by Sen. James L. Seward
Earlier this year the New York State Snowmobile Association released information regarding a study of the economic impact of snowmobiling in New York and the results were staggering.
The report concluded that snowmobiling generates $868 million annually—big business especially in upstate New York.
This is great news for outdoor sportsmen and many area businesses alike.
According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), there are over 10,300 miles in the Statewide Snow-mobile Trail System.
These trails traverse 47 counties and are maintained by over 200 clubs and funded through 55 municipal sponsors.
The vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of OPRHP, the New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (DEC), NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.
The state snowmobile program was created by the legislature to fulfill several objectives:
• Promote the proper and safe use and operation of snowmobiles;
• Provide an adequate safety educational program for youthful operators;
• Encourage the sport of snowmobiling as a family activity;
• Limit the operation of snowmobiles upon public highways and private property without the consent of the owner;
• Protect and preserve the state’s natural resources, including its wildlife, wild forests, waters and scenic and wilderness character;
• Reduce the effect on the environment of excess noise;
• Insure privacy of remote areas;
• Afford opportunity for compatible enjoyment of various recreational activities on the state’s lands and open spaces.
New York is a leader in snowmobile education and offers safety training for snowmobilers of all ages beginning at age 10.
Courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to make the sport safer.
Youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate snowmobiles, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York.
If youths ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate snowmobiles if accompanied by persons at least 18 years of age.
Youths ages 10 through 13 may operate snowmobiles, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years of age.
Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parents or guardians.
Over the years, I have advocated for a number of “snowmobiler-friendly” laws and have fought for continued funding of the snowmobile trail program. In 2008, state budget officials raided the trail fund.
I was outraged and angry when I found out about it, and quickly threw my support behind legislation to return the funds to snowmobile clubs across the state that use the money to make sure trails are well groomed and safe for use.
The legislation also requires the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to submit a detailed report to the legislature accounting for all funds to be disbursed from the trail fund each fiscal year.
I have also sponsored a bill which would allow owners of vintage snowmobiles to register their sleds for a reduced fee.
Since these special snowmobiles are used only for parades and other show events they should be exempt from the portion of the registration fee which is directed to the trail maintenance fund.
For more information concerning snowmobiling along with a complete downloadable handbook for recreational riding, visit the OPRHP website at www.nysparks.com.
Another terrific resource is the New York State Snowmobile Association.
You can read more about their activities online at www.nysnowmobiler.com.
