Snowmobilers bring a flurry of business to Upstate NY
Winter has officially arrived and a number of winter outdoor sport seasons are set to begin. One of the most popular in our region of New York is snowmobiling. Along with providing outdoor fun and excitement, snowmobiling also helps stimulate our state’s economy with many small businesses depending on a steady stream of sledding enthusiasts.
Several years ago, a New York State Snowmobile Association study found that snowmobiling generates $868 million in annual economic activity in New York – with much of that money be spent in the upstate region. Outdoor sportsmen are critical to the success of hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and other tourism related businesses in our part of the state.
According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), there are over 10,500 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties, maintained by over 200 clubs, and funded through 51 municipal sponsors.
Local snowmobiling clubs play a critical role in maintaining trails and promoting rider safety. The local clubs, in concert with landowners, decide the date trails open. In many cases, the openings coincide with the end of big game hunting season, so it is critical to check with your local club before hitting the trails.
The vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of OPRHP, the New York State Department of Environmental 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, including:
• Promote the proper and safe use and operation of snowmobiles;
• Provide an adequate safety education program for young 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.
A snowmobile driver and all passengers are required to wear approved safety helmets. This applies except when operation is on private property owned by the driver or passenger. If a snowmobile is driven anywhere other than on the owner’s property, it must be registered with the DMV. In addition, all snowmobiles operated on any part of a roadway or shoulder of a highway in New York State require minimum liability insurance.
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. Avid snowmobilers alerted me of the transgression, and I 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.
Staring on January 1, 2018, a new law, which I supported, increasing penalties for operating an unregistered snowmobile will take effect. The New York State Snowmobile Association strongly endorsed the measure which will increase the amount of money available to local municipalities for snowmobile law enforcement purposes for the first time since 1985.
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 that is directed to the trail maintenance fund. I will continue to advocate for the bill’s passage.
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.
– A column of news and comments by State Senator James L. Seward
Several years ago, a New York State Snowmobile Association study found that snowmobiling generates $868 million in annual economic activity in New York – with much of that money be spent in the upstate region. Outdoor sportsmen are critical to the success of hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and other tourism related businesses in our part of the state.
According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), there are over 10,500 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties, maintained by over 200 clubs, and funded through 51 municipal sponsors.
Local snowmobiling clubs play a critical role in maintaining trails and promoting rider safety. The local clubs, in concert with landowners, decide the date trails open. In many cases, the openings coincide with the end of big game hunting season, so it is critical to check with your local club before hitting the trails.
The vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of OPRHP, the New York State Department of Environmental 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, including:
• Promote the proper and safe use and operation of snowmobiles;
• Provide an adequate safety education program for young 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.
A snowmobile driver and all passengers are required to wear approved safety helmets. This applies except when operation is on private property owned by the driver or passenger. If a snowmobile is driven anywhere other than on the owner’s property, it must be registered with the DMV. In addition, all snowmobiles operated on any part of a roadway or shoulder of a highway in New York State require minimum liability insurance.
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. Avid snowmobilers alerted me of the transgression, and I 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.
Staring on January 1, 2018, a new law, which I supported, increasing penalties for operating an unregistered snowmobile will take effect. The New York State Snowmobile Association strongly endorsed the measure which will increase the amount of money available to local municipalities for snowmobile law enforcement purposes for the first time since 1985.
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 that is directed to the trail maintenance fund. I will continue to advocate for the bill’s passage.
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.
– A column of news and comments by State Senator James L. Seward
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