Media release from NYS Assemblymember RoAnn Destito

NYS Assemblymember RoAnn Destito discusses the positive economic impact of snowmobiling in NY as well as the safety issues created by the Governors proposed sweep of millions of dollars from the snowmobile trail fund, funded by snowmobilers.

Visit Assemblymember RoAnn Destito’s website

STATE “RAID” ON SNOWMOBILE TRAIL FUND

STATE “RAID” ON SNOWMOBILE TRAIL FUND Governor Patterson has proposed in his 2010 Executive Budget to “sweep” $5 million dollars from the snowmobile trail development and maintenance fund into the general fund over the next several years.  What you may not be aware of is that the Governor proposes to sweep $1 million from the trail fund this current fiscal year! This unprecedented sweep, coming less than two years after a previous attempt to take $1 million during the 2008-2009 budget process. This unprecedented sweep is being proposed less than two years after a previous attempt to take $1 million during the 2008-2009 budget process was avoided with the understanding by NYSSA and its supporters that similar raids would not be attempted in the future. Governor Paterson stated in a press release at the time that the state would “ensure that money from these registration fees will be spent in a way that specifically benefits snowmobilers… solely on trail maintenance and related program activities.” If not amended by the Legislature, the Executive Budget will redirect $1 million from the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund to the state’s General Fund each year, and expand the authorized uses by the state of these funds. This will have a tremendous negative impact on trail maintenance activities as the loss of these funds reduces the reimbursement rate clubs get per mile for the costs of trail maintenance. One million dollars represents over 20% of the total trail fund monies and is far in excess of what the state needs to maintain and develop the minimal trail mileage on state lands. Every snowmobiler needs to take action immediately by writing the their legislators and the Governor to head off the snowmobile trail fund raid this year!  Please write a letter to each one to ensure they know how many people from their districts are opposed to this action. If you utitlize an example letter below, it is critical that you personalize your letter with your own comments on this matter in a clear and respectful manner. Example letter to Governor Paterson (MS word format) Example letter to Governor Paterson (Text file) Example letter to your State Senator or Assembly Member (MS word format) Example letter to your State Senator or Assembly Member (Text File) Find your NY State Senator contact information here, Find My State Senator Find your NY State Assembly Member contact information here, Find My Assembly Member To view NYSSA President Mike Fischer’s letter to legislators this week click HERE To view Governor Patterson’s July 10, 2008 press release click HERE

Going Green – The $2 bill campaign

Information is the currency of democracy. – Thomas Jefferson

Please support the $2 bill Campaign
In order to bring attention to the economic impact snowmobiling brings to our communities, we are asking all snowmobilers to acquire $2 bills and distribute them around the communities you ride during Presidents weekend this year. February 12-15, 2010

When you buy your gas, pay for it with a few $2 bills. When you buy your meals, do the same. Use them for tips as well. Try to toss around a few $2 bills in every establishment you patronize whether traveling or riding.

We are doing this in hopes of raising awareness with businesses, non-snowmobilers, and the media about how significant an economic impact snowmobiling has across New York State. If enough people do this it could be a huge eye opener for people who are not snowmobilers or don’t understand the economic benefit it has in our communities.

Plan ahead, your bank may need them too
To get $2 bills you will need to go to your bank and ask for them. In most cases they will need to order them and should be available within a week. So anyone that would like to participate in this will need to call or visit your bank shortly to have the $2 bills in time for Presidents weekend. You don’t need a lot of bills, just do what you can, the more people who participate across the state, the greater the impact.

Why $2 bills ???
The two-dollar bill is one of the most rarely seen in circulation and actual use. It is almost never given as change by businesses, and thus people rarely have one on hand. Production of the note is quite low; under 1% of all notes currently produced are $2 bills. This comparative scarcity in circulation makes receiving one a rare occurrence, receiving many, in a short period of time, will create questions and awareness that would be hard to buy with advertising.

UMP Amendment / Trails Budget / Article 78 filing

Jessup River Wild Forest UMP 2010 Amendment The recently issued amendment 2010 draft amendment to the 2005/2006 Jessup River Wild Forest Unit Management Plan has a number of signifigant negative changes.   NYSSA is very concerned that the are trail closures that are unnecessary under the guidelines and as a result will isolate users and businesses who have historically had access to the trail system.  The amendment should have leveraged the  Class I Trail guidelines to preserve access by residents, visitors and businesses.   Your calls, e-mails, and letters are needed to preserve trail access to all snowmobilers. If you utitlize the example letter, it is critical that you personalize, edit and add your own comments on this matter for your letter to count. JRWF Example Letter (MS word format) JRWF Example Letter (text file) The entire set of JRWF UMP Plan documents can be downloaded from the NYSDEC website HERE There is a summary of the amendment from the NYSDEC at the bottom of this page, and the specific amendment on which the DEC is currently accepting comments on can be found HERE Comments are due to the NYS DEC by February 19, 2010 to the attention of Mr. Thomas Kapelewski.      Thomas Kapelewski, Senior Forester, NYS DEC PO Box 1316 Northville, NY 12134 Fax: (518) 863-2546 Email: r5ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST INCLUDE A SUBJECT LINE OR THE COMMENT EMAIL WILL NOT BE RECEIVED OR RECORDED All DEC UMPs and process on DEC website HERE

NYS Budget and Snowmobile trail fund changes NYSSA is working hard with the State Budget office on changing their proposed language to remove the broad language that would allow the 30% monies to be used for any recreational activity. We believe that the State does now understand our concern about the budget figures and the proposed budget language that creates the potential for trail fund monies to be used for other than snowmobile related expenses. Some of the concern from the state is based upon costs incurred by other state agencies- particularly the DOT, for signage, pavement repair at highway crossings, and trailhead parking lot snow removal. We are in the process of identifying the specific concerns and document the unspecified costs. While NYSSA’s position has always included willingness for the snowmobile community to carry our own weight, we will not simply stand by letting the trail fund be used with no questions asked and expenses justified. We will likely know where this issue stands before the NYSSA Board meeting on February 6, and will set the next steps at that point.  NYSSA has been contacted by several state legislators who are interested in working with us. We have advised them that we are attempting, through our lobbyists and leadership, to negotiate with the State Budget office for the removal of the language that provides for an expansion of allowable expenses, but if that effort fails we will ask for legislative assistance. If it comes to that, we would most likely conduct a PR campaign and grassroots legislative outreach the week of February 8, 2010.  In the meantime- stand by and prepare to defend the trail fund should you letters and calls be needed to defend the fund.

Adirondack Council Article 78 petition against State On Monday January 11th, the Adirondack Council (AC) filed an Article 78 petition in State Supreme Court in Albany, against the state’s Adirondack Park Agency (APA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  Read their press release HERE,  and the NYSSA press release HERE. The basis of the suit is the simple question of whether or not the APA has the authority to establish the snowmobile plan, or whether they are required to first amend the Adirondack State park Master Plan (APSLMP).   That is the only issue before the court. The AC says the snowmobile plan does not comply with the ASLMP. The APA’s position is that they have the authority to develop rules without first amending the APSLMP. The APA has authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out the intent of the laws.  The state law that governs the APSLMP uses terms like “general guidelines” and “guide the development” (of UMPs). The law also states that the APA and the DEC have the authority to develop regulations “necessary, convenient or desirable” to implement the purpose of the section. Regardless of how the judge rules on this question, there will be additional opportunity for NYSSA to advocate on the resultant standards for snowmobile trails in the Park.  Either way, our efforts and expenditures would be better used over the battle of the standards for the trails, as opposed to the procedural question. The AC continues to misrepresent their stated goals via the positions they take.  As far as the AC position on the UMP process and the snowmobile plan, they claim to be an “environmental organization” but continue to lobby against the use of tracked groomers in the Adirondacks. Tracked groomers are more fuel efficient and operate much cleaner than the 2-stroke utility sleds the Adirondack Council would prefer be used for trail grooming. Their position on this issue is in direct conflict with their stated mission. The AC suggests that locating trails adjacent to roadways is “safer” for snowmobilers and would vastly improve access for emergency responders. While NYSSA supports trail safety, we find the AC’s sudden concern about trail safety disingenuous, given their position on tracked groomers, which would improve safety.

Did You Know? Soil and Vegetation

Numerous studies concluded that ‘there were no detrimental effects’ to soil or vegetation from snowmobiling.

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NYSSA: LAWSUIT THREATENS TRAIL SAFETY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 15, 2009, Long Lake, NY –  The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) is raising an alarm about the recent lawsuit brought by an environmental group against the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and two other state agencies over the adoption of state trail maintenance and safety standards for snowmobiling in the Adirondack Park.

NYSSA Executive Director Dave Perkins is urging the APA, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to vigorously defend their actions to ensure that snowmobile trails are the safest they can be. “The new rules reflect the vast experience and knowledge of snowmobile trail maintenance that NYSSA shared with state decision makers throughout the multi-year development process,” Perkins said. “We have demonstrated that unsafe trail conditions can be mitigated without undue impact on the forest’s natural character.”

The Snowmobile Trail Siting, Construction, and Maintenance Guidelines were adopted at the November 2009 APA meeting, allowing for the consideration and implementation of stalled Unit Management Plans (UMP)—plans that identify opportunities for recreational uses and consider the ability of the resources and ecosystems to accommodate such activity.

NYSSA fears that the lawsuit brought by the Adirondack Council may again put these plans on hold. “Most UMPs have been held from consideration for years until the APA could rule on specific snowmobile provisions,” Perkins explained. “Now, as a result of this lawsuit, these UMPs may be back on the shelf. This could have a chilling effect on the users of the forest preserve and the safety of snowmobiling families,” Perkins worried.

The Guidelines are a way to establish safe trails in the Adirondack Park on forest preserve lands that can be navigated by snowmobile. Establishing community connector trails allows significant economic benefit by bringing snowmobilers to community businesses. The Guidelines enjoy strong support from regional businesses, environmental groups and local elected officials. The action taken by the APA was done after more than five years of study and public participation in a process that included all stakeholders

NYSSA applauds the APA’s rules relative to trail width, particularly with respect to steep terrain and curves. The utilization of tracked groomers is necessary for proper trail maintenance to create safe, navigable trails. Trails that are of appropriate width will accommodate a variety of tracked groomers that will make trails with the desired meandering character safer to use. Tracked groomers require fewer grooming trips, and are more fuel efficient than utility snowmobiles used to groom trails. NYSSA believes that tracked groomers are much more environmentally friendly.

The Guidelines also ensure that the environment and natural character of the Park is protected. Trail routes are to be located nearer motorized routes that are either highways or bodies of water than in previous trail siting documents or policies, changes supported by NYSSA.

NYSSA was an active participant in field work that led to the development of the Guidelines. “It is unfortunate that not all stakeholders chose to participate. The Adirondack Council seems to have taken a position that whatever came out of the process would be hit with a lawsuit,” Perkins said. “The APA provided extensive opportunity for the public to comment on the Guidelines as this project has been ongoing for several years. Let’s hope that this obstructionist action by the Adirondack Council does not have tragic results for snowmobile safety,” Perkins concluded.

Founded in 1975, NYSSA is the voice of more than 100,000 snowmobilers in New York State, and provides support for the 230 local clubs maintaining over 11,000 miles of local snowmobile and multiuse trails.  Visit NYSSA online at www.nysnowmobiler.com .

For more information:
Dave Perkins, NYSSA Executive Director
PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612
Tel. 518-624-3849, Fax 518-624-2441
Dave.Perkins@nysnowmobiler.com

14th Annual NYS Snowmobile Trail Grooming Equipment Show & Seminar

On January 15th & 16th 2010 the Salisbury Ridgerunners will be will be hosting the 14th Annual NYS Snowmobile Trail Grooming Equipment Show & Seminar. This is sponsored by OPRHP and NYSSA.

We would like to invite Clubs & enthusiasts to join our event. Section 21.02 of the SRRA bill requires Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Entities provide education for all personal who perform Trail Maintenance. An ideal way it accomplish this is send your appropriate club people to attend the Seminar offered this year.

January 16th at 8:30AM; Snowmobile Trail Grooming Seminar

Due to class size, please preregister. Please preregister to insure your class spot at www.salisbuyridgerunners.com Certificates from NYSSA and Salisbury Ridgerunners will be given to those who complete the seminar.

Mabie Bros. will have the NEW TerraTract All-Terrain Work Vehicle on display. Some of the other new manufacturers and models on hand will be the Prinoth Husky, Tucker Snow Cat, Sur Trac, Mohawk Limited-Pisten Bully, Truck track conversions, Kubota & tractor track conversions, 4 wheeler track conversions, Aplina twin track and Ski Doo Skandics as well as drags manufactured by Johnson, Mogal Master, AFMI, Arrow Head, Sur Trac and Mountain Snow will be on display.

“HANDS ON” DEMONSTRATIONS
Additionally, used and refurbished groomers & equipment (Mohawk Limited-Pisten Bully, Shop Industrial and from NYS Snowmobile Clubs) on display and for sale. Its been the goal of the Salisbury Ridgerunners for the past 12 years to provide an event that will benefit Clubs, snowmobilers and promote safe and enjoyable trails throughout New York State.

No matter what your club uses, 10ft track groomer or 24-inch Skandic, the latest technology & most effective method to groom trails are discussed.  GREAT seminar for new trail grooming volunteers.

Hope to see you there,
Mike Denapole Chairman 315-866-0517 magic24@twcny.rr.com Seminar is FREE.

Any NYSSA Club may list and display their used equipment for free

Did You Know? Snowmobiles and wildlife intereactions

Numerous scientific studies have concluded that snowmobile activity has no significant effect on wildlife populations; in some situations snowmobile trails have been found to enhance wildlife mobility and help animals save energy in deep powder snow.

Snowmobilers Praise APA for Trails Guidelines Approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November  14, 2009, Long Lake, NY –  The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) applauded the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) for approving the APA/DEC Interagency snowmobile trail guidelines during yesterday’s APA meeting. Following Thursday’s presentation to the State Lands Committee, the committee approved a motion recommending approval by the APA Board. The APA resolution finds the guidelines consistent with the Adirondack State Land Master Plan (ASLMP).

“The APA action has finally allowed the UMP process to resume,” said Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator. Perkins said that the guidelines include prescriptions for trail class designations, trail widths, and maintenance activities. The guidelines represent years of work that brought stakeholders together to seek solutions to issues and concerns about snowmobile trails. Perkins praised the efforts of APA project associate Walt Linck, and Karyn Richards of the DEC, for hammering out the details in the guidelines.

“Along with APA and DEC staff, representatives from the snowmobile community and environmental groups spent time walking trails during ‘field trips’,” Perkins said. It was during these trips that solutions to issues were identified, according to Perkins. The guidelines also address the use of tracked groomers, and off-season maintenance.

Speaking during the public comment portion of Friday’s meeting, NYSSA president Mike Fischer commended the APA commissioners for striking a balance between the stakeholders. Fischer said that while logistical and safety concerns remain from NYSSA’s perspective, the APA action gives snowmobile clubs a way to move forward. “We can start to move the UMPs forward,” Fischer said, adding “that process will be where the rubber meets the road.”

Neil Woodworth, Executive Director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, joined Fischer in praising the progress made on the snowmobile guidelines. “We commend all the hard work that the agency (APA) and DEC staff did on the guidance,” Woodworth said, adding “we support the realignment of snowmobile trails to achieve both safe riding conditions, a safe and enjoyable riding experience for snowmobilers, but also maintaining the wild forest character.”

Woodworth also indicated the Adirondack Mountain Club would support revisions to the ASLMP, “to redefine trail maintenance” based on the provisions approved Friday. He added that “overall, it’s a very good policy.” APA commissioner Bill Booth voiced his concern about whether the guidelines comply with the ASLMP, but did say that he was in favor of the guidelines, stating “I think this document is a positive step.” APA chair Curt Stiles, responding to the ASLMP issue, said he thought “the interpretation is sufficient to find it compliant.”

Dan Plumley, Director of Conservation Programs for PROTECT the Adirondacks, shared comments on the snowmobile guidelines. “We share the chairman’s interest to see issues moved off the table, and we all want to see progress on critical policy issues that have been hanging fire for some time before this agency,” Plumley said, but also cited his perception of a lack of APA staff assessment of the issues and concern about weakening the ASLMP.

Founded in 1975, NYSSA is the voice of more than 100,000 snowmobilers in New York State, and provides support for the 230 local clubs maintaining over 11,000 miles of local snowmobile and multiuse trails.  Visit NYSSA online at www.nysnowmobiler.com .

For more information:
Jim Jennings, NYSSA Executive Director
PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612
Tel. 518-624-3849, Fax 518-624-2441
Jim.Jennings@nysnowmobiler.com

Snowmobilers Praise APA for Trails Guidelines Approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November  14, 2009, Long Lake, NY –  The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) applauded the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) for approving the APA/DEC Interagency snowmobile trail guidelines during yesterday’s APA meeting. Following Thursday’s presentation to the State Lands Committee, the committee approved a motion recommending approval by the APA Board. The APA resolution finds the guidelines consistent with the Adirondack State Land Master Plan (ASLMP) for the Adirondack Park.

“The APA action has finally allowed the UMP process to resume,” said Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator. Perkins said that the guidelines include prescriptions for trail class designations, trail widths, and maintenance activities. The guidelines represent years of work that brought stakeholders together to seek solutions to issues and concerns about snowmobile trails. Perkins praised the efforts of APA project associate Walt Linck, and Karyn Richards of the DEC, for hammering out the details in the guidelines.

“Along with APA and DEC staff, representatives from the snowmobile community and environmental groups spent time walking trails during ‘field trips’,” Perkins said. It was during these trips that solutions to issues were identified, according to Perkins. The guidelines also address the use of tracked groomers, and off-season maintenance.

Speaking during the public comment portion of Friday’s meeting, NYSSA president Mike Fischer commended the APA commissioners for striking a balance between the stakeholders. Fischer said that while logistical and safety concerns remain from NYSSA’s perspective, the APA action gives snowmobile clubs a way to move forward. “We can start to move the UMPs forward,” Fischer said, adding “that process will be where the rubber meets the road.”

Dan Plumley, Director of Conservation Programs for PROTECT the Adirondacks, and Neil Woodworth, Executive Director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, joined Fischer in praising the progress made on the snowmobile guidelines. “We commend all the hard work that the agency[APA] and DEC staff did on the guidance,” Woodworth said, adding “we support the realignment of snowmobile trails to achieve both safe riding conditions, a safe and enjoyable riding experience for snowmobilers, but also maintaining the wild forest character.” Plumley said, “We share the chairman’s interest to see issues moved off the table, and we all want to see progress on critical policy issues that have been hanging fire for some time before this agency.”

Woodworth also indicated the Adirondack Mountain Club would support revisions to the ASLMP, “to redefine trail maintenance” based on the provisions approved Friday. He added that “overall, it’s a very good policy.” APA commissioner Bill Booth voiced his concern about whether the guidelines comply with the ASLMP, but did say that he was in favor of the guidelines, stating “I think this document is a positive step.” APA chair Curt Stiles, responding to the ASLMP issue, said he thought “the interpretation is sufficient to find it compliant.”

Founded in 1975, NYSSA is the voice of more than 100,000 snowmobilers in New York State, and provides support for the 230 local clubs maintaining over 11,000 miles of local snowmobile and multiuse trails.  Visit NYSSA online at www.nysnowmobiler.com .

For more information:
Jim Jennings, NYSSA Executive Director
PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612
Tel. 518-624-3849, Fax 518-624-2441
Jim.Jennings@nysnowmobiler.com

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