MSA and WTCM-Country Radio out of Traverse City are teaming up for a "TRAIL STOP" Saturday January 28th. We will be in the parking area of Ranch Rudolph on the beautiful Boardman River from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, stop by and have a cup of coco and talk snowmobiling with MSA.

MSA would like to congratulate the following as

winners of the 2012 MSEAF "SUPER RAFFLE"

Drawn first was Lynn Pauly of Traverse City MI, she chose the 2012 Arctic Cat, ProCross F1100, the winning ticket was sold by the Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club

Drawn second was Janet Schaefer of New Boston, MI, she chose the 2012 Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 600, the winning ticket was sold by MSA

Drawn third was Scott Lampinen of Chassell, MI he chose the 2012 Polaris 550 Shift, the winning ticket was sold by the Range Snowmobile Club

International Snowmobile Safety Week

January 15-21, 2012

Snowmobile Safety week is here and MSA would like to offer you an educational resources.

We understand the importance of Snowmobile Safety, We would also like to provide you with a FREE link to our online safety quiz, this quiz is perfect for people who are brand new to Snowmobiling and want to gage their knowledge or people who are already snowmobiling and want to brush up on their skills.

Where students can go to take their Snowmobile Safety Practice Test : Generate 10 question practice quizzes - no registration or fees.

Where students can go to take their Snowmobile Safety Course : Free study guides and official online certification courses for the Michigan DNR Snowmobile Safety Certificate. This course has a fee, click on the link below. The course is recommended and endorsed by MSA and the DNR..

Snowmobile Regulations

Here is a link for the Michigan DNR endorsed online course:

http://www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/michigan/

2012 Ride In Returns to Sault Ste. Marie

It’s time to mark your calendars for the 2012 MSA Ride In. It will return to the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie on Feb. 17-19, 2012. The Ride In offers an excellent opportunity to spend time with other Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) members who like to ride just like you, while enjoying the great trails of the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Time With Friends -- Both Old and New

There will be a party for MSA members from 7-10 p.m. on Friday. A cash bar will be available. Friday evening is always a time for old friends to catch up with one another and for new MSA members to meet other snowmobilers dedicated to the sport.

Saturday starts with a morning breakfast from 7-9 a.m. Shortly after (around 9:15 a.m.), those attending will be split up into groups. Different groups cater to various riding styles. Pick one that closely matches your own; in order to maximize the fun you’re sure to have.

A Great Day of Riding

The day’s ride will be capped off with a Saturday buffet from 6-9 p.m. This is a time to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow MSA members, and recap the day of riding — who stayed on and who fell off. Tradition dictates that a representative from each riding group shares their take on the day.

A silent auction and some great surprises are currently being finalized by the MSA Recreational Committee.

The event will conclude on Sunday morning with a breakfast buffet from 8-10 a.m.

Sault Ste. Marie – Great Snow, Great Trails

Play in the snow and discover your inner child in Sault Ste Marie, where an average of 120 inches of snow falls annually, laying the foundation for the adrenaline rush that awaits you on the hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and around Sault Ste. Marie.

MSA has negotiated a special room rate for the event. Rooms are $79 a night for double occupancy. There will be a $10 charge for each additional adult staying in the Room. Meal packages are $67 per person. Children 5 to 11 years old are $33.50.

Call 616-361-2285

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2011 MEETING HELD AT FOGGY’S IN CHRISTMAS MICHIGAN

*President Jim Dickie called the meeting to order at 9:03 am and in following tradition, he then turned the meeting over to our new President-Elect, Bruce Wood.

*Introductions were made and roll call of the Board of Directors was taken.

*The posted minutes of the July 23, 2011 meeting were approved.

*Treasurer John Houk briefly discussed the prepared treasures report.  He then announced to the members that the Executive Board have decided to start looking into purchasing commercial property in the Grand Rapids area due to the every rising rent costs at the current office location.

*Bill Manson gave an update on the many committees he is a member, of and the presentation he made to Consumer Energy personal in Jackson regarding snowmobile safety and history.  He has also been meeting with several of our elected officials in Lansing discussing snowmobile topics.

*Tom Meyer gave an update on 9 snowmobile related House bills currently introduced and the status of each one.  Bill Manson then gave an update of Senate Bill 248 which if passed would cap the amount of total acreage the DNR can acquire the surface rights to and how that could affect our snowmobile program.

*Bruce Wood announced that Don (and Judy) Wing will become the chairman of the Recreation Committee.  Don announced they are currently finalizing plans for the Feb. 17-19, 2012 Ride in at Sault Ste Marie, and are also working on plans for the June 22-24, 2012 Campout at Mackinaw City.  Reservations and meal packages for both events are to be made through the MSA office.  More details will be listed in the MSA magazine.

*Bruce Wood then announced that Ron Corbett will be chairing the MSA membership committee and *Gail Scott will continue to chair the publication’s committee.

*Karyn Hautimaki read off the current membership numbers which total 12,853 voting members.

*Jim Duke presented a recap of the last MSA Convention held in Cadillac, and thanked the Cadillac Winter Warriors for all of their hard work.  Next year’s convention will be held October 25-27, 2012 at the Hilton Double Tree River Resort in Bay City, Michigan.  Jim Duke will continue to be the Convention committee chairman.

*The MSA website which is still maintained by a volunteer in Kalamazoo was discussed.  Currently there is a “test” being performed on the trail report page to change the color of the push pins from red to green for any grant sponsor who is updated in the last 10 days.  Everyone needs assist with selling ads on the trail report pages.

*Jim Dickie gave a report on the last Michigan Trails and Greenways meeting of which MSA is a Life member.

*During the Friends of the Forest report, Jim Duke discussed all of the reroutes being performed by the USFS to get trails out of low lands and onto harder, higher ground.  Tom Meyers then reminded everyone to submit their comments to the USFS by 12/23/11 concerning the Meister law suit in the Huron-Manistee Forest.  MSA supports Alternative #3.  Please submit your own comments as form letters do not carry much weight.

*Al Green announced that letters will be going out to the equipment vendors soon for the March 2-3, 2012 Groomer Workshop to be held in Ishpeming.  The office will be sending out letters to the grant sponsors right after the holidays.  Al Green will remain as chairman of the Groomer workshop.

*Kaye Houk announced she will be sending out notices to all clubs soon reminding them to keep records of everything club members do for others, not just snowmobile related items.

*A proposal to revise the current by-laws concerning the way MSA meetings are conducted was passed out and discussed.  Several members made comments.  There was no motion made to support a by-law revision, so discussion ended.

*John Griffin stated that as the times change, MSA must also change the way we do business.  He gave several examples of how other organizations are maintaining financial stability through donations.  John is going to continue to work on a donation based program.

*MSA support of Easter Seals was discussed and a decision to support Easter Seals in a non-monetary format was made.

*Jim Dickie announced that MSA will participate at the I-500 Race again this year by having volunteers assist with various work assignments and a membership booth.

*Draft #5 of the new signing manual was discussed at the SAW meeting on Thursday and again at this meeting.  There is a lot of confusion in the interpretation of “turn” or “curve” and how each is to be signed.  Look for more info on this in the future.

*The “Back to the Bricks” car show in Flint was discussed and it was decided that MSA would be involved again this year.  The show is a good place for MSA exposure and there will be a membership/donation booth.

*Bruce Wood reported the Novi Snow show had near record attendance this year.  MSA sold almost 1800 trail permits.

*The 2012 meeting dates were announced.  Check the MSA web site for dates, times, and locations.

*MSA members will soon be receiving raffle tickets for an Airens snow blower in the mail.  The winning ticket will be drawn at the MSA Ride-In.

*Joe Kuchnicki from Harbor Springs was elected to the MSA Board of directors as a delegate-at-large from Emmett County.

*Bill Manson gave a recap of the SAW meeting held on Thursday 12/8/11:  The new grooming rate will be $5.27 per mile, consideration into purchasing new “demo” equipment is being looked into, the grooming reimbursement sheets are being looked into trying to better capture the actual equipment maintenance costs, and the changes that are taking place in the DNR and DNR personal.

*At the conclusion of the meeting, Bruce Wood thanked Jim Dickie and John Houk for all of their hard work during the very difficult times the last 2 years and presented an Appreciation Plaque to Jim Dickie.

****************NEWS FLASH******************

Snowmobile Trail # 8 between Marquette and Negaunee will be closed until December 15th. Over the summer vandals started a fire on the wooden trestle bridge over the Carp River. The fire did extensive damage to the deck and unfortunately the wooden beams below. The Hiawatha Snowmobile Club has received a Grant from the snowmobile trail program to repair the structure. The deck planking  has arrived but the large beams are not slated to be in until the first week of December. Stay tuned to MSA for further updates.

Huron Manistee National Forest Update

Many of you have expressed reservation in writing your own letter to the national forest on this issue. I want to calm your fears that it will only take  a few sentences in your own words and will only take a couple of minutes. The letter do not have to be hand written, just your words. Here are some examples; letter should start out with this:

Lee Evison, Forest Planner

Huron-Manistee National Forest

1755 S. Mitchell Street

Cadillac, MI  49601

Dear Planning Team:

I am writing about the Huron-Manistee National Forests SEIS that is considering banning snowmobile use and firearm hunting in Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Areas on the Forests. My support would be for "Proposed Action Alternative #3" of the recently released "Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)".

OR

I am writing to you to register my personal support for adopting "Proposed Action Alternative #3" of the recently released "Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)".

OR

I am in SUPPORT of alternate #3!!!! The areas in question should be re-defined as Semi-Primitive Motorized areas and all these areas should remain open to existing firearm hunting and snowmobile usage. All snowmobile trails are needed to support this great recreational activity. Indeed, more trails are really needed not less.

OR

I SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE 3. The areas in question should be redefined as Semi-Primitive Motorized areas and all areas should remain open to existing snowmobile use and firearm hunting.

THEN

You can add your personal comment on the trails in the Huron Manistee National Forest if you like, maybe your experience on them.

Make sure you sign it if send by fax or electronically.

Again, just to let you know why we need you to personalize the letter, ALL FORM LETTERS WILL ONLY COUNTED AS 1 LETTER, so get those fingers typing.  I have also include all of the four alternatives below for your reading pleasure.

Or fax to: 231-775-5551

Or e mailed to:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comments must be received by December 21, 2011

****************************************************

The SEIS proposes to ban snowmobiling and gun hunting within 14 Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Areas (SPNM) on these forests as the result of a legal decision by the 6^th U.S. Court of Appeals.

Here are the four alternatives outlined in the plan with our initial assessment.

ALTERNATIVE # 1 No action alternative.

While this keeps things as is, it doesn’t comply with the problems the court case pointed out and probably leaves it open to more legal challenges.

ALTERNATIVE # 2 Proposed action.

This gives Mr. Meister exactly what he wanted, no snowmobiling or firearm hunting in the 14 areas in question. Clearly, MSA strongly opposes this one. Proposed Action Alternative 2 would essentially shut off trail networks both north to south and east to west across the Northern Lower Peninsula. All snowmobile trails which would be closed by Alternative 2 are located on open public roads and should remain open for winter snowmobile trail use. Proposed Alternative 2 would effectively eliminate important small links within the overall trail network and consequently eliminate connectivity for significantly larger portions of the trail system.

ALTERNATIVE # 3 Change management area designation to align with the current uses of the areas. Basically, if you like how things are right now and want that to be the management goal for these 14 areas, this alternative is probably for you. This alternative allows snowmobiling and all firearm use to continue as is. The areas in question should be defined as Semi-Primitive Motorized areas, and kept open to snowmobiling and firearm hunting.

ALTERNATIVE # 4. Change management area designation and manage to provide a less roaded recreation experience. This is the USFS’s preferred alternative, which also allows all snowmobiling and firearm hunting to continue as is. However, the new goal for these 14 areas would be to continue to reduce road mileage density in many of the areas. This alternative negatively impacts both snowmobilers and fire arm hunters.

Snowmobile Trail Permit Fee Increase for 2011 Season

Increased Fee comes with Support from Michigan Snowmobile Association and DNR

The 2011 snowmobile season marks the next stage of a new fee structure for snowmobile permit fees. This season the price for a permit is $45, an increase of $10 over last year’s price. The fee will remain $45 through the 2015 snowmobile season. A state law signed in 2008 provided for the incremental increase in snowmobile trail fees, which support maintenance and grooming of the state’s snowmobile trail network.

Michigan’s snowmobile trail network is successful because of the unique relationship that exists between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and partners. The DNR provides grants to local snowmobile trail partners, who in turn are responsible for the grooming and maintenance of the trails.

“We have strong relationships with our partners in the snowmobile community,” said Jim Radabaugh, section manager for the DNR’s Recreation and Trails Program in the Forest Management Division. “It is because of our partnership with 68 snowmobile trail sponsors that Michigan is able to offer over 6,400 miles of designated, groomed and signed trails.”

The fee increase is necessary to offset the increasing snowmobile grant sponsor costs -- such as fuel, engineering services and insurance -- to maintain the designated and groomed trail network, and to fund long-term trail infrastructure needs, such as bridges and culverts.

“When it comes to keeping Michigan’s trails safe and groomed, a little goes a long way,” added Lynne Boyd, chief of the Forest Management Division at the DNR. “This fee increase is a way for every snowmobiler to do his or her part toward providing season-long access to miles and miles of magical Michigan trails.”

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.

********************************************************************************

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 10-22&23-2011 ANNUAL MEETING

President Jim Dickie reviewed his MSA involvements and meetings for the previous year which was a month by month listing of all MSA activities.

The income and expense reports for the past fiscal year, and the current year to date were reviewed by Treasurer John Houk who also answered questions about specific line items.

Executive Director Bill Manson reviewed his report covering his many meetings and activities for the past year, and then answered questions from the membership concerning how much snowmobile program money the DNR is using for administrative purposes and the status of the permanent trail fund program.  He concluded by thanking the membership for allowing him to continue working for MSA.

Tom Myers gave an update on four snowmobile related house bills that have been introduced but have no active movement at this time.  Bill Manson then explained the issues the Secretary of State office is having in processing the one time Historic Snowmobile Registration and trail permit (HB6261) which is now in effect.

Don Wing reported on several minor trail reroutes and a couple of possible small trail closures from different parts of the state.  For each case, the local clubs are working to resolve the issues.

Total MSA membership is currently at 13,371 which is approximately 10% lower than this time last year.  MSA needs ALL members to aggressively work on recruiting new members!

Bruce Wood reported the next MSA campout will be June 22-24, 2012 and will be at the Mill Creek campground South of Mackinaw City (same place as last 2 years).  More details to come later.  The next MSA Ride-In will be February 17-19, 2011 at the Kewadin Casino at Sault Ste Marie, MI.  Registrations are to be made through the MSA office.

Jim Duke reported on current and past ACSA activities and events including the trip to Washington last March.  He stressed the importance of the reauthorization of the RTP funding which has currently been extended until March 30. 2012.

Bill Manson discussed the Meister-vs-USFS law suit where 13 different areas within the Huron-Manistee Forest could be closed to hunting and snowmobiling, and the 4 current alternatives being offered by the USFS.  EVERYONE CONCERNED should read up on the alternatives and submit their comments to the Forest Service by the December 21, 2011 deadline.  “Form” letters are accepted but are not encouraged!  For more info on the very important case, see the October issue of the our magazine “Michigan Snowmobile News”

The members of the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup (SAW) were listed, and a report of the last SAW meeting was given by Bruce Wood.  Currently, the board is working on an equipment replacement procedure and reviewing the grooming reimbursement rates.  The next SAW meeting is December 8, 2011 @ Foggy’s in Christmas, MI and the public is invited.  Al Green represents MSA Region 2 on this committee and his term expires at the end of 2011.  The membership voted to re-appoint Al Green to another 2 year term.

Al Green reported the next Groomer Workshop will be March 2-3, 2012 and held at the Country Village Resort in Ishpeming, MI.  More details will be listed in the MSA magazine.

During public comment, Bill Taylor asked MSA to have the SAW committee work with the DNR to better define how brush cutting along the sides of trails is to be performed, and to how to better handle trail maintenance issues such as washout repairs through the involvement of experienced DNR personal or an engineering study.  He feels these items will reduce the amount of program dollars being spent year after year on the same section of trail.  Ray Williams suggested MSA offer a gift membership of one year’s membership at half price to be gifted by a current MSA member as a recruitment tool.  Sharon Flewelling suggested offering mini break-out sessions at future MSA Annual meetings.  Mike Grant (video Mike) has now contracted with Fox TV and is broadcasting his snowmobile videos every Sunday morning at 7:30am until December 25, 2011.

Jim Dickie reported there is now an On Line DNR Snowmobile Safety Course which kids can take and receive their certificate.  It is a timed, interactive class which takes approximately 3 hours to complete.  The cost is $29.95.  The e-mail address is: www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/michigan/

The following are the newly elected MSA officers for 2012:

President                     Bruce Wood

Vice-President              Ron Corbett

Secretary                     Al Green

Treasurer                     John Houk

ACTION ALERT!

SNOWMOBILERS AND HUNTERS:

You need to comment to help fight proposed closures to snowmobiling and hunting with guns on the Huron-Manistee National Forests!

HURON MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST SNOWMOBILE BAN

Click on the HMNF Issue on the tool bar for a sample letter!

Yahoo, The forecast is looking good!

It's that time of year when we start looking for the winter weather forecasts. Our quick search of the web, to our favorite weather web sites/blogs is worth a quick look. Please click on the following sites to give you a preview of the forecasters' predictions.

http://www.accuweather.com

http://www.farmersalmanac.com

Ed (who forwards winter forecasts) Klim

President, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association

Highlights of 7-23-2011 MSA Board of Directors Meeting

The 2011-2012 MSA budget was introduced, discussed and approved.

There are 6 snowmobile related bills introduced in the House that are not receiving attention or any action. A 7th bill (SB 248) which would limit the amount of land that can be owed by the DNR, passed the Senate on June 22, and will now go the house. If passed, this bill could limit future trail expansions in our state. Snowmobilers should read up on this bill and contact their representatives.

MSA representatives have become involved in the White Pine Trail (Cadillac to Leroy) issue wear normal snowmobile wear on the trail last season is being called "damage" by other groups. These groups are starting a movement to try to ban studs on paved rail trails in Michigan. If successful, this movement could impact several other paved rail trails in our state.

The first time ever Michigan Historic Snowmobile permanent registration sticker is now finalized and able to be viewed on the DNR website.

Last year, 164,004 Michigan Snowmobile trail permits were sold which is 7% lower than last season. Trail permits (remember they are now $45) for next season are now available through the MSA office.

In the Meister v. USDA Forest Service lawsuit, where the Huron-Manistee National Forest is in the process of developing a Supplemental Impact statement, at least 2 additional alternatives will probably be offered and put out for public comment late this fall. Snowmobilers: please follow this item closely as it could greatly affect future snowmobiling in ALL of our National Forests!

MSA volunteers will be participating in the Saturday, August 20 "Back to the Bricks" hot rod car show in Flint, MI. Contact the MSA office for more info.

MSA volunteers will be participating in the August 26 and 27 "Nelson’s Sno-Motion" Show at Greenville, MI.

September 23-24-25 are the dates for the first ever MSA All Sports Show and Swap Meet at the US 131 Motorsports Park, off US 131 in Martin MI. This 1st time event will be held in conjunction with the 22 annual Super Sled Shootout (1/4 mile asphalt drag strip), and replaces the MSA event formally held in Hastings. Contact the MSA office for more info and ADVANCE SWAP MEET RESERVATION details.

MSA "Super Raffle" Tickets are now available to clubs through the MSA office and will be mailed to current MSA members soon. MSA will also conduct our annual Truck Raffle and Snowmobile Trailer Raffle this fall/early winter.

The REORGANIZATION OF THE MSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO A CLUB BASED ORGANIZATION which was introduced at the May meeting has generated a lot of comments and responses. After a LONG discussion at this meeting, a decision was made by the current Board of Directors (BOD) to leave the makeup of the BOD as it currently is and not make any changes at this time.

The grant sponsor from the Lewiston area asked MSA to approach the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup and obtain a formal process on how to repair and fund damage to snowmobile trails caused by legal and illegal ORV usage in a timely manner.

The September 17 Executive Committee meeting is cancelled. The reason is: our own BILL MANSON is being inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame that day and several of us are going to be attending the awards ceremony. CONGRATULATIONS Bill.

The MSA Annual Convention will be held October 21-22-23 at McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac MI. Cadillac Winter Warriors will be hosting the Friday night festivities. Advance reservations must be made through the MSA office.