Winter Travel Plan - SNOWIES

[Pro-8250]

I'm not a WY resident, I just sent an email here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/mb...n=December+2013+Biobroadcast&utm_medium=email

I just talked about how great it is to ride in the backcountry in the snowys and how many great memories and experiences my family and I have had out there. I said if more restrictions are added, then my family and I will be forced to find a more accommodating vacation destination. Simple as that.

Email sent

Hello, our family and friends have been riding snowmobiles in Wyoming for many years now, and have had a great time riding the trails. But most of all riding off the trails in your beautiful state. The people of Wyoming have done a great job of making us feel welcome. From Northern Minnesota! Thank you!

 

[Braap Wraps]

It seem that we have created another problem for our self. People refuse to follow the new order that was enacted this fall and continue to ride on areas with less than 12" of snow. People need stay on the trail longer and get further away from the parking lot before they leave the trail.

This was brought up in the snowmobile club meeting last night. The forest service has received a letter with pictures of people riding this area and tearing it up. Please help educate others about where they are riding and in turn keep the forest open for all of us to use.

Looking at the image I have attached people need to follow the purple track. The light and dark blue are the track that people keep taking and does not have the 12' of required snow.

Comment from Snowy Range Snowmobile Club Facebook page.
"Thanks to everyone that attended last night's meeting! Please remember when you are out riding that the 12 inches of snow rule is all season long--if there isn't enough snow on the ground to completely cover it, find an alternate route. It is up to us to ride responsibly, help educate others about the rules and fight to keep our access open. There are plenty of people fighting against us, ride smart so you can keep riding."

 

[tmk50]

IMO nothing will stop that except some of that temporary orange fencing early in the season to keep traffic on the highway. People have been using that cutoff for the last 30 years, will be a tough habit to break.

 

[Braap Wraps]

That was talked about in the meeting. The problem is that the forest service and state trials will not install anything because of the liability that it creates. All we can do is tell people and remind them that if they are caught riding that area it could mean a $200 ticket or that is what I was told last night.

 

[tmk50]

That was talked about in the meeting. The problem is that the forest service and state trials will not install anything because of the liability that it creates. All we can do is tell people and remind them that if they are caught riding that area it could mean a $200 ticket or that is what I was told last night.

Hmmm How about some signs with a friendly reminder? Not many options, once a few tracks are there, everyone will follow.....

 

[Braap Wraps]

We talked about that in the meeting and may do something like that. That is about the only option as of right now.

 

[psychoneurosis]

Think it is safe to say that the enviros are feeling very strong after their win in the Idaho litigation. That is being appealed. They are going to be pushing hard to redo winter travel management in all areas. Couple of thoughts we really need to be aware of

1. If you see dirt (hopefully no longer an issue this year) don't ride there and assume it will be photographed and then taken out of context.

2a. Winter travel planning has already been done for the Medicine Bow Forest- The FS need to educate people with maps etc. research indicates that the overwhelming portion of users will follow restrictions if they are aware of them. More planning that people are not educated about will not help resolve issues.

2b. There was a lot of work that went into this area regarding usage and the enviros have never been happy about the final consensus position

3. A long time ago, the snowmobile community requested in writing that proper signage of any restrictions developed during the planning process to avoid issues in the future.

4. Under forest plan the area in question is designated 4.2 scenic area - which requires Travelways will be clearly marked and maintained to facilitate large numbers of visitors. This area is not been clearly marked. think we should support marking the short area out to Brooklyn lake

5. I know this is a tough subject- if there was a decent parking area for motorized usage of this area this would also make education of users a lot more effective. Kiosks work

6. Join a club - several of them- the fight is coming and we need to be educated and organized