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DNR Asks for Citizens' Assistance on Reporting Snowmobile Trail Sign
Damage/Theft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 23, 2008
Contacts: Steve DeBrabander 517-241-3687 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 

The Department of Natural Resources is asking for assistance from the public to report any damage or theft they may witness or are aware of related to snowmobile trail signs.

Each fall and during the snowmobile season, 67 snowmobile trail grant sponsors take to the trails to replace stolen/broken signs.  Replacing these signs takes a significant amount of time and is a significant financial cost to the snowmobile program on the more than 6,546 miles of
Michigan's designated snowmobile trail system.

"In addition to the cost, this is a major safety concern,” said Steve DeBrabander, DNR's state trails operations supervisor.  “A missing stop sign, stop ahead sign or yield sign could lead to a serious accident. Individuals who steal or vandalize these signs may have some liability if there is an accident.”

The DNR requests that anyone who witnesses, or is aware of theft or vandalism of trail signs, please contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching line, a toll-free law enforcement hotline, at 800-292-7800. Information may be left anonymously.

For more information on Michigan's snowmobile program, please go to www.michigan.gov/dnr, click on Recreation and Camping and then click on Snowmobiling.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

Legislature Acts to Prevent Snowmobile Fund Deficit  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2008

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Today the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) expressed support of action taken by the Michigan Legislature to increase trail funding through trail and registration permits to avoid funding shortfalls and to purchase trail easements.  The state-administered snowmobile program, funded entirely by snowmobilers, faces a $1 million deficit next year without more program funds.      

“Industry stakeholders did the necessary homework to conclude that permit increases is the only way to adequately fund snowmobiling in Michigan as we know it,” said Bill Manson, Executive Director.  “The legislature did the right thing by avoiding a major funding shortfall.”

The bi-partisan legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Jason Allen (R-Traverse City) and Sen. James Barcia (D-Bay City) was previously approved by the House, and today passed the Senate 37-1.  Under Senate Bill 1489 a three-year Michigan snowmobile registration would increase from $22 to $30.

The registration revenue is designated for a permanent trail easement program, necessary to prevent lost sections of trail caused by land ownership changes.  Half of the 6,500 mile trail is located on private land.  The easements would only allow for snowmobiling during the winter.

Senate Bill 1490 would increase trail permits from $25 to $35 for 2009-2010, then $45 for 2011 through 2015, the price would be set by the inflation index beginning in 2016.  These revenues are designated for the Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund that grooms and maintains the trails. 

The extra funding will prevent a $1 million snowmobile program deficit that would potentially close many trails and cease grooming and maintenance on large portions of the trail network.  The result would critically alter tourism spending while causing unsafe riding conditions.  Law enforcement patrols, too, would be severely cut under such a deficit.  Law enforcement groups supported the funding legislation.

“Snowmobiling has a profound impact on tourism and consequently the state’s economy.  A significant trail disruption would hurt a broad range of businesses, not only those that rely on winter tourism,” Manson said.

Program funding is also needed to address long-term infrastructure repair.  Bridge refurbishments and complete replacements must be completed soon for public safety reasons.  Some trail bridge maintenance has been delayed for many years.  The program currently has no funds for these projects, but will under the bi-partisan legislation.

The funding increase is supported by an overwhelming majority of snowmobilers that responded to a survey from the MSA.  The survey was sent to thousands of in-state and out-of-state snowmobilers alike, with over 80% support from respondents.

Governor Jennifer Granholm is expected to sign the trail funding legislation, which will take effect next winter, for the 2009-2010 riding season.  Business leaders were encouraged that the snowmobiling community worked with the state to address this very important issue.

“It’s encouraging that snowmobilers, businesses and the state worked together to protect such an important part of our economy.  Governor Granholm understands the importance of snowmobiling so I am hopeful she will sign the trail funding bills into law,” said Don Reed, President of the MSA, and owner of the Fox River Motel in Seney, Michigan.  

Michigan has over 6,500 miles of trails on public and private lands used for snowmobiling from December 1 to March 31.  Trail grooming is done almost entirely by clubs and business associations most of whom are volunteers.

The snowmobile industry generates more than $1 billion per year for Michigan’s economy and supports over 7,000 direct jobs.