Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest urges snowmobilers to use caution while recreating

Current snow conditions have provided excellent winter recreation opportunities for snowmobile enthusiasts on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Bridgeport, Carson City, Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge, and Santa Rosa Ranger Districts. The Forest would like to remind snowmobile riders to safely enjoy the sport and respect area closures.

Some areas on the Forest are closed to protect non-motorized recreation areas, wintering wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources. All motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are prohibited in congressionally designated wilderness areas. The 1964 Wilderness Act set aside wilderness areas as places for primitive adventure and solitude, a refuge from the sights and sounds of the modern, mechanized world.

“The small percentage of intrusions into wilderness and closed areas by irresponsible snowmobilers reflect poorly on the majority who recreate responsibly,” said Tahoe Sierra Snowmobiling Association President Greg McKay. “Please respect the wilderness boundaries and area closures to help preserve the good image that the snowmobiling community enjoys and ensure that winter recreation opportunities remain available.”

Tread Lightly! Interim Executive Director Casey Snider echoes Mr. McKay’s sentiment, reminding everyone that “respected access is open access. We encourage folks going into the backcountry this winter to share the snow and be safe.” Tread Lightly! is a national non-profit organization that promotes responsible recreation. Their winter recreation tips can be found at http://www.treadlightly.org/sharing-our-snow/.

The U.S. Forest Service regularly patrols all winter recreation areas on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and will write citations for violations. The maximum citation is $5,000 and/six months in jail for violating a closure in both California and Nevada and $425 for intrusions into designated wilderness areas. Wilderness boundaries are marked in many high use areas, but may not be clearly marked everywhere. It is the snowmobiler’s responsibility to know where they can go.

“The Alpine Winter Recreation Area on the Carson Ranger District experiences numerous incursions into wilderness and other closed areas on a yearly basis,” said Carson District Ranger Irene Davidson. “With the abundance of snow coverage this season there are plenty of areas to enjoy all kinds of winter recreational experiences without the need to enter into closed areas.”

Forest officials are also asking snowmobilers to use caution when recreating on National Forest System lands and be prepared for rapid weather changes. Also, be aware of avalanche potential by either taking an avalanche awareness class or checking out the information at one of the following resources: U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center www.fsavalanche.org; Bridgeport Avalanche Center, www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.com; and Sierra Avalanche Center, www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/. These sites provides avalanche educational material and advisories for select areas including locations in the Eastern Sierra, Sawtooth, and Wasatch mountain ranges.

Snowmobilers need to practice good situational awareness when it comes to terrain. They need to be mindful of how snow can quickly camouflage dangerous conditions both on and off-road. Obstacles such as trees and rocks, as well as perilously thin ice, can easily be hidden by snow. Snowmobilers should always travel with a partner and tell friends and family where they are going and when they expect to be back. Also follow the rules listed below:

· Check with a local Forest Service office for current restrictions and closures regarding snowmobile use.
· Avoid running over young trees, shrubs, and grasses.
· Stay off soft, wet roads and trails that can be easily torn up by vehicles.
· Travel around meadows and steep hillsides or streambanks and lakeshores when snow coverage is not adequate.
· Obey gate closures and regulatory signs.
· Get permission to travel across private land.
· Use gates when traveling over fenced land.
· Wear protective gear such as helmets, gloves, etc.
· Do not ride double unless your vehicle is equipped for double riders
· Know before you go!
· Pack out what you packed in. Don’t litter.
· Do not approach wildlife.

For more information on winter recreation, please visit one of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s website here or contact a district offices:

Carson Ranger District, 775-882-2766
Bridgeport Ranger District, 760-932-7070
Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District, Elko Office - 775-738-5171; Wells Office - 775-752-3357
Santa Rosa Ranger District, 775-623-5025 ex. 4.