Utah Snow Scoop - Winter 2014

WINTER 2014 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

Take a Friend Snowmobiling - Page 8 USA Members Only Ride - Page 11 Why Partnerships Are Vital to Our Avalanche Forecast Programs - Page 14

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Jeff Eddings

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hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hopefully everyone has been able to get out and at least get one ride in by now. December started off looking promising for snowfall. Actually, the news stated it was one of the wettest Decembers on record. I can’t say much for the weeks following that initial blast of snow, it has been depressing to say the least. Well at least until today, looks like we are going to get a series of storms over the next few days to add to that base we have already established. Now if we can just keep these storms rolling through Utah and keep that pesky high pressure system out of our backyard! I personally have had the opportunity to go riding a few times and the snow at the higher elevations isn’t really all that bad; you just have to be careful of those hidden obstacles that will take your on February 22nd at the Monte Cristo Snowmobiling Complex.

A-arms or tunnel out in a blink of an eye.

This year’s event will be extra special as we support our troops by Many of you probably read in the newspaper or saw it on the eve- making our U.S. Serviceman and Women, past and present the ning news where UDOT will be conducting a “Feasibility Study” special guests of the day! We have been brainstorming some great on opening the same mountain roads that we use to snowmobile ideas to make this a day that these American Heroes will remember. on in the winter. Please be advised that USA is fully aware of this Ensure to watch At Your Leisure and to check www.snowut.com and has already engaged UDOT on this issue. There is a meeting regularly for updates and details. Well, I can’t think of anything planned in the upcoming weeks to speak with UDOT about how else at the moment to pass along so I will stop typing this and go this study is going to affect winter recreation, more specifically, back to praying for more snow to fall! As always, be careful and snowmobiling. Rest assured that I will communicate any infor- courteous out on the trails and keep the rubber side down and mation from these meetings to the membership via the website the shiny side up! and/or e-mail.

Alright now, let me take a moment and discuss a few fun things we having coming up. First, after we validate the 2014 memberships we are going to start printing the membership cards. Every USA member (with the exception of children on Family Memberships) will receive a personalized card either directly through their club president or through the mail. The USA website has been updated to show what businesses support the USA Membership Program and what discounts they offer. Please ensure to check this list regularly as new businesses will be added as they sign up. Additionally, media kits have been mailed out to the participating businesses, so look for the “Proud USA Supporter” sticker or poster when you are out and about.

February 8th, USA will once again hold a “Members Only” ride.

Since last year’s event turned out so good, we have decided to just hold it at the same place, the Strawberry Complex and the Soldier’s Hollow Chalet for the dinner. This event is a good way to meet other USA members from around the state and enjoy a day of snowmobiling with a nice dinner and door prizes afterwards. Look for the article in this issue of the Snow Scoop for more detailed information. Lastly, the Utah Snowmobile Association, in partnership with Utah State Parks and At Your Leisure will once again be hosting a “Take a Friend Snowmobiling “event. This year’s event will take place

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FIND THE SNOWFLAKE INSIDE THIS ISSUE AND YOU COULD WIN! E-mail the location to utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com and you’ll be entered to win a pair of 509 Aviator Goggles and a Utah State Parks Day Pass. Winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next Snow Scoop issue.

Drawing will be held on February 21st, 2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLUB DIRECTORY

Jeffery Eddings, President

Golden Spike Snowmobile Association

2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7791 president@snowut.com

Dennis Kowalewski, President 1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 951-768-6728 dkowalewski@yahoo.com

Lisa Kowalewski, Treasurer

Chalk Creek Riders

1794 North 6250 East Eden, UT 84310 801-745-6138 treasurer@snowut.org

Wes Blonquist, President P.O. Box 385 Coalville, UT 84017 435-336-4496 wesntrac@allwest.net

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

Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Russ Mangone, President 2260 West 4805 South Taylorsville, UT 84118 801-969-7335 slvsnow@gmail.com

Curt Kennedy, Director - Public Lands 302 South Maryfield Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801-582-3882 ccklpk@gmail.com

Davis County Snowflakes Cal Taylor, President 1236 South 1800 West Syracuse, UT 84075 801-882-8659 calandgena@gmail.com

Stacey Eddings, Snow Scoop Coordinator and Awards/Charity 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796 utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com

Wasatch Riders Ken Rossum, President 11461 Mountain Ridge Circle Sandy, UT 84092 801-572-4455 krrmi@msn.com

Chris Haller, State Parks Representative P.O. Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 801-349-0487 chrishaller@utah.gov

Tri-City Performance 461 South Frontage Road Centerville, UT 84014

USA BUSINESS MEMBERS Advanced RV 4615 W 3500 S West Valley City, UT 84120

Vernal Sports Center 2029 W Highway 40 Vernal, UT 84078

Plaza Cycle Motorsports 1379 W 3500 S Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Big Pine Sports P.O. Box 66 340 N Milburn Rd Fairview, UT 84629

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort 15870 Country Road 162 Nathrop, CO 81236

R&M Lightning 1400 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115

www.advancedrv.net

www.bigpinesports.com

Dearden Equipment 125 S Main Street Fillmore, UT 84631

www.deardenequipment.com

www.beersharley.com

www.plazacycle.com

www.rmproducts.info

www.mtprinceton.com

Utah State Parks 1594 W North Temple STE 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116

D&P Performance 110 E Center Street Cedar City, UT 84720

www.dandpperformance.net

www.stateparks.utah.gov

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www.tricityperformance.com

Cutlers, Inc. 271 N State Street Orem, UT 84057

www.shopcutlers.com

South Valley Motorsports 11553 South State Street Draper, UT 84020

www.southvalleymotorsports.com

Pinedale Travel & Tourism 19 E Pine Street Pinedale, WY 82941 www.visitpinedale.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS USA Jump-Starts Education Program Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 USA Membership Card Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4 Seasons Powersports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Go Snowmobiling/Take a Friend Snowmobiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Top 10 Reasons to Escape and Make the Scofield/Skyline Drive Complex Your Next Riding Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 USA Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SnoWest: Environmental Litigation Gravy Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 USA Fundraising Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 USA Members Only Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 GSSA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Why Partnerships Are Vital to Our Avalanche Forecast Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Chalk Creek Riders Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

DISCLAIMER USA is Utah’s advocate for snowmobiling!

As the voice of over 26,000 registered sled owners in Utah, the Snow Scoop is USA’s official publication.

All contents of the Utah Snow Scoop are copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission.

Submitted articles and advertising do not necessarily represent the opinion of USA or the Utah Snow Scoop.

The Utah Snow Scoop is not liable for any claims by those not of the same opinion.

The Utah Snow Scoop welcomes articles, letters, pictures and advertisements.

Please submit all material in electronic format by the respective issue due dates to the Snow Scoop Coordinator.

Articles should be .doc files and advertisements should be .jpg, .tiff, .psd, .ai, or .pdf files.

ISSUE DEADLINE RELEASE DATE

November October 28 November 11 December November 25 December 9 Winter January 13 January 27 March February 24 March 10 The Utah Snow Scoop is owned and published by the Utah Snowmobile Association.

The Snow Scoop coordinator is Stacey Eddings. She may be reached at: Utah Snow Scoop 2645 East 7800 South South Weber, UT 84405 801-510-7796

utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com For current Snow Scoop advertising rates, please click here or visit http://www.snowut.com/

Unfortunately, no one correctly identified the location of the snowflake for December’s issue of “Find the Snowflake” Contest.

The snowflake was located on page 5 in the lower right hand corner hidden amongst all the white dots in the field of yellow.

USA JUMP-STARTS EDUCATION PROGRAM AVALANCHE SAFETY FOR SNOWMOBILERS

By Curt Kennedy, USA – Director Public Lands

guidelines currently endorsed by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and avalanche centers across the western Snow Belt. Additionally, $7,000 has been committed through two grants (one from ISMA through a partnership with the Idaho State Snowmobile Association and one from a component of the www.snowmobileinfo.org education project). We are still looking for partners to fill out the $3,000 balance for the project.

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There will be some spectacular scenes in the video that will incense he evolution of today’s high-tech mountain sleds has not the viewer to gain more knowledge about avalanche safety. The only provided the western rider an awesome variety of five guidelines, in a nutshell, are: incredible snowmobiling experiences, but also increased exposure to avalanche terrain. It is more important than ever that •• GET THE GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transall riders who venture into the winter backcountry, where the posceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use sibility of avalanche occurrence exists, should become educated them. on the basic principles of staying safe while having fun.

•• GET THE TRAINING: Take an avalanche course.

•• GET THE FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the That is precisely why the Utah Snowmobile Association is teamcurrent avalanche and weather forecast. ing-up with the Utah Avalanche Center and the four manufacturers •• GET THE PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity of snowmobiles to develop an eye-catching and critically importunstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath steep slopes can ant avalanche awareness video that can help save lives. Make be dangerous. no mistake; this is not a sermon about staying out of the winter •• GET OUT OF HARMS WAY: One at a time on all avabackcountry. It is, however, a compelling message about safety lanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group principles that will allow our western riders to have fun for many up in runout zones. rides to come.

The material for this project will be developed during the coming USA has committed $5,000 as seed money toward the esti- snowmobile season and a massive distribution campaign will put it mated $15,000 price tag of producing an awareness video that at the eyes and fingertips of any rider who wants to stay safe while can be distributed electronically to literally every backcountry snowmobiling in potential avalanche terrain. This will definitely snowmobiler. The framework will rally around the five primary be a little screen time you will not want to miss!

Does this look like avalance-prone terrain to you?

USA MEMBERSHIP CARD PROGRAM

By Jeff Eddings, President, USA

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business supports the Membership Card Program make sure to thank them. After all, it is because of the outstanding support of the dealers and related businesses that we at the Utah Snowmobile Association can bring you this program and make it a success.

he Utah Snowmobile Association will soon be sending out membership cards to all current members. We decided to start this program as a way to give our members something tangible that they could show that they were a member of the Utah Snowmobile Association. We also wanted the card to be good for something other than another useless piece of plastic taking up space in your wallet or purse. Therefore, we approached area businesses with the idea of providing discounts to USA members who asked for the discount and showed their card at checkout. The feedback we received from the businesses was nothing but positive, so we pressed on with the project. Currently, there are 15 businesses that have agreed to support our program and provide some great discounts to our members. An overview of the program and a list of participating businesses can be found on the USA website at http://snowut.com/staticpages/index.php/20140103170951579

If you are a business and would like to participate in the USA Membership Card Program or find out more information, then please contact me at president@snowut.org.

Please ensure to check the website often for program updates and for additional participating businesses being added. Additionally, each participating business has been sent advertising products to display indicating they participate in the USA Membership Program. So when you are out and about, and you see that a

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SALT LAKE VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB

by Russ Mangone

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thing. After the ride some of us meet in the parking lot and had Bar b que sandwiches, and plenty of talk about the good ride.

ell it’s 2014 already. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope Santa was good to you and your families.

We have plenty of good rides coming up this year. One of the more exciting one is going to be our annual overnight ride. This year we are going to Alpine Wy. We will be staying at the Flying Saddle Inn. This is going to be the weekend of Feb. 28th –March 3rd. Other rides we are looking forward to is the USA Members ride on Feb 8th and the Take A Friend Snowmobiling ride on Feb 22nd. With these rides and our regular club rides our club will be riding every Sat. in Feb. Can’t really ask for a better Feb.

Well it has finally snowed enough to get out and start riding. A few of our members have already been out a few times riding. The snow has been o.k. but not really the best yet. But it will get better and deeper.

A few things our club has been up to so far, is that we had our annual Christmas party at Gecko’s Mexican Restaurant. We had a good size group and a good time was had by all. There was good food and lots of fun and games.

You can always check out what our club is doing at our website at www.slvsnow.com or you can like us on face book at Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club.

We have had two new families join our club this year. They are Mike and Lynette Robinson and Ted Hedgcock and his wife Kristina Pistorius. We want to welcome them to our club.

Remember to always ride smart and ride safe. Always ride with a companion or two and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on being back. And always prepare for the unexpected.

We had our 1st club ride on Sat. Jan. 4th. We rode up at Soapstone and had a really good time. We had 16 riders leave the parking lot and 16 riders come back. That’s always a good thing. Everybody and everything came back in one piece, that also is always a good

See you on the mountain and remember to Pray For Snow.

4 SEASONS POWERSPORTS

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Seasons Powersports was founded in 2008 by Patrick Hoyt, a Utah transplant from Buffalo, New York who fell in love with the Wasatch Front. Patrick is a US Air Force Veteran who found himself stationed at Hill Air Force Base in 2002 while serving as a F-16 mechanic. After finishing his 4 year enlistment he decided to stay in Utah and enjoy all that Utah has to offer to the outdoor enthusiast. After working in the aerospace field for a few years he decided to take his lifelong passion for powersports to the next level and opened 4 Seasons Powersports. In very little time and with a lot of hard work he built a large customer base with very little advertising. Focusing on customer satisfaction and quality workmanship, he was able to grow based on word of mouth and customer referrals. When asked about his approach to running a successful business, he said “I have always felt it was easy to get someone in the door, but you had to do something special to get them coming back time and time again”.

usually only available at the dealer, making it possible to troubleshoot the latest fuel injected snowmobiles. 4 Seasons works on all makes and models and also specializes in crankshaft rebuilding.

From complete engine rebuilds, cylinder plating, track changes to a simple tune-up, he handles every job as if it was his own machine.

Please feel free to call or stop by with any questions you might have.

4 Seasons Powersports 1728 W 2550 S Ogden UT 84401 www.4SeasonsPower.com info@4SeasonsPower.com 801-732-7051

4 Seasons Powersports is conveniently located in the Ogden Commercial Industrial Park in West Ogden and is equipped with state of the art tools and equipment. As technology advances so does the repair industry and 4 Seasons has the latest software,

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GO SNOWMOBILING/ TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING

TOP 10 REASONS TO ESCAPE AND MAKE THE SCOFIELD/SKYLINE DRIVE COMPLEX YOUR NEXT RIDING DESTINATION

Campaign Gearing up for the Cold, Snowy Forecast.

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old temperatures and record snowfall so far this season is motivating snowmobile clubs and associations throughout North America to begin making plans for Take a Friend Snowmobiling activities to be held this winter. Event planning has begun in many associations who are contacting the ISMA Office to obtain campaign support material. The Take a Friend Snowmobiling week is scheduled for February 8-17, 2014 but events can be held any time throughout the Winter. Take a Friend Snowmobiling is a campaign to encourage snowmobilers to take a non-snowmobiling friend out and introduce them to snowmobiling.

Research shows that most people would like to go snowmobiling and, in fact, rate their level of interest a “9” on a 10 point scale.

by Jonathan Hunt

1. High Elevation: The two most popular trailheads sit at 8700 ft. (Fairview) and 9600ft. (Big drift)i in elevation.

That means deep snow greets you at the parking lot. No trail riding needed!!

2. Variety of riding: Follow the Skyline Drive trail north for miles of backcountry exploring that the family can enjoy; or for experienced snowmobilers and hill climbers. If you head south one will find untouched powder and bowls that offer some of the best backcountry mountain sledding in the state.

The Go Snowmobiling campaign is expanding as more clubs and associations are visiting the web site to obtain information on how to hold a Go Snowmobiling event. Activity on the web site continues to increase and the web site is an excellent source of information for snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers alike.

3. Smooth trails: The snowmobile complex staff groom over 100 miles (one way) of trails. Because very few riders stay on the trail, those that do will be pleasantly surprised to find the smoothest trails in the state.

Snowmobile Shows held across North America have experienced record activity and attendance. Chambers of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureaus in the snowbelt understand the importance of snowmobiling to the economic activity for their region, they are also reaching out to support the Go Snowmobiling Campaign. Clubs and Chambers of Commerce are partnering to hold events in their local area.

4. Excellent groomers: With over 35 years’ experience, the three groomers at the complex will leave you a great trail.

5. Good roads: Fairview canyon (Hwy 31) is a major road that coal miners use to commute to work. That means the highway is always plowed and in good condition.

6. Fish Creek Warming Hut: A popular stop along the trail, this warming hut provides a place to dry off and use the restroom facilities.

With snowy forecasts in the near future for most of North America, outdoor enthusiasts are looking forward to the prospect of going snowmobiling this winter.

7. Gas Stations and Food: Fairview City is located 9 miles from the trailhead parking. They offer two gas stations, a diner and a burger shop.

Our Facebook page is expanding and we presently have over 2700 “likes”. Please visit our page and “like” it to be kept up on events and fun snowmobiling posts. Snowmobilers from around the globe are sharing stories, pictures, and ideas through our Facebook page.

Take some time to visit us. You will smile and you will start making plans to “Take a Friend Snowmobiling.”

8. Local Snowmobile Dealerships: It doesn’t matter what machine you ride, Fairview has you covered with three snowmobile dealerships. They will provide high quality apparel, sales and service for your group.

9. Proximity to the Wasatch Front: Sanpete County is closer than you think. Our trails are located only 45 minutes from Spanish Fork.

This will be a great winter to take a friend snowmobiling and participate in a club or association ride.

10. Solitude: Great snow can be found anywhere in the state.

However, those who make the time to visit the Scofield/ Skyline Drive complex will be rewarded with a world class experience that the whole family can enjoy without having to fight the crowds.

Jonathan Hunt Scofield/Skyline Drive Snowmobile Complex Manager

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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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MUFF POT RECIPE HOT SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP 1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and coarsely chopped 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, grated 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce (optional) 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated 1/4 cup mozzarella, shredded 1 Box Crackers Mix everything and pour into a Reynolds Slow Cooker Liner Bag before leaving home. Place into Muff pot and ride until you smell it cooking and the sides are bubbling and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown on top. Spread or dip on crackers of your choice. Enjoy!!!!

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SNOWEST: ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION GRAVY TRAIN

By Karen Budd-Falen, Budd-Falen Law Offices

Consider these facts: •• Between 2000 and 2009, Western Watersheds Project (WWP) filed at least 91 lawsuits in the federal district courts and at least 31 appeals in the federal appellate courts.

•• Between 2000 and 2009, Forest Guardians (now known as WildEarth Guardians) filed at least 180 lawsuits in the federal district courts and at least 61 appeals in the federal appellate courts.

•• Between 2000 and 2009, Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed at least 409 lawsuits in the federal district courts and at least 165 appeals in the federal appellate courts.

•• In addition, over the last 15 years, the Wilderness Society has filed 149 federal court lawsuits, the Idaho Conservation League has filed 69 federal court lawsuits, the Oregon Natural Desert Association has filed 58 lawsuits, the Southern Utah Wilderness Association has filed 88 lawsuits and the National Wildlife Federation has filed 427 lawsuits.

•• In total, the eight environmental groups listed above have filed at least 1,596 federal court cases against the federal government.

•• Every one of the groups listed above is a tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. Every one of those groups listed above receives attorney fees from the federal government for suing the federal government.

•• These statistics do not include cases filed in the administrative courts, such as BLM administrative permit appeals before the Office of Hearings and Appeals or Forest Service administrative appeals.

These statistics only include federal district court cases.

On the other end, these same environmental groups are receiving billions of federal tax payer dollars in attorney fees for settling or “winning” cases against the federal government. Accurate statistics have not been kept by the Justice Department or the federal agencies, thus there is no accounting for the total amount of tax dollars paid; however, we were able to uncover these facts: There are two major sources for attorney fees that can be paid to plaintiffs that “prevail” in litigation either by winning a case on the merits or by the Justice Department agreeing that the group “prevailed” in a settlement by achieving the purpose of the litigation.

One source of funding is called the Judgment Fund. The Judgment Fund is a Congressional line-item appropriation and is used for Endangered Species Act cases, Clean Water Act cases, and with other statutes that directly allow a plaintiff to recover attorney fees.

There is no central data base for tracking the payment of these fees, thus neither the taxpayers, members of Congress nor the federal government knows the total amount of taxpayer dollars spent from the Judgment Fund on individual cases. The only information regarding these fees that is available is:

•• In fiscal year 2003, the federal government made 10,595 individual payments from the Judgment Fund to federal court plaintiffs for a price tag of $1,081,328,420.

•• In 2004, the federal government made 8,161 payments from the Judgment Fund for $800,450,029.

•• In 2005, 7,794 payments were made from the Judgment Fund for a total of $1,074,131,007.

•• In 2006, the federal government made 8,736 payments from the Judgment Fund for $697,968,132.

•• In only the first half of fiscal year 2007, the federal government made 6,595 payments from the Judgment Fund for $1,062,387,142.

•• In total, $4,716,264,730 (that is billion with a “b”) in total payments were paid in taxpayer dollars from the Judgment Fund from 2003 through July 2007 for attorney fees and costs in cases against the federal government.

The second major source of payments to “winning” litigants against the federal government is the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).

EAJA funds are taken from the “losing” federal agencies’ budgets.

Thus, for example, the attorney fees paid under EAJA come from the “losing” BLM office’s budget. That is money that could be used for range monitoring, NEPA compliance, timber projects, archeology and cultural clearances and other agency programs. Within the federal government, there is no central data system or tracking of these payments from the agencies budgets. The only statistics we were able to compile are as follows:

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 1 of the Forest Service (Montana, North Dakota, northern Idaho) paid $383,094 in EAJA fees.

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 2 of the Forest Service (Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma) paid $97,750 in EAJA fees.

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 3 of the Forest Service (Arizona, New Mexico) paid $261,289.85 in EAJA fees.

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 4 of the Forest Service (southern Idaho, Utah, Nevada) paid $297,705 in EAJA fees.

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 5 (California) of the Forest Service paid $357, 023 in EAJA fees.

•• Between 2003 to 2005, Region 6 (Washington state, Oregon) of the Forest Service paid $282,302 in EAJA fees.

•• Out of the 44 total cases in which the Forest Service paid EAJA fees between 2003 and 2005, nine plaintiffs were NOT environmental groups and 35 payments went to environmental group plaintiffs.

We also tried to track the fees paid to environmental groups in certain federal courts. For example, in the Federal District Court for the District of Idaho, over the last 10 years, WWP received a total of $999,190 in tax dollars for “reimbursement” for attorney fees and costs. Of the total cases filed by WWP in the Federal Court in Idaho, 19 were before Judge Winmill; eight of those cases resulted in a decision on the merits with WWP prevailing and with the total attorney fees being awarded of $746,184; six of the cases were settled by the federal government with total attorney fees still being awarded of $118,000. WWP won one case but attorney fees were not paid. WWP lost six cases. There were two cases in which the documents indicated that the federal government agreed to pay attorney fees, but the payment amount was kept confidential from the public.

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.

USA MEMBERS ONLY RIDE

by Jeff Eddings, President, USA

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he Utah Snowmobile Association is sponsoring a Members In my opinion, there are a lot of things wrong with this picture.

Only ride on February 8th, 2014 at the Strawberry The federal government is spending billions in tax payer dollars Snowmobiling Complex. There will be two rides to accomwithout any accounting of where the money is going or to whom modate different riding abilities: Groomed Trail and Off-Groomed it is going. There is no oversight in spending this money, especially Trail.

The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and will commence from the money that is coming out of agency budgets that should be funding on the ground programs to protect public lands, national the Strawberry Visitors Center Trailhead. After the ride, USA will provide a meal at the Utah State Parks Chalet, at the base of Soldier forests, ranchers, recreationists, wildlife and other land uses.

Hollow. There will also be some great door prizes to be given away.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt groups are making billions of dollars in Please RSVP by February 1st to Russ Mangone at slvsnow@gmail. funding; the majority of that funding is not going into programs com or you can either contact your local club President or log onto to protect people, wildlife, plants and animals, but to fund more the Members Only section of the Utah Snowmobile Association lawsuits. Ranchers and other citizens are being forced to expend website at www.snowut.com to RSVP and for the latest updates. millions of dollars of their own money to intervene or participate in these lawsuits to protect their way of life when they have no chance of the same attorney fee recovery if they prevail. In fact, they are paying for both sides of the case—for their defense of their ranch and for the attorney fees environmental groups receive to sue the federal government to get them off their land. There are also numerous cases where the federal government agrees to pay attorney fees, but the amount paid is hidden from public view.

Somewhere this has to stop and the government has to be held February 1 - Bucky’s Backcountry Riding Clinics accountable for the money it’s spending.

February 15 - Vintage Snowmobile Races March 8-9 - RMSHA White Pine Hillclimb

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GSSA NEWS

We are still selling raffle tickets for the trailer that Bubba’s has donated to the USA. The cost is $5 of which $2.50 goes to our club so get your tickets.

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he holidays have come and gone for another year. I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday period. Our club had their annual Christmas party on the 14th. It was a small informal affair and I believe all had a good time with plenty of food and drink as well as some interesting gifts.

That’s all the news that’s news. Until next time…Bye. Dennis Kowalewski President GSSA 801-745-6138

We really haven’t done an official club ride yet. The first is the 11th at Monte Cristo. We have, however, been out riding a few times and generally the conditions haven’t been too bad. Obviously, we need a ton of snow yet to extend the season as well as to fill reservoirs for the coming summer. So pray for snow!!

We do have an evening ride coming up on the 25th that should be fun. After the ride, we’ll have dinner at Hardware ranch (elk ribs I think) and Brad has agreed to give a short presentation about the ranch. If you’d like to participate, let me know as we need a head count for the food. There will be a small cost involved about $5.

Our monthly meeting will be the 23rd at 6 P.M. at the Pizza Pie in North Ogden. It’s a buffet and includes all kinds of pizza, salad, and pasta. Hope to see lots of you there. Even if you’re not a member, stop in to see what we’re all about.

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WHY PARTNERSHIPS ARE VITAL TO OUR AVALANCHE FORECAST PROGRAMS

Paul Weller and Craig Gordon with new Ski-Doo Summit 800, Craig in the field with 2014 Polaris RMK Pro, Big Pine crew hands over the keys to a new Artic Cat at a recent avalanche awareness talk.

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ccess to remote regions for our snowmobile specific forecasts has always been a challenging proposition, but since 2000, the Utah Snowmobile Association helped us form critical relationships with sled dealers and manufacturers. Since then, Tri-City Performance, Wellers Recreation, and Big Pine Sports in conjunction with Polaris, BRP/Ski-Doo, and Arctic Cat respectively, donate loaner sleds to the Utah Avalanche Center each winter. This extremely generous partnership allows us to see more terrain, issue more accurate forecasts, and ultimately saves more riders lives.

The loaner program also enables us to connect with critical user groups inside the sled community. We offer state of the art avalanche training for local snowmobile shops and their staff, Sheriff Departments Search and Rescue groups, State Parks Staff, and of course, hi-end recreational riders. Riders range from trail-sledders to extreme riders playing on the numerous high alpine ridges and open bowls throughout the state. Before these programs, Utah experienced numerous and preventable, avalanche fatalities and close calls.

CHALK CREEK RIDERS CLUB

Trespassing” until reaching forest boundary which is the warming hut at Whitney!

Established 2005

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ur club is approximately 35 members strong who are mostly locals in the Coalville area, but membership is open to anyone who would like to support and join us in keeping the Chalk Creek Trail System open for today and into the future. If you would like more information please contact us at (435)336-4496 or e-mail wesntrac@allwest.com. Think Lots of Snow for 2013-2014!!!

Special Focus this last fall was the following: •• Rock removal (snowmobile loving stones) •• Basic cleaning of trail of litter than has accumulated over the summer and fall hunting •• Trimming and removal of trees that restrict the grooming process •• Trespass signage

Current update of Chalk Creek Trailhead

Our Mission Statement

A bunch of trees had fallen late this fall across the trail once again that required club members to remove. The trailhead was groomed by the State before the New Year and for what the trail condition was and the amount of snow they had to work with they did an excellent job! The plan will be to groom trail as needed with no Chalk Creek Trailhead posted schedule. All of us need to stay on the trail, as currently The trailhead is in Summit County and has been utilized by snow- this area is being watched closely for trespassing. Enjoy, be careful mobiler’s for more than 40 years. It is close proximity to Coalville, and have fun while snowmobiling in this fantastic area. Coalville thus making it very popular to locals and others from Wyoming is also great place to get your snowmobiling supplies and you will and the Wasatch front. This trail is approximately 18 miles long always get a smile from Tommy at the Chevron and Jim at the which travels through very pristine “private property” and connects Summit Merc! to the hundred plus miles of groomed trails in the Wasatch-Cache Again, all that is asked is to not trespass on any of the adjacent National Forest near Whitney/Mirror Lake Complex. private property and if you pack it in pack it out!

Today this trail is open for everyone to enjoy, but please “No

“To ensure responsible and sustainable Winter Recreational use of the County right-a-way from Chalk Creek (State Corner) to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest Boundary (Whitney area)”.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS The snow scoop will feature a classified ad for USA members for free if submitted. If you would like anything to be posted in next month’s issue, be sure to email it to utahsnowscoop@ yahoo.com by February 24th.

UPCOMING EVENTS •• February 1 - Backcountry Riding Clinics , GSSA Ride, and Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Ride •• February 3 - Davis County Snowflakes Club Meeting •• February 8 - USA Member Ride •• February 13-17 - GSSA Annual Ride •• February 15 - Vintage Snowmobile Races •• February 19-23 - Davis County Snowflakes Annual Ride •• February 22 - Take a Friend Snowmobiling Event •• February 24 - March Issue E-Newsletter Content Due •• February 28-March 1 - Salt Lake Valley Snowmobile Club Overnight Ride •• March 3 - Davis County Snowflakes Club Meeting •• March 8 - GSSA Poker Run and Davis County Snowflakes Ride

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SNOW SCOOP?

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: •• 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

Join online at www.snowut.com

Please send application and check to: Utah Snowmobile Association, 1794 N 6250 E, Eden, UT 84310

Email

Zip City State

Address

utahsnowscoop@yahoo.com 801.510.7796

Name Phone

$10 Student (<25)

$75 Business

$30 Family

$20 Individual

BECAUSE IT’S PROFITABLE!

Annual Dues:

Our readers: •• Are 87% male, with a median age of 45.

•• Have an average annual household income exceeding $100,000!

•• Spend over $6,000 per person annually on snowmobiling!

•• Average 14 trips per season!

•• Our latest survey shows: •• 100% of respondents read every issue of the Snow Scoop!

•• Snow Scoop in-home time averages 75 days!

•• Over 80% of our readers own other OHV’s/recreation equipment!

Our online presence: •• 96% of our readers have high speed internet and shop online!

•• 25% of our site visits are from our membership!

•• 75% of our site visits are by those who may not have seen your ad!

Plan now to capture your share of snowmobile dollars!

Advertise in the Utah Snow Scoop!

Call Stacey at 801.510.7796 to reserve your space today!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

According to the latest economic data, total annual expenditures resulting from snowmobiling in Utah exceed $60 million.