OCTOBER 2015 VOLUME 24, ISSUE 1
IN THIS ISSUE:
Public Lands Initiative is Still in Limbo - Page 5 GSSA News - Page 12 Snowmobile Resources for Winter Tourism - Page 15
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Jeff Eddings
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nce again we find fall is upon us. The mornings are crisp and the leaves are just starting to turn colors. It won’t be long before the leaves start falling and those crisp mornings turn in to cold morning. Hopefully on the heel of that we will see some snow falling around us, especially up in the mountains where we snowmobilers want it to pile up.
In April, Curt Kennedy and Jay Ombach flew to Washington, D.C. to attend the annual American Council of Snowmobile Association’s (ACSA) Washington D.C. Fly-In. We attended two days of seminars and presentations and on the third day met with Utah’s elected officials. We were able to express the concerns of Utah snowmobilers to them and left them with some great reading material as it relates to the positive aspects of snowmobiling and Saturday, October 24th. Make sure to check out my article in Utah and around the country. Yet another successful visit to about this year’s Intermountain Snowmobile Show in this issue. Washington, D.C. The USA held its first board meeting on September 11th. We had a In June, Stacey and I flew to Niagara Falls, New York to attend great turn-out and hammered out a bunch of stuff for the upcoming the International Snowmobile Congress. The New York State season. A few items we have in the works for this year are: more Snowmobile Association did a great job of hosting the event. You discounts available with your USA memberships, a Poker Run couldn’t have asked for better weather, however I could have done Fundraiser and developing a TV spot that highlights snowmobiling without the humidity. There were multiple break-out sessions with in Utah! These are just three of the bigger things we have in work a multitude of snowmobile related topics. State Associations and for this year. Stay tuned to the Snow Scoop and to www.snowut. people alike brought many great things for the Silent Auction. The com throughout the season for more information and updates. off-site function was a nice dinner at the casino across the street from our accommodations which included a comedian and a show I am hoping and praying for a great winter season with unpreceby Native American dancers. The New York State Snowmobile dented amounts of snow. I don’t think I can survive another season Association also set up many great tours to take if you were so like last years. The lack of snow threw me into a severe state of inclined. You could have signed up to go on a jet boat ride under depression and it affected my overall attitude…just ask my family about it! Hope to see all of you at the Intermountain Snowmobile the falls or take a leisurely trip through wine country. Show in October and make sure you stop in at the USA booth We now turn our attention to the Intermountain Snowmobile Show and say hello. Until next issue…keep the rubber side down and that is fast approaching. This year’s show is on Friday, October 23rd 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 into a drawing to win a $50 Maverik Gift card. Winner will be notified by e-mail and drawing to be held on October 31st .
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com
Cal Taylor, Vice President 1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 calandgena@gmail.com
Russ Mangone, Secretary 2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84118 801-969-7335 slvsnow@gmail.com
Lisa Kowalewski, Treasurer 1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138 treasurer@snowut.org
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 and Awards/Charity
CLUB DIRECTORY
Golden Spike Snowmobile Association Jeffery Eddings, President 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com
Chalk Creek Riders
2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com
Wes Blonquist, President P.O. Box 385 Coalville, UT 84017 435-336-4496 wesntrac@allwest.net
Chris Haller, State Parks Representative
Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Les Thompson, President 2760 N 1650 E Layton, UT 84040 801-771-8748 slvsnow@outlook.com
P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov
Davis County Snowmobile Club
Jay Ombach, Executive Director
Eston Kimber West Center Street #91 North Salt Lake, UT 84054 801-244-8172 sledguy163@gmail.com
2159 North 550 West Layton, UT 84041 801-825-1164 jayo@beacon-metals.com
USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078
Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014
Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Cutlers, Inc. 271 N State Street Orem, UT 84057
www.beersharley.com
Frank May Ski-Doo 6740 North Hwy. 38 (Honeyville) Brigham City, UT 84302
www.tricityperformance.com
www.frankmayskidoo.com
www.shopcutlers.com
www.stateparks.utah.gov
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TABLE OF CONTENTS UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SOUTHERN UTAH SNOWMOBILE OPPORTUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 PUBLIC LANDS INITIATIVE IS STILL IN LIMBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 FALL UPDATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 “MOUNTAIN ACCORD” APPROVED THIS SUMMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 THE LUCKY WINNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 DAVIS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 RTP FUNDING IS IN THE HANDS OF THE HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 WHAT HAS THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION DONE FOR ME? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 GSSA NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2015 INTERMOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 WINTER TRAVEL PLANNING RULE IS FINAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 USA MISSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SNOWMOBILE RESOURCES FOR WINTER TOURISM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 23 October 7 November November 4 November 18 December December 2 December 16 Winter January 6 January 20 March February 24 March 9 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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UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
4th Annual Members Ride
The annual USA Members ride and dinner will be Saturday, January 23rd 2016. Watch for more information. In upcoming Snow Scoops and on the USA website at www.snowut.com and on Facebook at USAUtah Snowmobile Association. See you there!
SOUTHERN UTAH SNOWMOBILE OPPORTUNITIES
by Michael Franklin, Coral Pink State Park Manager and Cedar Mountain Snowmobile Complex Manager
PUBLIC LANDS INITIATIVE IS STILL IN LIMBO
by Curt Kennedy
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ongressman Rob Bishop has championed a process called the “Public Lands Initiative” (PLI) that would set the stage for drafting legislation which would bring closure to some of the most contentious public lands debates (use designations) in Utah. Initially it was mostly oriented to southwestern Utah, but as the process grew the counties and powerful special interest groups moved the debate to literally every acre in Utah that could conceivably receive a special land use designation.
A cursory review of all the websites for counties that may have snowmobile opportunities revealed that public meetings have been held to get input on what each county would like to propose to the PLI that could be used for drafting future legislation. Wilderness recommendations are a key component and identification of Special Management Areas (SMA’s) became a new buzzword for areas that may not qualify for Wilderness, but still could be rationalized as needing some form of “protection.” Attendance at these meetings (based on published minutes) clearly indicated that mineral interests, grazing interests and major environmental groups were the dominant attendees.
Environmental groups (primarily The Wilderness Society) have nowmobiling in Southern Utah? Is that too much to think that made a full court press to recommend additional Wilderness in it is possible? Let me get you acquainted with opportunities several counties, albeit less than proposals which have been made that there are in Southern Utah. There are several mountain historically. The most concerning for snowmobiling is likely in Uintah, Daggett and Summit Counties. It is difficult to tell at this ranges that are home to snowmobile riding. point where the specific lines fall for added Wilderness or restricThe Cedar Mountain Snowmobile Complex, which is groomed tive Special Management Areas. Discussions with people in Uintah by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, has hundreds of County and Forest Service personnel who have been involved miles that are groomed. The complex covers the counties of Iron, in the process would lead USA to believe the land use designaKane and Garfield and offer spectacular views for those that access tion proposals would be a fair trade-off (even for snowmobilers) the complex trail system. The main attractions are Cedar Breaks in order to receive closure in this debate for the long term. NonNational Monument, Brian Head Peak and Strawberry Valley, motorized designations do not appear to have a significant impact which allow an awesome snowmobile experience for those want- on snowmobiling. A recent conversation with the Staff person in ing to view these areas in a snow covered setting. Among these Congressman Bishop’s office that is working on the PLI indicates a draft bill likely will not be available until sometime in October destinations, there are hundreds of miles of trails to ride. 2015. We all need to critically review any draft bill to make sure Possible riding options to consider are; one can begin in Brain Head our snowmobiling access is sustained! and go to Duck Creek for lunch and get back to Brian Head for a nice dinner at one of the many resort restaurants. Another option is to begin at Midway, intersection of HWY 14 and 148, and head either to Brian Head or Duck Creek for lunch. These are a only two ideas and there are many options that are available to those that venture to Southern Utah for the snowmobiling opportunities. So, ask yourself the question again, snowmobiling in Southern Utah? You certainly should consider it. For complex information visit ohv. utah.gov, then review the maps and publications tab.
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FALL UPDATE
related web sites. We encourage you to check out the www.gosnowmobiling.org site! Part of Go Snowmobiling is the TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING campaign. You may want to join in by Ed Klim and ask some friends, some motorcyclists, or ATVers to go snowhere is a nip in the air, our thoughts are turning to snow, mobiling. Many have tried snowmobiling for the first time with AND winter forecasts are starting to be posted! On the experience resulting in the purchase of a new or used snowbehalf of the members of the International Snowmobile mobile – all because somebody asked them to come along and Manufacturers Association – Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha try out our winter recreation of choice. The 8th annual TAKE A Motor Corporation – we are excited to send you information on FRIEND SNOWMOBILING week is scheduled for February 5-15, the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe™ Safety Campaign. 2016. Grow your organization by partnering with local businesses Attached is a Safe Riders! order form to fill out and send back to and chambers of commerce to encourage our non-snowmobiling our office (by fax or mail) to obtain, free of charge, Safe Riders! friends to join us for a time of fun. For more information and ideas materials that include our Snowmobiling Fact book, brochures, on throwing a TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING event, visit posters, and safety DVD (the safety DVD has been added to our www.gosnowmobiling.org. Our Campaign Guide contains many websites via YouTube too.) great ideas!
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Coming Events
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Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please visit our other web site at www.snowmobile.org You can send us an e-mail message, check out our latest press releases, or familiarize yourself with the various links to our site. We encourage you “to like” our Facebook page. We are expanding our social networking and hope you join in and grow with us. WE can be found at: www.facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling
e invite you to participate in the International Snowmobile Safety Week, being held January 16-24, 2016. Many local clubs and snowmobile associations take this time to teach snowmobilers about safe riding and many dealerships help by putting on seminars teaching customers how to maintain their sleds and keep them running in top condition. Visit www.snowmobile.org and download a Safety Week Campaign Action Manual with ideas on how to promote safety week and ideas for putting on safety week events.
Start your snow dance soon AND let us know what Safe Riders! materials you need for this season.
Check it out!
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he Go Snowmobiling campaign is expanding as more people check out the web site for information on how to get started in snowmobiling. It’s a great information source for all snowmobilers, with many links to other snowmobile
Sincerely, Ed Klim
“MOUNTAIN ACCORD” APPROVED THIS SUMMER by Curt Kennedy
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ver two years ago the Mountain Accord Project was initiated to make recommendations for a long-term plan for managing and sustaining use of the Wasatch Front and Back. It focuses on a finite footprint that encompasses the high use areas of the canyons, mountains and traffic corridors within the Wasatch Mountain Range. The Executive Committee of the Project approved the plan in July and the Governor signed on in August. The Project will now enter Phase 2, which includes significant research into each recommendation, continued public feedback and completing an Environmental Impact Statement as part of the National Environmental Policy Act process.
Although there is not significant snowmobile use within the Project boundaries, USA is concerned about the sustainability of snowmobiling in the Wasatch Mountain Snowmobile Complex and the Guardsman Pass area. There are 10 primary access trails aggregating approximately 60 miles within the Wasatch Mountain Snowmobile Complex generally identified as: Midway Reservoir; Snake Creek; Cummings Parkway; Mill Flat-Tibble Fork; Cascade Springs; Mutual Dell; Little Deer Creek; Mill Canyon; Sundance; and Silver Lake (all in addition to the Guardsman Pass area). USA provided comments to the Project last December, but there does not seem to be any mention of snowmobiling in the recently approved plan. We will be monitoring this issue in Phase 2 of the Project.
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THE LUCKY WINNER
by Jeff Eddings
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issy Knudson was the lucky winner of last year’s Utah Snowmobile Association’s Four Day Snowmobile Getaway to the 40th Annual Jackson Hole Snow Devils World Championship Hill Climb! With the help and cooperation of the Jackson Hole Snow Devils and the Flying Saddle Resort in Alpine, WY the Utah Snowmobile Association was able to raffle of this great get-away package valued at over $2K. The package includes four VIP tickets to the Hill Climbs for all four days, lodging at the Flying Saddle Resort in two private cabins and $300 worth of food vouchers to be used at the Flying Saddles’ Steakhouse. Now although the Hill Climbs were cancelled last year due to snow conditions, Missy and three of her friends will be able to redeem her prize at this year’s Hill Climb. Missy is from Provo, UT and loves to ride anywhere in the Uintah Mountains as well as the Logan canyon area. She currently rides a 2013 Polaris RMK Pro 800, but is very excited because she has snow checked a brand new 2016 AXYS RMK Pro 800. Missy is heavily involved in snowmobiling and is a USA member, Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) supporter and also a moderator for the SnoWest forums. Throughout the season you can find Missy attending UAC fundraising events and of course at the Intermountain Snowmobile Show! A huge thank you to the Jackson Hole Snow Devils and the Flying Saddle Resort for helping make last year’s USA fundraiser a huge success and for their continued support of the Utah Snowmobile association and organized snowmobiling! Again, congrats Missy!
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DAVIS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CLUB
January - The Sinks February - Camp Kostopulos ride at Daniels Summit. Our annual ride this year is looking to be South Pass Colorado March - Fairview April - Soapstone
by Eston Kimber
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he Davis County Snowmobile Club (DCSC), formerly known as the Snowflakes, had a fun and busy summer. With a new Presidency and Board of Directors come new and fresh ideas on how to promote and grow as a club. Our first item of business this year was the name change. There’s nothing like being a big burly guy who loves to sled (and break parts) who gets teased at the parts counter for being a “Snowflake!”
If you are interested in attending one of our rides, look on our website calendar for dates and times. Our monthly club meetings start in October and they are always held on the first Monday of the month. We are excited to have a new meeting facility to use. Meetings start at 7:00 PM and are held at the DATC in Kaysville The address is 550 East 300 South. Room 119 in the Haven J Barlow Building. (See link for campus map) http://www.datc.edu/public/dload/DATC_Campus.pdf
Oddly enough, I have had several people tell me they would join our club, but don’t want to be called a Snowflake. Problem solved!
The class room is just west of Parking lot 4.
We held our first annual BBQ in June. What a turn out! Good food, good fun and a lot of great people.
We are holding our Opening Social on November 2nd at the Golden Corral in Layton at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested and looking for a club to join are welcome. We will be dining in the Northwest dining area.
We recently held our end of summer party at Pineview Reservoir, and again, a great time was had by those that came to play with us. Back in February, the DCSC held our annual ride in Pinedale, Wyoming. We put hundreds of miles on our sleds in four days of pretty good riding conditions. The Grey’s River area has a wide variety of riding terrain, so all abilities were able to have a good time and not feel left out. From steep and deep to great tree riding or ripping it up in the big open meadows, it was all there.
Our Club has a very dedicated Presidency and Board of Directors. We are looking to make being a member of the DCSC a fun-filled adventure. From the new name, new logo, a fresh website, FaceBook page, new faces in the Club, to having all the monthly rides already planned out with ride coordinators assigned. Looking at our calendar, we have a lot of fun planned, just waiting for the snow to fall.
Bucky’s Polaris in Pinedale made things a bit easier for those of us not familiar with the area. Stacy (from Bucky’s) took a day away from the shop to show us around. Bucky’s also provided a demo sled for an entire day to one of the guys in the club looking to upgrade. What a great dealership! Friendships were made and we will be back!
I hope you all have a great season on the snow, and look forward to meeting more great Utah peeps! DCSC President sledguy163@gmail.com Eston Kimber
Our plans for this year include our monthly club rides:
RTP FUNDING IS IN THE HANDS OF THE HOUSE
by Curt Kennedy
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he current Highway Transportation Bill which includes the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) was extended by the Senate and House until October 31, 2015. RTP has historically been an important source of funding for our snowmobile program administered by the Utah Division of Parks & Recreation (including occasional purchase of groomers). In August the Senate passed a 6-year Highway Bill that essentially left RTP intact. It appears a multiple-year bill will pass the House before October 31st, but it is unclear at this point if it will be the Senate bill or if they will draft their own legislation. USA has lobbied extensively to make sure RTP survives within the overall Highway Transportation Bill. Let’s hope our efforts will prevail!!!
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WHAT HAS THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION DONE FOR ME?
reduce it to a designated-route experience. •• USA remains connected politically through participation in ACSA’s annual “Washington D.C. Fly-In.” State snowmobile associations storm the hill in a lobbying effort to make sure our elected officials are aware of snowmobiler issues.
•• USA keeps snowmobiling in a positive light by obtaining grant money for television features on the “At Your Leisure” prohe Utah Snowmobile Association (“USA”) is an all-volgram. Only state associations can apply for an annual ISMA unteer organization for snowmobilers and others who are (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association) Grant concerned about the future of our sport. Snowmobiling for critical projects pertinent to snowmobiling. has been a part of Utah’s winter backcountry culture ever since the “snow machine” was first introduced. It has lured many generations •• USA is front-and-center on interface with other organizato the magical beauty of Utah’s extensive public lands, but our form tions, such as: BlueRibbon Coalition, USA-ALL, Utah Division of recreation is under constant attack by the ill-informed and bias of Parks & Recreation, Utah Avalanche Center and numerous of those unwilling to share the public domain. USA is all about county, state and Federal agencies and offices, regarding snowconnections and activism. Here is a list of our accomplishments mobile issues. and ongoing activities: •• We send volunteer representatives to the annual International Snowmobile Congress, which is the largest gathering of snow•• USA partners with the American Council of Snowmobile mobile interests of its kind. Participants from 22 U.S. state Associations (“ACSA”) to combine the strength of 22 state assosnowmobile associations, 12 Canadian provincial and territorial ciations in defending public land access, monitoring applicable associations, Sweden and Russia meet to discuss problems and Federal regulations, supporting local challenges, promoting solutions to issues affecting snowmobiling. In fact, USA hosted snowmobile safety and generally championing snowmobiling as this event in Salt Lake City for the June 2005 ISC. a family sport. •• USA works closely with the Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming •• We are actively involved in national and local issues affectassociations on common snowmobile issues, since these states ing snowmobiling. Examples include: (1) hundreds of pages have similar problems and opportunities for effective solutions. of written comments on Forest Plan Revisions (specifically, Wasatch-Cache, Uinta and Caribou National Forests), assisting •• USA was instrumental in support of the Utah Avalanche Center’s effort to develop an avalanche awareness video specific in sustaining thousands of acres of snowmobiling that adverfor snowmobilers. Titled “Knowledge is Powder,” the 9-minsaries wanted closed; (2) assisted in preserving substantial ute production is available for viewing online at http://vimeo. portions of the Tony Grove and Franklin Basin areas for snowcom/113677686. We believe it will entice riders to get more mobiling that non-motorized users wanted closed; (3) worked educated on avalanches in an effort to save lives. We had previextensively on Travel Planning on the Manti-LaSal National ously helped to fund the development of the “Know Before You Forest that could have ended in substantial closures in the Go” program that was and continues to be a tremendous success Fairview/Gooseberry area; (4) provided written comments in avalanche education. on national regulations and issues such as the Roadless Area Rule; Wilderness designations; Yellowstone access; Endangered •• By partnering with SnoWest Magazine, USA hosts the annual Species Act reform; RS2477 Rights-of-Ways; EPA regulations; Snow Show in Salt Lake City, which brings together literally Group permit regulations; Winter everything imaginable in providing products and services to snowmobilers. Attendance normally peaks over 5,000 people Travel Planning Rule; Forest Service budgeting problems; fund- and over 100 booths. ing for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP); and HIPAA •• USA builds critical financial reserves for legal funds that may insurance regulations – to name a few; (5) participated extenbe necessary from time to time in defending access or legislation sively in the winter trailhead plowing issues for the Strawberry important to snowmobilers. area; (6) actively commented to and met with UDOT regarding potential winter plowing of key snowmobile routes (Wolf Creek •• USA maintains the www.snowut.com website that helps communicate everything from grooming, to club activities, Pass, Mirror Lake Highway, Monte Cristo, etc.). to avalanche forecasts, to riding areas and to current issues. •• USA will actively participate in Winter Travel Planning that Incorporated into this website is the electronic publication of will be undertaken once the new rule is implemented by the the “Snow Scoop” that brings items of interest to riders during Forest Service. It will entail a time-consuming process of makthe current winter season. ing sure we retain our snowmobiling opportunities on Forest Service public lands everywhere that has snow. Adversaries will be working hard to eliminate snowmobiling, or at a minimum
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GSSA NEWS
Monthly meeting dates and club rides will be posted on the Utah Snowmobile Association’s Calendar of Events and also at www.ridegssa. org.
by Jeff Eddings
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he Golden Spike Snowmobile Association held its annual Opening Social on September 26th at the Ogden Airport at back underneath the pavilion. The weather turned out to be nice and we had a good turn-out by the membership. The club provided the burgers, brats and drinks and members all brought a dish to share. It was nice to catch up with everyone and listen to all the stories of events and activities that have taken place over the summer. We held a quick meeting were upcoming snowmobile rides and winter activities were discussed. We all left the social in high hopes of the upcoming season being a good one with heavy snowfall.
Like other snowmobilers, the Golden Spike ended their 2014-2015 season early with an annual ride at Pine, ID. Eleven members spent Presidents day weekend exploring the Trinity Mountains around Pine and Featherville, ID. Although the snow conditions were less than desirable, we all had a good time regardless.
As always, the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association is looking for new members to join the club. Joining an organized club is an excellent way to support the sport you love and a great way to meet new and exciting people. There are many organizations that would love nothing more than to see snowmobiling banished from the mountains. These organizations are well funded and have countless members. Let’s not give these organizations the upper hand; join a snowmobile club today! If you would like more information on the Golden Spike Snowmobile Association and/or how to become a member, please call me at 801-510-7791 or visit: www.ridegssa.org
Our monthly meetings will once again be held at the Denny’s located at 1250 Washington Blvd. in Ogden.
2015 INTERMOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE SHOW by Jeff Eddings
T
he one month out of the year that isn’t in winter that snowmobilers look forward to the most, October! October is once again here and the excitement is stirring for the 2015 Intermountain Snowmobile show. The Utah Snowmobile Association, along with SnoWest Magazine and Allstate will again be sponsoring the 2015 Intermountain Snowmobile Show.
The show is set to take place on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday October 24th at the Salt Lake County Events Center located at 10800 South 2200 West, South Jordan, UT, 84095. On Friday the show will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Numerous vendors will be on display for you to check out the new snowmobile related products. The vintage sled display will be back and is said to be bigger this year than in previous years. The Utah Snowmobile Association will again host a Silent Auction inside the building while outside the will host a swap meet. So make sure to sign up early to bring down that snowmobile, snowmobile parts and gear that you have been wanting to part ways with. SnoWest will be offering chances to win three different brand new snowmobiles. Make sure to check out their ad in this issue. New this year, current Utah Snowmobile Association members will be offered 50% off the general admission price. Members will be e-mailed a voucher before the show that they can print and redeem at the ticket window. Membership card must be presented with voucher. Voucher will be valid for member and up to three family members. This year’s show is shaping up to be a good! With that, I hope everyone can find time in their schedules to come down to the show. There’s not a better time to find a great deal on that new part or accessory you’ve been wanting. Or just to walk around and check out the new sleds. Maybe stop and talk to some of the manufacture representatives or have a conversation with a local club. No matter what your reason is for coming to the show, the Utah Snowmobile Association, along with SnoWest and Allstate appreciates your support and patronage. For information, click: http://r95374.wix.com/intermountainshows
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WINTER TRAVEL PLANNING RULE IS FINAL
The purpose was twofold. We wanted to determine if winter travel planning was going to be necessary as per the new rule and secondly, we wanted to act as a resource for development of any winter travel plan map. At that time, none of the National Forests had made a determination of how they were going to proceed under the new rule. We know, at a minimum, there has to be a winter travel plan by Curt Kennedy map at the Forest or District level. But, we do not know if there is ast January the Forest Service (FS) released its final rule going to be a lengthy planning process (highly supported by our establishing a process that will determine where snowmoadversaries) to reach that goal. All riders need to prepare for parbilers are allowed to ride on National Forest public lands. ticipation in whatever process evolves, particularly in their favorite The new rule is a culmination of lengthy litigation and here are the riding areas. We also ask that if you become aware of a process being key points of the directive: initiated, please contact Curt Kennedy, USA Director – Public Lands, at 801-582-3882 or ccklpk@gmail.com. •• The Rule is effective February 27, 2015.
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•• FS units or Districts that have completed snowmobile use designations under other authorities and including public involvement do not have to revisit those decisions, but they do have to develop a snowmobile use map.
USA MISSION
•• Other FS units or Districts do not have a predetermined deadline to fulfill implementation of the final Rule, but must act expeditiously.
“To promote, protect and defend safe and responsible snowmobile use now and for future generations. We are the Utah Snowmobile Association.”
•• The Rule recognizes it may be appropriate to designate areas for cross-country snowmobile use, so the new rule exempts snowmobiles from the statement that in most cases an area will be much smaller than a Ranger District.
Our Core Values and Beliefs A template for what snowmobiling is really all about in Utah.
•• The key framework of the Rule mandates that Responsible Officials must determine (where snowfall is adequate) by class of vehicle and time of year, where snowmobile use is allowed. This step must involve widespread public participation. Then, a map must be developed showing the trails, routes and areas where such use can occur (and, if applicable the class of vehicle and time of year).
ACCESS + SAFETY + EDUCATION + ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP + SHARING
•• Until the snowmobile designation process is complete, existing snowmobile travel management policies, restrictions and orders remain in effect.
ACCOUNTABILITY
•• Once the snowmobile designation process is complete (inclusive of map development) it will be unlawful to possess or operate a snowmobile outside of those designations. Certain administrative exemptions do apply.
RESULTS IN FUN, MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS
•• The Rule indicates the FS will develop standards for a snowmobile use map and make changes to its handbook on guidance for consistency in content and use of standard symbols for signs.
“Our core values and beliefs are very simple: We support multiple uses of public lands, sharing of this privilege, environmental stewardship, education, safety in the backcountry and overall accountability that contributes toward our goal for fun, mental, This spring USA contacted the five National Forests within Utah (Ashley, Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-LaSal and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache). physical and social benefits.”
•• You can view the entire Rule at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ pkg/FR-2015-01-28/pdf/2015-01573.pdf
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SNOWMOBILE RESOURCES FOR WINTER TOURISM
snowmobiling has on local economies. There are over 3 million snowmobilers in the United States and over 1.5 million in Canada. They generate over $30 billion worth of economic activity and enjoy their great family activity of snowmobiling.
by Ed Klim
September 18, 2015 Cool air is approaching North America and the children are back in school. These are sure signs that Fall is here. The snowmobile shows have begun and Winter Enthusiasm is building. The snowmobile season is fast approaching. This is an opportunity for snowmobile clubs and trail builders to begin preparing trails and riding areas for the upcoming snowmobile season. Many clubs are beginning to put up directional, promotional, and welcome signs and are clearing trails. The snowmobile community is again pleased to embrace the Go Snowmobiling / Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign. Snowmobilers are looking forward to their favorite winter activity, and now is time for Chambers of Commerce, Visitors Bureaus, and Travel Departments to embrace the winter enthusiasm as well. The snowmobile Manufacturers have updated the Go Snowmobiling web site and have added new photos for you to use in promoting snowmobile activity. If you are creating any new trail maps or promotion pieces for snowmobiling, please use the photos shown on the website.
We encourage you to work with local snowmobile clubs and associations and hold events which benefit your community and businesses in the area. Now is the time to begin marking your calendar to support and plan snowmobiling activities before the snow falls and riding begins. The outlook for this winter is positive. The snowmobile manufacturers are building amazing new snowmobiles that offer great comfort and the opportunity to enjoy the splendor of winter. Our Facebook page has expanded in its popularity and offers new opportunities to interact through the social media network in celebrating our preferred winter activity and events. Please “like� us on Facebook and visit our Go Snowmobiling Web site. See you on the snow! Sincerely, Ed Klim International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association www.gosnowmobiling.org 517-339-7788
We encourage you to use the information on the website - especially the information relating to the positive economic impact that
by Russ Mangone, between Island Park Idaho and West Yellowstone MT. July 28, 2015 15
SNOWMOBILERS KNOW COLD YETI COOLERS HELP THEM KEEP IT
ACSA is the national organization uniting the snowmobile community and promoting snowmobiling as a safe, fun and environmentally friendly family sport. It has never been more critical to support organized snowmobiling! You can now support ACSA and snowmobile access by getting that YETI cooler you have always wanted. Send your check for the coolers you want to the address below, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to ACSA. While you are writing the check, we hope you will also become a member of ACSA, and contribute to the ACSA Legal Defense Fund to help keep snowmobiling access open.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ORDER FORM
ROADIE 20 W __ T __ B __ ... ($249.99 EACH) … $______ TUNDRA 35 W __ T __ B __ … ($299.99 EACH) .. $______ NAME: _______________________________ TUNDRA 45 W __ T __ B __ … ($349.99 EACH) . $______ ADDRESS: _____________________________ TUNDRA 50 W __ T __ B __ …. ($379.99 EACH) . $______ CITY: ________________STATE: ____ ZIP: ____ TUNDRA 65 W __ T __ B __ …. ($399.99 EACH) . $______ PHONE: _______________________________ SHIPPING …………………………..… ($23 per cooler) . $______ EMAIL: ________________________________ ACSA MEMBERSHIP ($10 INDIVIDUAL;$15 FAMILY) SEND TO: (NOT REQUIRED FOR COOLER PURCHASE) ………...$______ ACSA
ACSA LEGAL DEFENSE FUND DONATION
271WOODLAND PASS, SUITE 216 EAST LANSING, MI 48823
……..… $______ SALES TAX … (add your state and local sales tax percentage) …$______ TOTAL ENCLOSED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
PLEASE ALLOW TWELVE WEEKS FOR ORDER PROCESSING.
(NOT REQUIRED FOR COOLER PURCHASE)
(MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “ACSA”
………….. $________
SNOWMOBILERS KNOW COLD YETI COOLERS HELP THEM KEEP IT
AVAILABLE IN WHITE, TAN OR BLUE
YETIs are built with onepiece, seamless construction – just like whitewater kayaks – to take all kinds of abuse. So you can stand on it, sit on it, drop it and kick it * and never worry about it falling apart at the seams. *YETI not responsible for broken toes.
SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB by Les Thompson
I
t looks like summer is drawing to a close the days are getting longer the evenings a bit cooler and we had our first snow in the mountains last month maybe this is a sign of things to come.
It seems that all summer everyone has been watching snowmobile videos yours truly included in anticipation of the upcoming season.
The club has had a few activities over the summer and fall we had our annual Mirror Lake Highway clean up and we had a group of us go up the Strawberry warming hut and give it a good cleaning as well as a few repairs we even split a enough wood to last the winter. In September we had our first board meeting and planned out our season of riding along with our annual ride, this year we will be going to Island Park it should be a great trip. Our Christmas party and season kick off will be December 5 location TBD •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
2015/2016 Season Ride Schedule Jan 2 2016 Soapstone. Jan 16 1016 Monte Cristo Jan 30 2016 Family Ride Strawberry River Feb 13 2016 Soap Stone Feb 27 2016 Annual Ride Island Park Mar 12 2016 Fairview Mar 26 2016 Logan Canyon Apr 9 2016 Wolf Creek Pass
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SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB
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JOIN THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION!
ANNOUNCEMENTS Look to this section for future announcements..
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
UPCOMING EVENTS •• October 16 - USA Board Meeting •• October 23-24 - Intermountain Snowmobile Show •• November 2 - Davis County Snowmobile Club Opening Social
WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SNOW SCOOP? According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed $60 million.
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
$100 Business $10 Student (<25)
$20 Individual
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utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com 801.510.7796
Annual Dues:
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
BECAUSE IT’S PROFITABLE!
$30 Family
Membership Includes: •• 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 •• 50% off Intermountain Snowmobile Show admission
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!