snowmobiles

Press release:

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today reminds New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. 

“DMV has made the snowmobile registration process fast and convenient so snowmobilers can easily get out there and enjoy New York’s beautiful and vast trail system,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair. “I wish all snowmobile enthusiasts a safe riding season and remember to operate your snowmobile responsibly and never impaired.”

Learn more about registering a snowmobile in New York State on the DMV’s website at https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile. Additionally, members of the New York State Snowmobile Association receive a $55 discount on snowmobile registrations. More information can be viewed here: https://nysnowmobiler.com/membership/.

All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and marked with a validation sticker. Riders who complete a registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. DMV generates a permanent registration and mails it to the recipient along with their validation sticker. There is no additional charge for the temporary certificate. 

Non-New Yorkers who wish to ride in New York State can register a snowmobile if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail. 

There are over 10,500 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System, traversing 46 counties and maintained by over 200 clubs. Revenue obtained through snowmobile registrations is used to support local areas through grants-in-aid for snowmobile trail development and maintenance, which is administered through 52 municipal sponsors. This vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments, and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.

In addition, New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers operator training courses for snowmobilers aged 10 and up. This course, taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time, provides fundamental information which all snowmobilers should possess in order to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users. Successful completion of this course results in the award of an NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate. For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx. 

Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Erik Kulleseid said, “New York State boasts some of the best snowmobiling in the nation, and it’s an exciting way to experience winter in Upstate New York. We look forward to working with our partners to keep the trail system safe and well-maintained for residents and visitors coming to experience New York in the winter season.”

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “There are more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails across New York State for outdoor enthusiasts to experience and enjoy this winter. As always, DEC joins our partners at DMV and State Parks to remind riders to ride responsibly and safely and to carry registration and proof of insurance documents at all times while snowmobiling. Even experienced riders can benefit from taking a snowmobile safety course to protect themselves and others.”

Snowmobilers must always carry registration and proof of insurance documents on them while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate. Additionally, riders must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operating a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling. 

DMV also reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers and passengers must wear helmets on the state snowmobile trail system. 

For more info on the New York State Snowmobile Trail System and tips for operation please visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7718.html and https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/. 

Contact a local club or tourism department for trail status and trail conditions where you want to ride. A map of New York’s extensive snowmobile trails is available at  https://webapps2.cgis-solutions.com/nysnowmobile/.

Press release:

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today reminds New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. 

“To help snowmobilers enjoy New York’s gorgeous and extensive trails, the DMV has made the registration process easy,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair. “I hope snowmobilers have a fun and safe year while enjoying the state’s beautiful trails responsibly.”

Learn more about registering a snowmobile in New York State on the DMV’s website at https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile. Additionally, members of the New York State Snowmobile Association receive a $55 discount on snowmobile registrations. More information can be viewed here: https://nysnowmobiler.com/membership/.

All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and marked with a validation sticker. Riders who complete registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. DMV generates a permanent registration and mails it to the recipient along with their validation sticker. There is no additional charge for the temporary certificate. 

Non-New Yorkers who wish to ride in New York State can register a snowmobile if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail. 

There are over 10,500 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties and maintained by over 200 clubs. Revenue obtained though snowmobile registrations are used to support local areas through grants-in-aid for snowmobile trail development and maintenance, which is administered through 51 municipal sponsors. This vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.

In addition, New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers operator training courses for snowmobilers age 10 and up.  This course, taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time, provides fundamental information which all snowmobilers should possess in order to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users. Successful completion of this course results in the award of an NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate. For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx. 

Press release:

NYS Snowmobile Safety course will be taught at Alexander Fire Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

The Alexander Fire Hall is located on Route 98 and Route 20, Alexander.

The course is free to children from 10 to 18 years of age. New York State’s Snowmobile Law requires that youngsters ages 10-18 acquire a safety certificate before they may lawfully operate a snowmobile.

Youngsters may qualify for their safety certificates by taking safety course and passing the examination given at the end of the course. The course and all materials are furnished free. The course is also open to adults.

The instructors for snowmobile Safety Course are certified by New York State. 

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes where you register.

All materials for the Snowmobile Safety Course will be furnished. Those that pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate, and a license. 

If your child is interested in taking the course and would like to lawfully drive a snowmobile.

Preregister by calling 716-481-2623 after 5:30 p.m. 

The class is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsmen Club, Alexander Fire Dept, Genesee Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club.

Genesee Sno-Packers held their fourth annual Bikini Rally in Oakfield today. The event brings together people with a passion for snowmobiling and also helps raise money to assist in the fight against breast cancer. 

And for the first time in a couple of years, it was also a good wintery day for the event, with plenty of snow and some cold.

Press release:

NYS Snowmobile Safety course will be taught at Darien Fire Hall, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 10 (Part 1), and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 13 (Part 2).

The fire hall is located 10537 Alleghany Road (Route 77) in Darien.

The course is free to children from 10 to 18 years of age. New York State’s Snowmobile Law requires that youngsters ages 10-18 acquire a safety certificate before they may lawfully operate a snowmobile. Youngsters may qualify for their safety certificates by taking an eight-hour safety course and passing the examination given at the end of the course.

The course and all materials are furnished free. The course is also open to adults.

The instructors for snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes where you register. Those who pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate, and a license.

If your child is interested in taking the course and would like to lawfully drive a snowmobile, preregister by calling 585-599-6431 after 5:30 p.m.

The class is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsmen Club, Darien Fire Hall, Genesee Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club.

Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club will host its 10th annual Vintage Snowmobile/Outdoor Show on Sunday, Sept. 18, at BW's Restaurant / DC Meadows Golf Course in Pavilion.

It is located at 11070 Perry Road. The show starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.. It will feature new and used equipment, accessories and trailers. The entrance fee to the show is $3 per person. Door prizes will be announced at 2 p.m.

There will be refreshments available for purchase as well as breakfast and lunch.

Tickets ($5 donation) for Progressive 50/50 raffle and steak dinner will be available at the show and the winner will be drawn at the steak dinner.

This nonprofit, all-volunteer organization is also selling trophy sponsorships to help pay for the show's trophies. They are $35. 

Sleds of Stafford members will be on hand for club membership renewals. Also, a GC DMV rep will be available from noon to 3 p.m. for registration renewals.

For more information, contact Kelly Cordell at 356-9150.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the New York State Police will hold a FREE snowmobile safety course for New Yorkers aged 10 to 18 on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hamlin Beach State Park Conference Room in Hamlin. State law requires that all youth, ages 10 to 18, must possess a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere except family-owned or leased land.

Space is limited so sign up early. Preregistration is required by calling the state Park Police at (585) 658-4692. Attendees are advised to bring their own lunch.

“While Western New York winters can be particularly harsh, they can also be great fun for snowmobile enthusiasts,” Hawley said. “As easy as it seems to operate a snowmobile, I remind constituents that these can be dangerous machines that have taken lives.

"It is imperative that residents under the age of 18 receive their snowmobile safety certificate for their own and others’ safety. I encourage all interested young residents to attend this course on February 6. Have fun and enjoy the snow.”

WHAT:          Snowmobile Safety certification course

WHEN:          February 6, 2016, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE:       Hamlin Beach State Park Conference Room, Hamlin

WHO:             New Yorkers aged 10 to 18

**Remember to bring a lunch**

Out on a trail in Oakfield, a first-time snowmobiler with a camera decided to stop, letting his guide continue ahead for a bit, and looked back at the path just taken and see if the area might be photogenic.

It wasn't.

When the rookie turned back to put his hands on the handlebars, his palm accidentally hit the engine's kill switch.

He had no idea how to restart this machine.

No worries really. The rider knew his guide, Jim Elmore, would turn around before long and see the rookie was no longer trailing. Elmore is past-president of Genesee County Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club and the current president of NYSSA (New York State Snowmobilers Association).

Perhaps the guide had a bit of fear that the rookie had done something horrid with Jane Chaddock's sled, like zoom it off the trail into a ditch, and he would return.

About this time, a young rider on a neon green and black snowmobile happened along the trail and offered assistance.

And that's sort of how it goes in the snowmobile community in Genesee County -- a cooperative spirit, riders helping riders.

It takes a dedicated group of volunteers to maintain the 175 miles of snowmobile trails in the county, and Sno-Packers (along with Sleds of Stafford) are the organizations that ensure the work gets done.

If not, as volunteer groomer Greg Rich said, "It would be pretty rough out here. There would probably be no snowmobilers."

The Sno-Packers own three machines for grooming the trails. Each costs more than $200,000, and the grooming drags cost another $12,000 each, plus the club spends from $25,000 to $30,000 a year on operations and maintenance.

Ten to 12 volunteers operate the groomers. A couple, such as Rich, spend more than 10 hours a day out on trails, keeping the snow smooth and packed so riding is not only possible, but safer.

The club also maintains trail signs that provide directions and GPS coordinates to riders so they don't get lost and have some idea of where they are in an emergency.

Snowmobile clubs also provide a safety and riding classes, not to mention social events.

It's a monumental effort and involves an interesting bit of cooperation between private non-profit groups and state agencies.

In fact, Elmore noted that while citizens often complain about state government, snowmobile groups, and certainly Sno-Packers often find government agencies to be cooperative allies.

As an example, Emore pointed to a trail that connects Alexander and Bethany. It's an old railroad bed owned by the Department of Environmental Conservation. After years of wondering why it wasn't a snowmobile trail, the Sno-Packers reached out to the DEC and inquired about turning it into a trail. The DEC's response? "We thought you'd never ask."

Much of the funding for trail maintenance comes from license fees for snowmobiles collected by the state (unlicensed snowmobiles, and there are some, then, are the bane of good trail maintenance). 

The state pays Genesee Sno-Packers to maintain 150 miles of trail. The club pays for the extra 25 miles out of its own dues.

A ride on one of these trails reveals a side of Genesee County that you're never going to see from a state highway or county road. The vistas and views are completely different and reveal even greater variety of our area's beauty.

In fact, if your concept of snowmobiles is that of a bunch of speed demons racing around the countryside, that's hardly the truth at all. Snowmobilers are photography buffs (Chaddock, for example, always packs a camera and is known among club members for her eye-catching photography), birders and nature lovers.

On the trail, you come across a variety of wildlife and that's part of the fun of the ride.

According to Darien Fire Chief Dale Breitwieser, an earlier post about a reported snowmobile accident in Darien was part of a drill involving the Darien and Corfu fire departments. 

The drill started a little before 7 p.m. and just finished up about 8:30 p.m.

The Don Cummings Memorial Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show was at the Batavia fairgrounds  this year because it's outgrown its former location in Alexander. Proceeds benefited Mercy Flight.

More photos after the jump:

The governor is out of line, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in planning to shift $1 million from New York's snowmobile program to the state's general fund.

Hawley today issued a statement asking Gov. David Paterson to strike that provision from his proposed 2010-2011 executive budget.

“This proposal to take $1 million away from the Snowmobile Fund is unacceptable and serves as just another example of the State trying to take every penny it can to cover its own fiscal mismanagement,” said Hawley. “This fund is entirely financed and supported by the fees New Yorkers pay to register their snowmobiles. For this reason, the fund should be used solely to maintain and develop snowmobile trails throughout the state.”

Full press release after the jump:

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) today called on Governor David Paterson to remove a proposal from his 2010-2011 Executive Budget aimed at removing $1 million from the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund and transferring it into the State’s General Fund.

“This proposal to take $1 million away from the Snowmobile Fund is unacceptable and serves as just another example of the State trying to take every penny it can to cover its own fiscal mismanagement,” said Hawley.“This fund is entirely financed and supported by the fees New Yorkers pay to register their snowmobiles.  For this reason, the fund should be used solely to maintain and develop snowmobile trails throughout the state.”

The 2010-2011 Executive Budget contains a proposal to sweep $1 million from the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund and transfer it into the State’s General Fund. In addition, the proposal would allow the General Fund to have access to 30% of the remaining Snowmobile Fund balance and expand the use of that money to include all recreational activities on State lands. When a similar proposal was raised in 2008, Assemblyman Hawley authored and introduced legislation, Assembly Bill 10732, which would prevent any transfer of funds from accounts that are specifically supported with a dedicated fee, such as the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. 

According to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Snowmobile industry contributes more than $875 million to the state economy each year. The removal of $1 million from the snowmobile fund, and the potential access to an additional 30% of that fund, could severely impact the Upstate economy. 

“Many small upstate communities rely heavily on the snowmobiling industry to generate local revenue and would be negatively impacted by this money grab by Albany. If Albany is serious about helping rebuild New York’s ailing economy, then this proposal should be taken out. I will continue to fight against this proposal to seize dedicated funds for some other use just as I did in 2008.”

The Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club thought they had all the approval they needed to build a recreational bridge over a creek in Alabama.

County officials disagree. County Manager Jay Gsell said this morning the bridge violates state law and the only option for the county is to remove it.

Department of Highway workers are tearing down the bridge today.

The bridge, which club members say took 400 man hours to build and is worth at least $40,000, spans a creek off Sour Springs Road, which is a dirt road off Roberts Road.

The club installed the bridge -- which club members largely pre-built in a garage prior to installation -- about a month ago. It's already been heavily used, according to club secretary Jane Chaddock, by fishermen, birdwatchers and hikers.

"It's nothing but a fiasco for something that was so beautiful and so much work," Chaddock said.

Doug Hagen, Genesee County snowmobile coordinator, said the club felt it had approval for construction of the bridge -- from County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens signing off on plans, to the County Legislature's Public Services Committee saying it should be built, to officials from the Town of Alabama saying they didn't oppose the construction.

Gsell said there was never any official permission given from the county and since the bridge is on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, there needs to be more than tacit approval from the federal government for snowmobilers to ride right through the preserve.

But the main issue from a county perspective, Gsell said, is that any bridge over 5-feet long becomes county responsibility.

The county would be liable for any injuries resulting from use of the bridge should there be a problem.

And although club officials, according to Hagen, believe the bridge exceeds engineering standards for its intended use, Gsell said that's not necessarily true.

"Because the snowmobile club has actually admitted that they're going to use that bridge to put their snowmobiles on to cross that body of water, that bridge must meet state and federal guidelines as far as structural integrity, the distances, the accessibility...and that's not presently the case," Gsell said.

"The highway superintendent then, under state highway law, has to deal with the issue in terms of either removing it, which right now is our only logical option, or at some point involving some major capital project - we're talking about a couple of million dollars of replacing a bridge structure, because anything over 5 feet is the responsibility of county government. But, that doesn't mean we have to take ownership of something that people put there illegally and without anybody's permission."

According to Hagen, Sheriff's deputies are on scene at the bridge tear-down ensuring club members don't get out of hand.

Hagen said all of the material and labor to build the bridge was donated, but if he had to guess at the cost of material and construction, he would put it at $40,000.

"That bridge was built at absolutely no taxpayer expense," Hagen noted, "and now taxpayers are paying for that bridge to be ripped out."

Chaddock fought back tears while we spoke. She said people who have seen the bridge love it.

"People say it's the best bridge they've ever seen," Chaddock said. "People have said  they wanted to get married on that bridge."

UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: The bridge is gone. It was, however, removed in one piece and will be put in storage, Tim Hens said. He just returned to his office from the site, he said.

"Unfortunately, when the club put the bridge in without permission, it kind of forced our hand," Hens said. "I don't think anybody from the county wanted to remove that bridge, but it's what we had to do to protect county taxpayers from liability."

Hens said the county -- which has helped the snowmobile club raise $500,000 in grants from state and federal agencies over the past several years -- was trying to find a way to either get a bridge in place, or allow a bridge to be built, but had not been able to complete that process before the bridge went up.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. (Billie Owens): The bridge came down easily and quickly this morning, according to the workers who remained at the scene afterward.

"It was a solid, well-built bridge, made of steel and wood," said county employee Aaron Zinkovich.

Another worker added that County Highway Superintendent Hens got verbally thrashed by snowmobile enthusiasts at the scene.

"They beat up on him pretty good - called him every name in the book," he said.

The snowmobilers wasted no time getting lawyered up. They've retained Roland R. Georger, of Damon Morey Attorneys at Law in Clarence, to advise them on the matter.

"I have a lot of investigating to do," Georger said, adding that will include looking at the permitting process.

Agenda minutes of the Byron-based Genesee County Snowmobile Association from Sept. 8 -- under the Old Business section -- reported that the county attorney "has told Co. Highway and Town of Alabama that the county cannot support the bridge concept because of liability. We all need to lobby Hawley and our county legislators for adopting a county law." Hagen attented the meeting along with other snowmobile group representatives.

The Sour Springs Bridge was built in the ensuing weeks.

UPDATE: Photo above by Billie Owens

UPDATE: Picture below submitted anonymously with no comment.  It looks like this would be the old bridge that was destroyed by an alleged drunken driver.

View Larger Map

Park Police are reminding those who own snowmobiles that children between 10 and 18 years old need to complete a snowmobile safety certification course in order to operate the vehicles legally, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. In fact, there's no reason parents, too, can't attend the course with the children.

The first certification course will be held at Genesee Sno Packers, 102 S. Pearl St., in Oakfield on November 23. Call (585) 948-5656 to reserve your place. Stafford will also host a course at the Stafford Fire Hall on December 2 and December 9. Call (585) 548-9951 for all the details on those sessions.

Don't forget! Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club will be holding the second annual Vintage Snowmobile and Snow Show Saturday at BW's Restaurant in Pavilion, rain or shine—and it's looking more like it will be rain. You can find BW's at 11070 Perry Road.

Admission is $2 per adult, and kids 12 and under are free. All proceeds from the event will benefit Mercy Flight. Register between 8:00 and 11:00am. Judging starts at 11:00am.

Check out the Sleds of Stafford Web site for all the details.