MARCH 2014 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 4
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Future of Snowmobiling Needs You - p. 7 UDOT Snow Plowing Feasibility is in Full Swing - p. 10 Snowmobile Education - p. 13
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Jeff Eddings
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ell, sadly enough another snowmobile season is drawing to a close. It seems like just the other day that the leaves were starting to change colors and we all were getting excited about the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. Hopefully we can squeeze a couple more months of good riding from this season. Although lately it has been un-seasonable warm down here on the Wasatch Front, the mountains seem to be reaping the benefits of snowfall while we deal with the rain. Let’s take a quick recap of USA’s past year’s accomplishments: First, starting in April we attended the American Council of Snowmobile Association’s Washington D.C. Fly-In event. Here we were able to share our members snowmobiling and land access concerns with our elected officials. In June we attended the International Snowmobilers Congress in Green Bay, Wisconsin and meet with our snowmobiling brothers and sisters from around the world. Next we turned our attention to the 2013 Intermountain Snowmobile Show where we held a new raffle experience and expanded our swap meet venue that seemed to be enjoyed by all! During the same weekend as the Snow Show, USA supported the Utah Avalanche Center at their annual Brewvies Fundraiser where we also were able to distribute some of our new marketing items. Then came working on bringing you a new and improved Utah Snow Scoop in a digital format for a more efficient and crisper reading experience. Then we created the USA Membership Card Program that provided each member with a card which allowed for some great discounts at participating dealers. On February 8th we hosted our second annual USA Members Ride and on February 22nd we hosted our annual “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” event. Both turned out to be successful and enjoyable events. Looking back now, it is hard to believe that we were able to complete as much as we did in the time frame given. It sure has been a busy and productive year to say the least. Now it is almost time to start it all over again with the such a success this past year. Thanks goes out to all of the board ACSA Washington D.C. Fly-in. Who says supporting the sport of members that have spent countless hours attending meetings and organized snowmobiling isn’t a full time job? preparing events, to the dealers, manufactures and businesses that Another item of importance we need to turn our attention to is have donated so much to our various causes and events, to State recognizing those individuals and dealers that have gone above Parks that have assisted us with many of our endeavors throughand beyond throughout the season for one reason or another. out the year, and finally to the members of USA for supporting What better way to show recognition than to be submitted for an our organization. After all, without the support of our members, annual award. So if you know someone or a dealer that deserves there would be no Utah Snowmobile Association. Thank you for a to be recognized for their overwhelming support and dedication great year and I look forward to working with all of you again next to snowmobiling, please nominate them for an award. All nom- year! Until then, keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up. ination forms can be found on www.snowut.com and can either P.S. Look for e-mail from USA throughout the summer on critical be submitted online or mailed in. The deadline for award submit- land use updates and other important information. tals is April 1st. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has made the Utah Snowmobile Association
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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
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078 www.beersharley.com
Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Pinedale Travel & Tourism 19 E Pine Street Pinedale, WY 82941 www.visitpinedale.org
www.stateparks.utah.gov
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort 15870 Country Road 162 Nathrop, CO 81236 www.mtprinceton.com
4 Seasons Powersports 1728 W 2550 S #105 Ogden, UT 84401
Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014
www.4seasonspower.com
www.tricityperformance.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS USA Participated With Western States on Important Snowmobiler Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GSSA NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Future of Snowmobiling Needs You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 UDOT Snow Plowing Feasibility Study is in Full Swing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Divas SnowGear Partners with Parts Canada for Canadian Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 USA Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Recreation Groups Cheer Circuit Court Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mountain Lion Attacking a Deer Runs Smack Into a Group of Snowmobilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 USA Fundraising Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Snowmobile Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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/
USA PARTICIPATED WITH WESTERN STATES ON IMPORTANT SNOWMOBILER ISSUES
produce any results during the mediation/arbitration phase and the parties seem to be getting entrenched for pursuing the litigation process. On a more positive note, the new Lynx management documents seem to reflect that snowmobiling does not have a significant effect on the movement or habitat of the Lynx. It is too early to tell yet what impacts the Sage Grouse issue will have on the snowmobile community.
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nowmobile associations from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Utah met in Alpine, Wyoming on February 7th to share a conversation on issues important to the western states. As you probably know, USA is a member of the Western Chapter of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations which is an excellent resource when it comes to issues affecting our snowmobile access. Unfortunately, the timing of the meeting conflicted with the USA State Ride, but Curt and Lynne Kennedy made the trip so that Utah could be represented.
A power point presentation was given on the changes that are occurring on snow compaction as the weather patterns have been changing. Obviously, there is not much the snowmobiler can do about producing better snow compaction, but it is interesting to see how the high-powered scientists see what we actually see out on the snow.
We talked about the inevitability of the increased pressure for the Forest Service to pursue winter travel planning, disregarding what the outcome may be of the WWA lawsuit. All states attending the Without boring you with all of the meeting details, here is a runmeeting agreed we need to start thinking about what winter travel down of the key points. From an administrative standpoint, Scott planning should look like and be prepared to take an active role. Herzog, President of the Montana Snowmobile Association was Western Chapter is already starting to develop strategies that will elected Vice Chair of the Western Chapter under the existing Chair, assist member states in addressing this issue. Scott Jones from Colorado. Additionally, there will be an enhancement to the Western Chapter website for better communication For those who attended the State Ride in white-out conditions, and an email tree for quick contact. Curt & Lynne would like you to know that we took 15 riders to the famous Blind Bull area the day after the meeting in what can Land access issues in the limelight related to the Winter Wildlands only be described as the inside of a ping pong ball. The bad news (WWA) lawsuit against the Forest Service to force winter travel is we had almost everyone stuck at the same time and the good planning; impacts of the new Lynx management strategy for habnews is that 15 made it back to the trailhead! itat and Sage Grouse habitat mitigation. The WWA suit did not
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GSSA NEWS
by Dennis Kowalewski
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t’s hard to believe the season is winding down already. It seems like we just got started. But the fun isn’t over yet!
On Jan. 25th, we did an evening ride out past Hardware to Ephraim’s Grave and around to Elk Valley then back to Hardware for dinner. The ride was well attended and I think all had a good time. We only lost one machine from rock damage (Preston). I can tell you that it does get dark out there in those valleys. Brad Hunt from Hardware Ranch gave us all an education on the happenings at the ranch and provided an interesting evening for us. Thanks Brad. On 1 Feb., we did a ride at Chalk Creek. The snow was a little scarce until you got to Whitney reservoir, then was very good. On Feb. 8th, several members participated in the USA ride at Strawberry. The ride was during a heavy snow storm with low visibility and deep powder which made it a challenge to keep from getting stuck. This ride was followed by a dinner and raffle.
On Feb. 13th , we headed south to the village of Duck Creek for our annual ride. The trail conditions weren’t very good getting out of Duck Creek but quickly improved as you gained some elevation. We rode through Cedar Breaks to Brianhead and participated in their poker run. Several people won prizes. Although Cedar Breaks is beautiful covered with snow, I think most of agreed that the view from Strawberry point was better. As for things coming up, we have our poker run scheduled for March 8th and would like to invite everyone to come up for that. We’ll follow the ride with a lunch and should have some good prizes for the lucky ones. Last but not least, I’d like to welcome our newest member, Lonna Nelson, to the club. She’s the only member in our club that rides a Yamaha so she may take some ribbing over that. As always, if you’d like any information about our club, call me, Dennis Kowalewski, at 801-745-6138.
THE FUTURE OF SNOWMOBILING NEEDS YOU! by Ken Rossum
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USA works with Utah Parks and Recreation, District Forest Rangers, the Forest Service, and BLM in matters concern access public lands. This process relates to national land access issues, local Forest Plan and Travel Plan Revisions. Provides budgeted financial support for the Avalanche Center safety programs and supports Search and Rescue.
lmost every day you read an article in the paper, receive an email alert or hear that more areas are being considered for closure to access for motorized use. Many will say “Oh, not The Association is active in lobbying for legislation that will benanother land closure” and then will move on to the next topic. The efit snowmobiling. This activity is not only done with our local sport we enjoy is being endlessly attacked by organizations, groups state legislation but is also done with an annual Washington, DC and individuals that don’t like to see us enjoying this family sport. Fly-in to meet with our Utah Congressmen and Senators. The I don’t know about you but I would like to keep public lands open Association works to obtain available grants to provide benefits for all Utah snowmobiler’s benefit. Snowmobilers have a seat on for motorized use for my children and grandchildren. the OHV Council, which is initiated by the Division of Parks and To put it very bluntly, snowmobiling needs your help and support. Recreation, for planning summer and winter OHV programs. Most everyone that reads the Snow Scoop has an interest in snowmobiling in Utah. They may be someone new to the sport, maybe someone that has ridden for a few years or the group that are seasoned veterans and have ridden for years. What ever the case you have an interest in this unique way to recreate. I know that many of us have seen the following information on the Utah Snowmobile Association (USA) website. But I encourage you to reread it and consider supporting this organization. Your support can come in several ways; being a member of USA, a donation to the legal fund, working on some snowmobile issues in your area or volunteer your time to one of the many snowmobile projects. I not saying you should run out and join a local club. This is especially true if you don’t care to ride with groups of riders. Clubs are not for everyone; but a club is a good resource to those that are new to the sport or the area. It is good social center for those that enjoy organized rides, trips and club functions. What should be a fact is that we all have a common interest (preserving snowmobiling) and this is what all should focus on. USA is Non-Profit organization that was established several years ago to generate interest and promote snowmobiling in the State of Utah. The USA board consists of volunteer members of which there are elected and appointed positions. These board members spend well over 4,000 hours per year handling snowmobile related issues and promoting snowmobiling in Utah. Monthly meetings are held every month of the year. All USA Board Meetings are open and you are encouraged to attend. The Association interfaces with International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the America Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) and provides a delegate and other attendees to the International Snowmobile Congress. USA is a member American Council of Snowmobile Associations, Blue Ribbon Coalition and Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL).
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USA is also a co-sponsor of Intermountain Snowmobile Show. This is the largest fundraiser that we have during the year. Ninety percent of budgeted expenditures come from fund raising, grants and donations, Association membership income makes up the balance. To learn more about the Utah Snowmobile Association activities, visit our website www.snowut.com. You may also contact any of the board members that will be happy to answer your questions. Snowmobiling as we know it needs your support!
SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB by Russ Mangone
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ell here it is almost the end of the snowmobile season and it seems like it just started. Although this is the 1st year I’ve been able to get a ride in, in Nov. and 2 or 3 rides in, in Dec. Even though the snow hasn’t been that great this year, as a club we did get some good rides in. We rode anywhere from Soapstone to Chalk Creek and the Strawberry area. We even got a good ride in at our annual overnight ride to Alpine Wy. Where we stayed at the Flying Saddle Inn. A great place to stay.
We also had a pretty good ride on the USA members ride considering the snow and weather conditions. There was plenty of fresh new snow, some places close to 4 feet of new snow and still snowing. But we did have a really good dinner afterward. Also we helped out at the Take a Friend Snowmobiling event. That is a really good event to help people get familiar with the sport of snowmobiling. As everyone knows we need to get more people involved with snowmobiling. In Feb. we took a small group from Bakersfield Ca. riding to the Strawberry Area. We took them on a nice ride to the warming hut where we cooked hotdogs for lunch. They were very impressed with the riding area and the beauty that Utah has to offer to the outdoorsman. They were sure glad they came all this way to ride. Well before you know it we will be having our annual spring BAR B Que, talking about all the good times we had with our friends snowmobiling and planning those summer campouts and family vacations. I hope everyone had a very safe and enjoyable riding season so far and let’s hope we can ride for a few more weeks. So until we meet again stay safe, ride with a partner and ride smart. You can always check us out on our website at www.slvsnow.com or on facebook at Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club, where you’ll see some awesome pictures. Russ Mangone Pres. Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club
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UDOT SNOW PLOWING FEASIBILITY STUDY IS IN FULL SWING
routes and would put extensive pressure on the few remaining snowmobile opportunities. 5. Snowmobilers are extremely concerned about the waste of taxpayer dollars to plow roads that only benefit a select few when such dollars could be used for more widespread transportation projects that have a broader benefit.
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fter the simultaneous announcement of a feasibility study to snow plow eight mountain passes and the unilateral plowing of Wolf Creek Pass, USA went to work to develop a detailed position on this important snowmobiler issue. Seven of the eight routes under review are groomed snowmobile trails and Monte Cristo, Mirror Lake Highway and Wolf Creek Pass are among the most heavily used snowmobile opportunities in the entire state of Utah. We made sure our position paper was provided to our partners at the Utah Division of Parks & Recreation, County Commissioners in the affected counties, in addition to the key UDOT personnel.
6. USA believes that it is the responsibility of UDOT to reach out to all potentially impacted agencies, core user groups and business entities to fully air the issues associated with plowing the eight identified mountain passes. A town hall approach is appropriate. 7. UDOT needs to become familiar with “The State of Utah Outdoor Recreation Vision” established by the Governor and make sure it does not make decisions in a vacuum that are contrary to this far-reaching vision. 8. USA contends that snowmobiling contributes to the strong moral and physical make-up of real people that is important to a productive and prosperous society. We must be very selective in making decisions that tend to destroy those important characteristics.
On February 11, 2014, Jeff Eddings, USA President and Curt Kennedy, USA Director – Public Lands met with the UDOT Program Development Planning Director (managing the study) and the outside consultant that is actually performing the study. Our goal was to reinforce a snowmobilers’ perspective on why mere consideration of the economics of placing a driver behind a plow does not begin to portray the real impact to Utah.
9. The UDOT economic model is flawed in that it only addresses narrow economic factors directly associated to the cost of plowing.
Highlights of our discussion centered on the following key talking points.
10. UDOT needs to look at land ownership on the applicable routes versus a comparison to average weekday and average weekend trailhead use.
1. The plowing feasibility study should include an independent evaluation of the current economic impact of snowmobiling to the state and to the specific rural areas that would be directly impacted by any plowing of traditional snowmobile trails. We know that snowmobiling is a boost to Utah’s economy to the tune of at least $80 million annually and is particularly important to rural areas.
We ended the meeting encouraging UDOT to use USA as a resource as the feasibility study progresses. They indicated their study should be completed this spring. It is unclear what form the final product will be made available to the public. If UDOT concludes that plowing is feasible according to their narrow economic model, they assured us a broader evaluation would be initiated to get the input from all affected parties. USA hopes to stay on top of this issue and we may need your help as the study unfolds!
2. USA contends that plowing any mountain pass that has traditionally been a groomed snowmobile route will create safety issues that must be thoroughly addressed. 3. The study must address alternative trailhead parking (including cost), particularly in light of the extensive process that would be required under regulations applicable to the U.S. Forest Service. 4. The study needs to consider the total devastation that will occur to the grooming program, which as a result of interconnectivity literally wipes out the majority of the state’s grooming program. The decision to plow has a major impact on the ability to establish alternative snowmobile
February 1 - Bucky’s Backcountry Riding Clinics February 15 - Vintage Snowmobile Races March 8-9 - RMSHA White Pine Hillclimb
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DIVAS SNOWGEAR PARTNERS WITH PARTS CANADA FOR CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION Divas SnowGear & Parts Canada are excited to announce their newly formed partnership for distribution in Canada. Divas SnowGear is a line of attractive, functional and fashionable women’s snowmobile riding apparel. According to Wendy Gavinski, President and Founder of Divas SnowGear and driving force behind the line, “We couldn’t be more excited to add Parts Canada as a distribution partner to expand our reach in that market!” Parts Canada immediately identified Divas SnowGear as a line that adds tremendous value to their offering. “Aligning ourselves with a strong brand of women’s snowmobile apparel fits perfectly with our goal of gaining more market share and offering a strong women’s line to support the rapidly growing women’s snowmobile segment” stated James Danyluk, General Manger for Parts Canada. Wendy went on to say, “We are equally as excited about this partnership knowing the strength in Parts Canada in their market. With their help, we can keep our focus on manufacturing the most fashionable, yet functional outerwear for women. We are extremely confident the dealers and end consumer will see the passion both parties put forth in keeping up with the evolution of this new, exciting niche market we are creating. The 2014/15 Divas SnowGear line is available now for dealer pre-booking and will be available to the public in the fall of 2014. Please contact your local Parts Canada sales representative or authorized dealership for more info, or contact Divas SnowGear direct at sales@DivasSnowGear.com or at www.DivasSnowGear.com. About Parts Canada Parts Canada is a national distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Canadian power sports industry. With our distribution centers located in Calgary and London, we have ability to offer next day delivery from coast to coast. For more information about PARTS CANADA, please e-mail information@partscanada.com
USA SCHOLARSHIP
Application and requirements are to be mailed or e-mailed to:
by Stacey Eddings, Awards & Charities, USA
Utah Snowmobile Association C/o Stacey Eddings he Utah Snowmobile Association (USA) will be offering 2645 East 7800 South a scholarship to either a graduating high school senior South Weber, UT 84405 or an individual currently enrolled in college. This will Utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com be a $1,000 grant and will be given to the winner regardless of The winner of the USA scholarship will be announced at USA’s other grants or scholarships that the student may also receive. Annual Convention in April 2014. Requirements are as follows: Additionally, the winner of the USA Scholarship will have their 1. 1. Applicant must be a member of the application submitted to the American Council of Snowmobile Utah Snowmobile Association. Associations Western Chapter Scholarship contest. The winner of 2. 2. Applicant must submit the completed application form. this scholarship will be announced at the International Snowmobile Congress in June 2014 in Keystone, Colorado and will receive an 3. 3. Applicant must submit a résumé detailing his or her additional cash prize. involvement in snowmobiling as well as extra-curricular activities. Funding for the USA Scholarship comes from fundraising projects 4. 4. Applicant must include an essay on: From a snowmoat the Intermountain Snowmobile Show. Funding for the Western biler’s perspective, how does motorized recreational access Chapter Scholarship comes from financial support of member impact your other recreational opportunities like hunting, organizations and donations received throughout the year. fishing and camping? The scholarship application can also be found on www.snowut. 5. 5. The application must be received by com or by clicking here. USA by April 1st, 2014.
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RECREATION GROUPS CHEER CIRCUIT COURT VICTORY BILLINGS, MT ( January, 2014) -- Recreation groups are thrilled by a just-released Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholding the validity of the Custer National Forest’s Beartooth Ranger District Travel Management Plan. The Plan was released in 2008 to designate routes for motorized access in the Beartooth Ranger District, which includes the Pryor Mountains, in south-central Montana. Despite the Plan’s numerous restrictions on long-existing motorized access, it was challenged in federal court by the Pryors Coalition, an assortment of nonprofit organizations and individuals including Wildlands CPR and local chapters of the Montana Wilderness Association, Audubon Society and Backcountry Horsemen. The Coalition’s suit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull. The Coalition appealed, and their appeal was heard on December 4, 2013 before a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which included retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor sitting by designation. The Ninth Circuit released its memorandum decision on January 7, 2014, affirming the district court and leaving the Travel Plan in place. “This decision validates our patience and hard work on this project defending the sound management of a treasured place on our public lands,” said Bruce Reierson, of the Treasure State ATV Association. “We are still frustrated by some of the closures in this plan, but are encouraged that aggressive preservationists’ efforts to second-guess the Forest Service were not rewarded here by our courts,” added Mona Ehnes of the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association. “This decision has some strong and intriguing language, particularly on the hot topic of ‘minimizing’ impacts of vehicle use and the 40 year old Executive Orders from which that duty supposedly emanates,” noted Paul Turcke, an attorney for the recreation groups. “In candor, we have suffered a number of frustrating decisions at the district court level on the minimization issue. We hope that a circuit court decision, reflecting the intellect and wisdom of a retired Supreme Court Justice, might foreshadow a positive turn as our overburdened and underbudgeted Forest Service addresses the challenge of managing recreation on our public lands,” Turcke concluded. The recreation groups intervening in the case to assist in defense of the Forest Service decision included the Treasure State ATV Association, the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, the Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association, Families for Outdoor Recreation, Citizens for Balanced Use, and the BlueRibbon Coalition. The recreation groups were represented by Paul Turcke of Boise, Idaho, and Rob Bell of Missoula. A copy of the Ninth Circuit decision can be viewed at: http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/54-1-Memorandum_decision_01.07.14.pdf
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MOUNTAIN LION ATTACKING A DEER RUNS SMACK INTO A GROUP OF SNOWMOBILERS by Jim Holland, Journal staff, Rapid City Journal
January 15, 2014 6:40 am • Jim Holland Journal staff
“It was running for its life because it had just gotten attacked,” Hansen said. Born, next to last in line on the trail, thought it odd to see a deer coming toward him. “My immediate thinking is that Ryan has hit a deer. The other animal went straight up the hill,” Born said. A strange-looking deer, he thought. “I’ve never seen a deer with a 6-foot tail before,” Born said. “Then I said, ‘Holy cow, that’s a mountain lion.’”
Ryan Hansen figured a couple of spooked deer had tumbled down The group stopped to marvel at what they had just witnessed. Luers a snowy slope, landing in a tangle in front of his snowmobile on returned to find out what he just missed. Dec. 27 on a logging trail near Spearfish. “You never imagine you would see a mountain lion, let alone one “At that point, I realized there were two different fur coats,” he said. on the hunt and actually in the process of attacking an animal,” Hansen said. And one of the coats belonged to a mountain lion. The biggest regret of the day was not using helmet-mounted video Hansen, a physical therapist from Rapid City, had to swerve his cameras on the trip. sled to avoid the animals, which came to rest against the right side “We had talked about (using the cameras) before the ride started, of his machine. but we blew it off. We’re disappointed we didn’t do it,” Mellinger Almost immediately a deer, blood oozing from wounds on its neck, said. popped up and fled toward four other riders in Hansen’s group. “If we had had those on, this thing would have gone viral all over the A mountain lion was right behind, first leaping into a gap between world. We would have had three or four helmets watching it,” said the riders, then stopping for an instant before bounding away, back Born, who snapped still photos of the disturbed snow leading to up the hill side. the trail where Hansen’s sled came to a halt, loose fur and spatters of blood left by the deer. “It all happened so fast,” Hansen said. “There wasn’t a ton of blood, but it was dropping blood every time That was the assessment for four of five other members of the party it took a step,” Born said. who had witnessed the encounter on a sunny, pleasant Friday two days after Christmas. Hansen is just glad to have had plenty of witnesses along for the ride. Hansen and his father-in-law, Dave Luers of Pierre, an uncle, Jon “If I had been the last rider in line, I’m sure nobody would have Born of Chaska, Minn., brother-in-law Todd Mellinger of Fort believed me,” Hansen said. “I told my wife it would have been betCollins, Colo., and friends, Rusty Hollingsworth of Pierre and ter if the cat had reached out and gave me a little scratch, I would Blake Hyde of Sioux Falls, were riding on a trail in Long’s Draw have had something to prove my story.” near Spearfish. The riders estimated the cat to weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. “It probably took us five to 10 seconds after the lion ran by for us “He could have taken any of us down, that’s for sure,” said Mellinger, to comprehend what happened,” Mellinger said. who said he has seen mountain lions in the wild in Colorado before Hansen was riding second in line. Luers was in the lead and didn’t but never this close. notice what first appeared to be a couple of deer running down “This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, I think,” Mellinger said. “I still the slope, Hansen said. can’t believe it happened.” “I still wasn’t thinking cat at all,” Hansen said. “The mountain lion gets bigger every time we tell the story,” Hansen Landing close enough for Hansen to touch with an out- said with a laugh. “It was plenty big when you’re 10 feet away.” stretched boot, the deer bounded away directly toward the other snowmobilers.
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USA FUNDRAISING EVENT by Jeff Eddings, President, USA
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ig Bubba’s trailer Sales & Manufacturing in Ogden has generously donated a two place open snowmobile or ATV trailer to the Utah Snowmobile Association for a fundraising initiative again this year.
Once again, the Utah Snowmobile Association would like to share this fundraising initiative with our member clubs. USA will provide the tickets and each member club will be able to keep 50% of their ticket sales. This is an excellent opportunity for your club to raise some extra funds for those special projects or to whatever.
All you have to do is ask your family, friends, co-workers and others to help support your organization and the Utah Snowmobile Association. Ticket prices will once again be only $5.00. The drawing will take place at USA’s Annual Convention in April 2014. If you haven’t received your tickets yet, then please contact your club President. If you are just looking to purchase tickets you also have the option of buying tickets online at www.snowut.com or clicking here.
SNOWMOBILE EDUCATION
Other safety tips include:
•• Read your owner’s manual to become familiar with the operation and performance of your machine by Sherri Petersen •• Make sure your machine is currently registered. It is illegal to transport and ride on public lands with expired registration. nowmobiling is a popular sport, especially in Utah. However, •• Carry and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel and without proper education and safety precautions, it can be probe. dangerous, and in some instances even deadly. •• Pack a first aid kit, tool/repair kit and emergency supplies. My family and I are avid off-highway vehicle (OHV) and snowmo•• Never ride alone. biler riders and have spent a lot of time riding in Utah’s backcountry •• Become familiar with riding rules and snowmobile hand and we have been fortunate not to have had any serious accidents. signals. However I attribute that to my rules that no one is allowed to ride •• Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. if they aren’t wearing the proper gear and they must know how to •• Never operate your machine while under the influence of alcooperate their machines. hol or drugs. •• Wear the proper gear. I work for the Utah State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Education I am a firm believer that education courses and following safety office and have seen the devastating consequences of not taking rules reduces the number of Off Highway Vehicles accidents each safety seriously. I am also a mom and can’t imagine experiencing year. Take the time to educate yourself, your children, family memthe loss of a family member or suffering a traumatic injury. bers and friends about the proper way to ride to ensure there will Completing a Utah State Parks snowmobile education course is be many more riding adventures ahead. the first step in becoming a safe rider. Utah law requires youth ages eight to 15 to complete a course before operating a machine on public lands, roads or trails.
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SNOWFLAKE CONTEST Congratulations to John Barlow. He is the lucky winner of February’s “Find the Snowflake” contest. John correctly identified that February’s snowflake was hidden on page 12 within the “Take a Friend Snowmobiling “advertisement. John won a pair of 509 goggles and a Utah State Parks Day Pass. Thanks for participating in the “Find the Snowflake Contest” and make sure to participate in the contest next year when we will bring you bigger and better prizes!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION!
•• March 15 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Ride •• March 19 - GSSA Meeting •• March 29 - GSSA Ride •• March 29 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Ride •• April 7 - Davis County Snowflakes Club Meeting •• April 12 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Meeting •• April 12 - Davis County Snowflakes Ride
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:
WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SNOW SCOOP? According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed $60 million. 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!
Join online at www.snowut.com
Please send application and check to: Utah Snowmobile Association, 1794 N 6250 E, Eden, UT 84310
Zip City State
Address
Name Phone
$10 Student (<25)
$75 Business
$30 Family
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$20 Individual
utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com 801.510.7796
BECAUSE IT’S PROFITABLE!
Annual Dues:
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
•• Free AD&D Life Insurance •• 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