SNOWMOBILING IN UTAH

SUMMARY STATISTICS:

Registered snowmobiles approximate 29,000.  Additionally, Utah is seeing increased out-of-state visitation (45% over last season) as more riders are seeking new snowmobile experiences.

There are 12 active clubs throughout the state supporting USA, in addition to individual and business memberships.

Seventeen primary complexes in the state have 74 plowed parking trailheads and over 1,200 miles of groomed trails accessing countless acreage of backcountry play areas in six National Forests.

Property taxes on snowmobiles generate over $4.5 million annually.

Utah gas taxes paid by Utah riders always exceed the amounts expended for trailhead plowing.

OHV winter program expenditures by the Division of Parks & Recreation are estimated to be $1.3 million for this season.

Approximately 500 children annually are trained and receive their safety education certificate to ride a snowmobile.

Utah snowmobilers historically raise $20,000 to $30,000 annually for charities, exclusive of hundreds of hours of volunteer time.

Total annual expenditures in Utah for snowmobiling exceed $52.6 million, per the January 2001 “ Economic and Social Assessment of Snowmobiling in Utah” prepared by USU. (Over $57 million annually in current $).

LAND USE ISSUES:

All National Forests in Utah are either currently, or will be shortly, revising their Forest Plans, which will determine the public’s future access to our land (Wasatch-Cache, Uinta & Caribou are complete; Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-LaSal and Ashley are in progress).

National initiatives are seriously eroding snowmobile access and in many instances are using biased political pressure and inaccurate data to tilt decisions (Wilderness legislation, Roadless Area Rules, National Forest Planning Regulations, Road Management Rule, National OHV Policy, Canadian Lynx Conservation Assessment, pressure to ban snowmobiles in National Parks, EPA small engine regulations, Endangered Species Act misuse, onerous group permit regulations, attack on RS 2477).

SNOWMOBILING IS:

• Environmentally friendly – no signs of our presence once the snow melts

• Compatible with wildlife – we prefer high country with significant snow depth, while most wildlife go to lower elevations with less snow

• A family sport that encourages togetherness & teaches respect & responsibility, particularly regarding use of public & private lands

• A major contributor to quality of life that enhances mental & physical fitness while having “fun” at the same time

• A means to allow those with disabilities & the aging population to enjoy a winter backcountry experience

• A strong contributor to Utah’s economy (particularly in rural areas) & pays its own way for program services