobile West.

In the fall of 1988 the U.S.A. announced the addition of a new club. Under the direction of the club’s President, Kevin Mauchley, they sponsored a contest to come up with a name for the club that became known as the ‘Snowflakes”.

In 1989 Scott Behunin replaced Ted Wooley as the Utah Parks & Rec. representative for the Off-Highway Vehicle program.

In 1990 Craig invited several of the Salt Lake Valley club members to attend and International Congress in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We had never even heard of the I.S. C. at that time so were all impressed.

In 1992 the ‘SYMMS’ National Recreational Trails Fund was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. However, the bad news was that no money had been appropriated to fund the motorized and non-motorized and shared the trail projects that were included in the bill. Idaho Senator Steve Symms, who sponsored the original bill, managed to amend the appropriations bill to provide $15 million, half the original amount.

Also in 1992, under the direction of Parks and Rec. Rep. Scott Behunin about 14 miles of groomed trails were added to the state system. The north Skyline Drive from the head of Fish Creek to the parking lot trailhead at the head of Fairview Canyon was to be groomed on a regularly-scheduled basis. a new storage building for the snow cat was built at Hardware Ranch; another building at Cedar Mountain was planned and a third was contemplated for Soapstone or Lake Creek.

Members of the Golden Spike Snowmobile Assn. (GSSA) formed the Weber County Sheriff’s Winter Search and Rescue team, a voluntary, non-profit organization. The snowmobile rescue team will assist the Sheriff and other Search and Rescue components for the Sheriff’s office, especially the Jeep patrol which operates and maintains mobile over-the snow- command post communication facilities and snowcats capable of reaching remote locations for radio-relay and emergency transportation of distressed or disable victims.

All costs associated with membership and search operations were borne by individual team members.

The international Snowmobile Congress was held in Nova Scotia and attended by Pres. Cazier. The USA presented $2,000 to the National Snowmobile Foundation at the awards banquet. In addition, the foundation gained a new corporate supporter when Cazier Excavating of West Jordan, headed by Pres.

Cazier, donated $1,000.

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In 1993 the USA state convention was held at beautiful Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon. After many years of devoting most of his life to the USA and the International Snowmobile Council, Craig decide to turn over the ‘helm’ as president to Kevin Mauchley. Kevin had done a tremendous job serving as Secretary and Vice President during the previous years. Kevin served as president from Feb. 1993 thru November 1993.

He was followed by Harry Collard who served from November 1993-1996.

In parting, Craig recalled that in 1980 the USA had a dream of a system of groomed trails, trail groomers, parking area with toilet facilities – financed by the taxes paid on gasoline. Cazier and others had lobbied the Utah Legislature to set aside a portion of the gas tax for snowmobiling. The dreams of the USA board had all come into fruition. Craig also challenged the snowmobilers attending the convention to each one get a new member and double the size of the USA. I would like to give special thanks to Barbra Collard for passing on this wonderful piece of snowmobile history Les Thompson Pres. Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing. - George Bernard Shaw

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JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION! Utah Snowmobile Association Represents ALL Snowmobilers in Utah by: •• Maintaining & expanding trailheads •• Working to protect land access •• Improving trail marking & grooming •• Lobbying for positive legislation •• Distributing critical information •• Sponsoring the Annual Snow Show •• Assisting in education/safety •• Working with land administrators •• Assisting in search & rescue •• Maintaining website www.snowut.com Membership Includes: •• Six Issues of the “Snow Scoop” E-Newsletter •• Membership Card program enrollment •• “Members Only” access to the website •• Updates on critical Issues •• Club Information/Contacts •• 50% off Intermountain Snowmobile Show admission •• USA Decal