Posted: 12/27/2004 10:08:06 AM EDT
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Contact: James Radabaugh 517-373-1276 Agency: Natural Resources December 20, 2004 State recreation officials today reminded snowmobile enthusiasts that snowmobile trail permits for the 2004-05 winter season are available for $25, an increase of $5 above last year’s permit. The increase is the result of a change to Michigan’s snowmobile law, which requires user-pay funding for the maintenance of the state’s 6,200 miles of designated snowmobile trails. "The increase will generate much-needed revenue for the continuing operation of Michigan’s premier public trail system," said Department of Natural Resources State Trails Coordinator James Radabaugh. "The additional funds are necessary to maintain safe, enjoyable recreational opportunities for snowmobile enthusiasts and others who use these trails." The revenues will be used to enhance the DNR trail-grooming program, purchase new grooming equipment, improve off-season maintenance and pay for the planning and development of new trails. "The new revenue also will allow snowmobile grant sponsors to enhance grooming operations on the trails, and it will allow the future of Michigan snowmobiling to continue and expand," said William Manson, Chairman of the Snowmobile Advisory Committee. The snowmobile trail permit is valid for one year. Trail permits are required for anyone operating a snowmobile in Michigan, except when the snowmobile is being operated exclusively on lands owned or under the control of the snowmobile owner, used entirely in a safety education and training program conducted by a certified snowmobile safety instructor, used exclusively on the ice for the purposes of augmenting ice fishing activities or exclusively operated in a special event of limited duration. Snowmobile trail permits are available at 1,700 DNR license agents statewide, or from more than 300 Michigan Snowmobile Association agents and Michigan Sunrise Side agents in eastern Michigan. The trail permits also are available from DNR Operations Service Centers and the DNR Web site. link |