WMC Update 2012

Please tell us where USFS has codified, written on a map, Regulation, or brochure that snowmobiles may be ridden anywhere offroad. We have looked, we have asked USFS. What we have found thus far is assumption on assumption- one that snowmobile riding does not harm the resource, therefore there is no USFS attention of regulation of snowmobile offroad riding. This does not mean that USFS have written or decided anywhere that we have found that snowmobiles may be ridden anywhere offroad.

Thoughtful consideration in the end may come to a surprising conclusion. That is, in spite of the assumption by snowmobile riders that they has a "right" to ride here or there, no documentation that we have yet discovered supports or Authorizes the riding of snowmobiles on offroad USFS areas in WA. Please show us if such documentation exists.

You are assuming that since there is no stated allowance to off road riding of snowmobiles that the default is no off road riding. I would say that since there is no explicit documentation of NOT allowing snowmobiles off road, means that it is allowed. Why does the lack of explicit statement one way or the other default to your point of view?

You are assuming that since there is no stated allowance to off road riding of snowmobiles that the default is no off road riding.  I would say that since there is no explicit documentation of NOT allowing snowmobiles off road, means that it is allowed.  Why does the lack of explicit statement one way or the other default to your point of view?

I would say that because motorized recreation on FS lands has historically been restricted to roads/trails that would apply in winter as well.

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.

I updated my map. I wonder if this would reduce some of newtrout's concerns about Esmeralda Basin.

(BTW - The map spells it "Esmeralda" instead of "Esmerelda" so I've been using that spelling.)

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.

I would be VERY interested to know how many cross country skiers and snowshoers bought sno park passes last year as a comparison to the 35000 registered snowmobiles.

Is there any way to find out that information?

I would be VERY interested to know how many cross country skiers and snowshoers bought sno park passes last year as a comparison to the 35000 registered snowmobiles.

Is there any way to find out that information?

I've been trying to find a breakdown of total SnoPark sales by user groups with no success.

I've been trying to find a breakdown of total SnoPark sales by user groups with no success.

Perhaps, for general numbers which will be somewhat inaccurate, the comparison of "special grooming" passes. Not sure if it's searchable....

It seems to me in the late 90's was the last visit about voluntary or non-motorized evaluation of the blewett area, which would put the current sled capabilities into a fairly close comparison as those year models had good performance. I'll look to see if I can find that document again.

WMC, I'm asking for your opinion of area, as it seems to me your community would be making input on the "sledder only" areas....and again, it's simply an opinion to get a feel for your acceptance of the alternative sporting use of the BC.