WMC Update 2012

Like someone mentioned, we also need areas that are compatible with BC off trail alpine snowmobiling without conflict of other users, where do you suggest we have this location? Tons of great territory is already designated to outlaw snowmobiles, so where else do you suggest after your proposed area is also restricted?

WMC is advocating for new and additional significant non-motorized winter recreaton areas. See the above post which makes the point that other than the groomed road systems, we see nothing on USFS land specifically designated for snowmobile use. We would be interested to see documentation of this if it exists.

WMC is advocating for new and significant non-motorized winter recreaton areas. See the above post which makes the point that other than the groomed road systems, we see nothing on USFS land specifically designated for snowmobile use. We would be interested to see documentation of this if it exists.

WMC, I'm asking you for your suggestion on where you might think it's a workable location. Again, sledders recognizing that the existing areas should be completely untouched for non-motorized uses, where do you envision motorized, BC useage for terrain and aspects that are like your destinations.

I think you need to bring the word "additional" and existing in to the verbage when talking about the skiing or non motorized areas.

Isn't that a big assumption? That users are to remain on trails only? Would the same be said for cross country ski users on ski trails? IMO, the groomed systems are a means of access only.

There have never been been restrictions on skiers leaving trails to travel off-trail. (Well actually, there are a few exceptions, for example at Paradise on Mt Rainier, where meadow damage is a concern. But that's unusual.)

But it doesn't follow for me that snowmobiles should be treated the same way. They're categorically different from skis. They're motorized, vastly heavier and more powerful than a skier, and they can travel an order of magnitude faster and farther than a skier can.

A better comparison would be between snowmobiles and horses. But even this comparison fails, because of the speed difference. Snowmobiles are just not comparable to non-mechanized ways of traveling in the backcountry.

I've updated the western map to show the Etienne road system, based on the Green Trails maps. I adjusted the boundary there, but again, it's mostly guesswork.

Another point is that WMC had not considered or asked non-motorized designation for the entire Esmeralda Basin, we had used the Lake Ann Trail and NF Teanaway Cr and Rd as the boundary.

Thank you!

WMC, I'm asking you for your suggestion on where you might think it's a workable location. Again, sledders recognizing that the existing areas should be completely untouched for non-motorized uses, where do you envision motorized, BC useage for terrain and aspects that are like your destinations.

I think you need to bring the word "additional" and existing in to the verbage when talking about the skiing or non motorized areas.

Perhaps snowmobile enthusiasts could start working on these questions. You three are clearly the civil and good citizen exceptions to what we see on the snomo forums. Thank you.

The word additional has been added.

Thanks.

the displacement of the largest user population of users from a top area for the few special interest users is not something that I can stretch my imagination to uderstand.

According to the Washington State Winter Recreation Report (2008), there were around 151000 cross country skiers and and snowshoers and 98000 snowmobilers.

Interestingly there were/are only around 35000 registered snowmobiles in WA.