Immediate Release
How the Money Is Spent
With all the things being written in the news and all of the
different snowmobiling Web sites featuring snowmobile program
budgets and expenditures, MSA officials felt that it was
important to explain to you, the snowmobiler, where your money
goes.
We
would like you, the user who pays for the snowmobile program, to
know exactly how and where your dollars are spent in Michigan.
Remember it is your money. Snowmobiling is a 100 percent
user-funded recreation in Michigan.
Funding Sources
There are three different snowmobile program funding sources.
These sources include:
• snowmobile registrations — $22 per snowmobile for
three years
• snowmobile trail permits — $25 per snowmobile for
one year
• a very small percentage of our state’s gas tax — an
average of $2.4 million a year.
Two
Snowmobile Program Funds
The
snowmobile program consists of two funds — the Registration Fee
Fund and the Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund (STIF). Grant
sponsors are reimbursed for the work done on the trails through
the funds in STIF. Registration fees are put into the
Registration Fee Fund.
Of
the $22 paid for a registration $5 is put toward Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement; $9 goes to the
sheriff’s grants program for law enforcement; $3 goes to the
Secretary of State to administer the registration program and
lien system and $5 is deposited into STIF.
Of
the $25 paid for our state trail permits, $1 is kept by the
seller, $ .47 is kept by the distributer and $.03 is used to
produce the permit, and $23.50 is put into STIF, along
with the $2.4 million in gasoline tax and $5 from each
registration. The total 2007-08 STIF budget is $10,046,400.
Of
the STIF funds $ $7,314,000 are distributed to the Grant
Sponsors in grants to be used on our trails for signing,
brushing, grooming and maintenance. The DNR’s Forest, Mineral
and Fire Management Division (FMFM) receives $2,212,700 million
from STIF to administer the program. That administration cost
includes funds for Lansing administers and field contacts who
interact with grant sponsors out in the field.
Also, $444,500. From the STIF fund is used by the Treasury,
Information Technology, Executive Office, Financial Services,
Budget and Support Services, Human Resources, Lands and
Facilities and the Department of Operational Support.
How
Does It Work?
There are 69 grant sponsors in the state consisting of
snowmobile clubs, convention and tourism bureaus, business
associations and combinations of all three. The chart we’ve
included lists those 2007-08 grant sponsors, how many miles of
trail they maintain, grooming allocations (grooming amounts may
be higher with a grant amendment) and the total trail sponsor
grant for 2007-08.
These grant sponsors groom and maintain anywhere from 54 miles
to more than 200 miles of trail. Their job is to brush, sign and
groom those trails in the wintertime. In the summer these same
grant sponsors repair bridges, replace culverts and perform
maintenance work on our trails.
Volunteer Efforts
It’s important that we stress that the majority of this state’s
69 grant sponsors are volunteer club members who spend countless
hours maintaining trails, chasing leases and completing paper
work. They do all of this because snowmobiling is their passion,
not because they get paid. It is the passion of these volunteers
that has helped create and maintain the best trail system in
this country. Every one of the grant sponsors in Michigan works
hard to make their trails the best they can be. You should
remember that every time you are out riding the trails. Whether
it’s a good snow year or bad snow year, our volunteers are
working hard. They do what they do because they love it.
Getting the Money From the State
For
doing this work, each grant sponsor receives money in the form
of a trail sponsor grant. This grant includes set amounts for:
• signing and brushing
• leases if any
• insurances
• special maintenance
• a per-mile grooming reimbursement
The
chart we’ve included isn’t all-inclusive. A complete list of all
parts of trail grants can be found in PDF format at
www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Each grant sponsor individually applies for a grant from the DNR
FMFM. The grant is reviewed by them and then a contract is
written and signed between each of 69 sponsors and the DNR. The
rough part is that the grant may not be signed until the state
budget is signed for the fiscal year. Remember the past year,
the budget did not get signed until December!
Using a formula developed by Snowmobile Advisory Council (SAC)
and the DNR, a per-mile of trail amount is set to fund grooming.
The grant sponsors receive this amount for every mile of trail
they groom. This year that set amount was $4.61 a mile.
That $4.61 encompasses averages for the cost of fuel, every day
maintenance and labor. That amount is reviewed at the beginning
and end of every year, and sometimes adjusted because of
fluctuating fuel prices.
A12-Week Season
Also, the amounts you see in the graph are based on a 12-week
season. This season we are going to groom for longer than that.
In fact, at the time of this writing, we have expended more in
grooming than we have in last five years.
This brings up yet another issue — equipment purchases. In the
past if the grooming budget wasn’t used in its entirety, those
funds were spent on equipment. If the funds are gone, we will
not have them to purchase equipment.
Also, in the past, the program utilized a 75/25 percent cost
sharing match with grant sponsors to purchase equipment. Two
years ago we went to 100 percent equipment purchase program. At
that time, we purchased 15 pieces of equipment. This past season
we were only able to purchase seven pieces of equipment.
Funds at an All Time Low
With all the grooming being done this year, funds will be at an
all time low making a trail permit increase very important.
Keep in mind we are not alone in the need for additional
funding. Surrounding states are in the same boat. Wisconsin just
raised their trail permit for or out-of-state riders from $18 to
$35, and Minnesota is looking at raising their permit.
MSA
officials have proposed a trail permit increase to our
legislators, and we will be working hard to get it through the
state house and senate this spring. Specifically, we are looking
at increasing Michigan’s trail permit to $50 with an early
purchase incentive. If you purchase it before Nov. 14, it will
only cost $35.
We
will be asking you, the snowmobiler, to help push it through our
legislature. Without an increase, trails will take a giant step
backwards, less grooming, less maintenance and older trail
grooming equipment. That equates to more breakdowns, higher
maintenance cost and basically a less maintained trail system.
Bill Manson
Executive Director
Michigan Snowmobile Association
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Immediate Release
Working to
Make Michigan’s Trail System the Best in the U.S.
First, let me start out by apologizing to
everyone for my assumption in last month’s column that our sound
legislation would be approved before legislators recessed for
the holidays. I certainly fully expected the bill to pass the
House, it did not. The bill has already passed the Senate. I had
pretty good indications that legislators were going to take it
up before Christmas break, but they did not.
The budget is still consuming all of their
time. We do expect it to be approved soon and is scheduled to go
into effect immediately.
Second, I need to make a correction on my
explanation of the SAE test that will be used when the
legislation becomes law. The following is an overview of the
2004 SAE J2567 stationary test.
The sound meter microphone is placed 1.2
meters four feet above the ground, in line with the exhaust
outlet/center point of multiple exhaust outlets, on the side of
the snowmobile toward which the exhaust is directed, four meters
13.2 feet distance from the snowmobile longitudinal centerline.
The operator holds the brake during the test, starts and runs
the engine up to normal operating temperature, then slowly opens
the throttle until a steady 3,750 to 4,000 rpm is achieved for
not less than four seconds. The test is immediately repeated and
the two readings averaged.
I apologize for what I had written in the
January issue. I must have been thinking of dirt bikes and
boats!
It’s Time to Stand Up For What’s Right —
What’s Ours!
After last year’s fiscal mess, MSA’s
leadership has taken the stand that things need to change. MSA’s
number one goal is to make Michigan’s trail system the best in
the U.S. In working toward that goal, your leadership has
established a list of projects, priorities if you will that we
will be working on in 2008.
In looking at the snowmobile program, the
grant sponsor handbook mess last year and growing financial
concerns MSA’s leadership has made a few decisions.
MSA’s new leadership had two choices, sit
back and take what’s happening with the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) or stand up and fight for what is right and
correct them.
I met with MSA leadership in early January
and they have decided to fight for what is right and what is
ours — every snowmobiler who registers their sled, buys gas and
purchases a trail permit.
Again, our number one goal is to make
Michigan’s trail system the best in the U.S. Things must change
to achieve that goal.
Looking at Finances
First, your leadership wants to tackle
finances and get a handle on where ALL of your snowmobile funds
are going. We are digging deep and asking just what our funds
are being spent on.
The total 2008 snowmobile program budget is
$12,676,002. Those funds are paid for by you the snowmobiler.
Not one dime of that money comes from the state. Remember, we
are a user-funded program in Michigan. With that said, you would
think that most of that $12 million would be put toward our
trails in 2008. That is not the case. This year’s grant sponsors
are going to receive just over $7.3 million to sign, brush,
groom and buy equipment. Where does the rest of the money go?
That is just what MSA wants to know.
The 2008 appropriations for snowmobile
trail maintenance did not increase and the appropriation for law
enforcement grants didn’t increase. What did increase? The
appropriations to 10 different departments within state
government are seeing increases in their appropriations. These
departments are given part of our snowmobile program funds
because of what we are told is, “the cost of doing business:”
The following is a list of some of those
departments: All received an increase in appropriations this
fiscal year.
• treasury
• information technology
• executive office
• financial services
• budget and support services
• human resources
• lands and facilities
• department operational
support
Appropriations for the preceding state
departments total $ 444,500 in 2008.
Outside of these figures is what we pay by
statute to the Michigan Secretary of State for registrations,
DNR law enforcement and sheriff’s grant programs.
By far, the biggest drain on the snowmobile
program is the DNR’s Department of Forest, Mineral and Fire
Management Division (FMFM). In the 2008 snowmobile program
budget $2,212,700 is being appropriated to FMFM.
That is 27 percent of our snowmobile
program funds, going to what we are being told is for the
administration of the program. Our grant sponsors are charged
with management of our trails program and they are not even
eligible for “administration” costs reimbursement. According to
the current grant sponsor handbook, administration costs are not
a reimbursable expense for grant sponsors.
We are also going to be asking where they,
the DNR, got the original $12 million figure from. Last season
was a dismal season. Trail permits were down, and just because
funds have been appropriated at the beginning of the fiscal year
doesn’t mean the program is going to realize them. When we, MSA,
looks at the trail permits sold along with registration fees and
the small amount we get from the state gas tax, the numbers just
don’t match.
I’ll say it again; this is not a state
program. This is a SNOWMOBILE program, paid for by snowmobilers.
MSA plans to take the department to the mat to make sure more
funds are put on the trails in Michigan. It’s program money.
It’s your money.
Grant Handbook Revision and Better
Communication
We are also looking at revising the grant
handbook. We are going to work with all 69 grant sponsors on
this revision. We are committed to improving communication with
those grant sponsors, working toward our goal of making the
Michigan trail system the best in the U.S. Our grant sponsors
are out there doing the work. They need the tools and the money
to do that work.
Another very important goal is the
improvement of communication with MSA members, individual clubs
and councils, grant sponsors, non-members and news media. Your
officers understand that communication is the key, and we must
better communicate with everyone involved in the program
We will be working toward putting together
an e-newsletter to keep you up-to-date and better informed. We
are going to put together an e-mail system that will help get
the word out quickly and keep everyone informed. With that said,
anyone who would like to be included in that e-newsletter and
e-mail updates should send their e-mail address to
office@MSAsnow.org.
The Feasibility of Privatization
Finally, MSA officers will look at the
overall administration of the snowmobile program. Over the
course of 2008, MSA will be looking at the feasibility of
privatizing the snowmobile program. We will be researching and
investigating privatization and evaluate if it is something that
will work in Michigan. Again, we will be asking ourselves — will
this help make Michigan’s trails the best snowmobile trails in
the U.S.?
Bill Manson
Executive Director
Michigan Snowmobile Association
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Immediate Release
See related DNR article below.
Snowmobiler's Fund Trial Grooming, not the DNR
by Bill Manson
Snowmobiling thrives in Michigan because of our picturesque
natural resources and our superb trail network. The trails are
maintained by grooming equipment purchased with fees collected
almost entirely from snowmobiler's. This is part of the process
known as the “snowmobile program,” which ensures the viability
of the industry. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a
part of the process, but not a funding source.
The program is not funded through the state’s general fund
derived from the taxpayers. The state gasoline tax provides a
portion of funding, but the vast majority of money used to groom
(smooth), sign, and maintain the trails come from 1. Trail
permits, and 2. Snowmobile registrations.
All three funding streams sent $7.3 million to the DNR this
year. In typical government fashion the department used $2.1
million for “administrative costs” needed by the Forest Mineral
Fire Management division to operate the snowmobile program.
It’s not entirely clear to the snowmobiling community why the
department needs over 28% of the budget to manage the program.
It’s necessary to clarify these issues due to recent state
government communications stating that grooming is “funded
through the DNR” and that “the DNR pays for the equipment that
the clubs use to groom the trails.”
The DNR does not pay for the equipment used to maintain our
trails. As outlined above, most of the money comes from
snowmobiler's and to a lesser degree the gasoline tax rebate
formula for recreational vehicle use. Trail maintenance money
is simply passed-through the DNR from users. It’s mandatory
under state law.
Snowmobiler's and the businesses that rely on the industry do
not have the DNR to thank for our world-class trail network. We
pay for the necessary equipment and provisions. And more
importantly, volunteers physically groom the trails. Without
their tremendous contributions our trail system as we know it
would not exist, and consequently neither would the economic
stimulus generated by the snowmobile industry.
It’s important to set the record straight for the future of
snowmobiling in Michigan. The time is fast approaching when
trail user fees will have to be increased to pay for the
snowmobile program. The DNR will undoubtedly insist on being a
part of that process too.
As illustrated by the recent astronomical miscalculation of the
Game and Fish Fund, we all have good reason to be reticent of
the DNR’s ability to accurately forecast program budgets. If
snowmobiler's are faced with increased user fees, they will
deserve to know why. The answers should come from dedicated
industry experts, not from state bureaucrats.
Under the current system the DNR does play a role in the
snowmobile program that maintains Michigan’s trails. Instead of
talking about who should get the credit, the DNR should focus on
providing efficient services to those that pay for state
programs.
Bill Manson
Executive Director
Michigan Snowmobile Association
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Release Date: January 22, 2008
Last Update:
January 22, 2008 |
DNR Partnership with Local Groomers Keeps Trails
Smooth for Snowmobilers
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January 10, 2008
They are the one segment of our state's
population that is most likely to stand at the
window cheering snowfall as if they were at a
football game.
They are the die-hard snowmobilers who thirst
for the open trail, riding the winding white
highways that course through Michigan's forests
and fields, over rivers and along the shores of
ice-covered lakes.
 In
fact, riders from all over the country converge
here each winter to celebrate the white gold we
call snow. Michigan ranks first in the nation
with over 380,000 registered snowmobiles and, in
a good year, more than 100,000 snowmobile
enthusiasts from out-of-state will bring their
machines to our northern forest playground for a
chance to ride and ride and ride.
Michigan is known nationwide for its unique
combination of abundant and dependable snow,
exciting terrain and extensive trail network.
More than 6,500 miles of designated snowmobile
trails are located throughout the state on
state- and federally owned forests and many
acres of private lands. Michigan is one of only
three states that offer such a large system of
interconnected signed and groomed snowmobile
trails, and each year more miles are added to
the system.
Such a big program requires a huge
coordinated effort to support and operate. Many
of those riders who appreciate what Michigan has
to offer them do not know how things work behind
the scenes. It's a complex and highly organized
program that assures the trails are maintained
and snowmobilers can always find riding
conditions that are hard to beat anywhere else
in the country.
"The trail grooming program in Michigan is
completed through the issuance of grants funded
through the DNR and carried out by locally based
snowmobile organizations," said Steve
DeBrabander, state trails operations and
construction manager. "The DNR no longer does
any trail grooming, so all of the on-the-ground
work is being done by the local clubs and
nonprofit groups who apply for and are awarded
the grants."
Snowmobiling is very big business for
Michigan. According to industry estimates, it
has a $1 billion economic impact on our state
and creates more than 6,400 jobs. More than 150
groomers and tractors, operated under grant
agreements with 69 program sponsors groom, the
trail system. These trail sponsors also brush
out the trails and post signs and confidence
markers.
 This
year, the clubs and other grant recipients will
receive more than $7 million from the DNR to
keep Michigan's snowmobile trails in tip-top
shape. This huge chunk of money covers the
club's costs from grooming equipment and repair,
trail brushing, signing, grooming, parking lot
plowing, insurance, land leases, portable
toilets and even the utility costs incurred to
keep the grooming equipment in heated storage
when not out on the trails.
"A portion of that money comes from the $25
trail permit required of all riders on the
state's trail system, but some of the money also
comes from the state's gas tax," DeBrabander
said. "The percentage is relatively small, but
every time you fill up your vehicle with gas, a
small amount of that gas tax money you pay at
the pump goes into the snowmobile program to
help pay for maintaining the trails."
Another contributor to the snowmobile trail
improvement fund comes from a portion of the
mandatory Michigan snowmobile registration fee
which currently is $22 for a three-year
registration.
"Not many snowmobilers are aware that the DNR
pays for the equipment that the clubs use to
groom the trails," DeBrabander said. "In the
past, we required the clubs to pay a portion of
the equipment costs, but starting last year that
provision was eliminated."
Another recent change to the program, he
said, is that clubs now are being reimbursed for
their initial contribution for equipment when
that used equipment is sold or traded-in.
 The
participating clubs get the machines they need
from the DNR and then assume responsibility for
a portion of the trail system. In all, the Upper
Peninsula clubs will be granted $4,549,403 to
maintain the 3,100 miles of trail north of the
Mackinac Bridge and the Lower Peninsula clubs
will receive $2,579,392 to take care of the
rest.
The larger portion of money being given to
the U.P. is because that region gets more snow
and the trails need more grooming. A
list of the trail sponsors and their grant
totals is available on the DNR Web site at
www.michigan.gov/dnr. Click on the Recreation
and Camping link and then go to the Snowmobiling
page.
Last year, the state handed over $7.3 million
to trail grooming groups, and another $1.1
million in snowmobile law enforcement grants,
which are awarded to local law enforcement
agencies to help them purchase equipment and
assist DNR Conservation Officers in patrolling
the state's trail system.
DeBrabander said that if the clubs exceed
their specified grant amount, they can request
more money. All in all, it's a big business that
requires a lot of coordination.
To assist snowmobilers even further, the DNR
has placed Global Positioning System
snowmobile trail maps online. The DNR
intends to make these maps available in a format
that can be downloaded on to handheld GPS units.
These maps will accurately represent the current
status of the trails system.
"As we move forward with this vital program,
it is important to meet the needs of the
snowmobiling community," DeBrabander said. "The
goal of the DNR, with the cooperation of the
clubs and other groups maintaining the trails,
is to continue to position Michigan as a
premiere destination for snowmobiling. This will
take continued effort, coordination and a lot of
money, but we feel our program is very capable
of meeting that challenge and it all pays off
when we hear from riders who tell us that they
love our trails and just can't get enough of a
Michigan winter."
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January 1 , 2008
Loud Sleds
Will No Longer Be Tolerated on Our Trails
by Bill Manson
Sound Legislation Approved; Limits Emissions
From Stationary Snowmobile to 88-db
If all went as expected, the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) Stationary Snowmobile Sound Test
procedure, SAE J-2567 is now in effect on Michigan trails. The state
legislature was expected to approve it before their Christmas break.
Once signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the law will go into effect
immediately, and will be enforced on our trails during the rest of
this snowmobile season. SAE J-2567, the Stationary Snowmobile Sound
Test procedure, limits sound emission from a stationary snowmobile
to 88-db.
This legislation will go a long way in helping
clubs gain and continue access to private property. There are a
small percentage of riders who have after-market exhausts that
create excessive noise, and those few are creating a large
perception problem for our recreation as a whole. Many of our trails
pass by homes and wind through small communities. Excessive noise
leads to the closure of those trails. This legislation does not
affect racers in a race or racers on private property with
permission from the landowner.
A Level We Can Live With
MSA has taken the stand that loud exhausts are
a problem our recreation can no longer tolerate. Problems with
excessive noise levels occur when snowmobilers modify the snowmobile
exhaust system or substitute the factory system with an after-market
racing exhaust. Manufacturers continue to work at a “cleaner and
quieter” sled. Some riders out there are destroying the work that
has been done by “piping” up their sleds. This is not good for the
overall perception of our recreation, and is affecting our ability
to get landowners to allow us to use their property.
Today’s sleds will pass SAEJ-2567. However,
those sleds whose riders insist on using after-market products that
increase the noise will not. Since I last wrote about the sound test
in September, the MSA office has received a lot of calls asking
about specifics and asking how someone can find out if their sled
would pass the test. Anyone wanting to know if their sled meets the
new requirements can simply go to their local police or sheriffs
department. The decibel meter that will be used to check sleds is
already used to measure boats and off-road ATVs and motorcycles.
2004 SAE J2567 stationary test overview: The
sound meter microphone is placed 4 feet above the ground, inline
with the exhaust outlet/center point of multiple exhaust outlets, on
the side of the snowmobile toward which the exhaust is directed, 4
meters distance from the snowmobile longitudinal centerline. The
operator holds the brake during the test, starts and runs the engine
up to normal operating temperature, then slowly opens the throttle
until a steady 3,750 to 4,000 rpm is achieved for not less than 4
seconds. The test is immediately repeated and the two readings
averaged. This test was designed to test snowmobile noise emitted
from the exhaust and engine system only. It is a stationary test; it
does not test track noise. The stationary test does not correlate to
any pass-by test. The test was designed to remove excessively loud
snowmobiles from the trail, particularly those that have modified
exhausts.
This test has been accepted by SAE and can be
used on a national and international level. Wisconsin has already
approved the 88-db limit and many other states are actively seeking
legislation.
Some Legislative Concerns
Legislators were originally concerned that
there wasn’t any wiggle room for older sleds. Well, let me say all
stock sleds dating back to 1982 will pass this sound test. All
four-strokes measure well below 76-db and all two-strokes measure
below 84-db. This is why the 88 level was approved. These older
sleds will pass the sound test. If you have a sled that doesn’t meet
these levels, then you have a defective exhaust that needs to be
fixed.
MSA as well as the International Manufacturers
Association (ISMA) continues to back an 88-db noise level on new
machines. It is a level the industry can live with and something
that all associations should be pushing. The manufacturers, along
with suppliers and others, have conducted hundreds of sound tests on
various aged snowmobiles to determine the 88-db limit. Additional
tests recently conducted in Houghton show that using SAE J-2567 –
88-db level – will remove excessively loud snowmobiles from riding
areas and trails in Michigan.
Take Note!
MSA continues to work on your behalf, and will
keep you informed regarding future legislation. We are working to
increase trail funding, and this will mean an increase in sled
registration and trail permit costs. We will keep you informed.
Please realize these increases are necessary to keep the top-notch
trail system we have. If we don’t find a way to increase funding for
the snowmobile program, services will decrease. In 2008, MSA will be
working on furthering both the concept of permanent trails and
legislation for a two-tier registration system.
December 1 , 2007
Michigan’s Trails Will Be Groomed!
by Bill Manson
Over the past few months, I’ve discussed an
ongoing issue that our grant sponsors had with the 2007-08 Grant
Sponsor Handbook. I’ve been asking the question, “Will we have
groomed trails this season?” Well, I am pleased to report that after
a meeting on Nov. 8, a comprise has been reached, and the more than
6,400 of Michigan snowmobile trails will be groomed during the
2007-08 season.
At the time of this writing, I can’t give you
the exact wording of the addendum, but we have been assured that it
will reflect the compromise reached with the DNR during that
meeting.
MSA was forced to call the meeting with the
Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on behalf of 67 grant sponsors
that groom the trails in Michigan. We were seeking intervention with
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on issues with the 2007-08
Grant Sponsor Handbook.
MSA had taken a unanimous stand in support of
our grant sponsors who had pledged not to sign this season’s
contract to groom as it was written.
On Nov. 8, MSA met with Keith J. Charters, the
chairman of the NRC; Frank Wheatlake, an NRC committee member; Mindy
Koch, deputy director of the DNR; Lynn Boyd, chief of Forest,
Mineral and Fire Management; and Jim Radabaugh, state trails
coordinator with the DNR.
Representing grant sponsors and MSA were Ken
Scott, Gogebic Area Grooming and MSA president; Don Reed, Seney
Snowmobile Association grant sponsor and MSA vice president; Bruce
Wood, Jordon Valley Trails Council grant sponsor; Martin Cottle,
Sault Snowmobile Association grant sponsor and MSA treasurer; and
myself.
MSA is grateful to the NRC for their help in
resolving this dispute. We feel that members of the NRC realize the
economic importance of snowmobiling to this state and groomed trails
are essential to safe riding.
We called the meeting with the NRC because our
grant sponsors had one last sticking point with the Handbook. Most
grant sponsors felt they weren’t getting their fair share back from
investment in previously purchased equipment.
Ownership Rights of Previously Purchased
Equipment
As you recall, the issue that remained a
sticking point with our grant sponsors involved previously purchased
equipment (purchased before 2006) and previously cost-shared
equipment.
Many grant sponsors still owe money on
previously purchased equipment; some even owe more than the
equipment is worth. Other grant sponsors have paid off this
equipment through fundraisers.
As it was written, the Handbook limited uses
of state cost-shared funds when that equipment was traded in. The
Handbook also stated that equipment had to be traded in when getting
new equipment.
On more than one occasion, grant sponsors had
been told that equipment five years or older belonged to them. We
agreed three years ago (when this entire process started), that our
grant sponsors needed to get something for their “sweat equity,” the
work they put into the equipment and the fundraisers held to
purchase the equipment.
Getting Their Investment Back
We are very pleased with the compromise that
basically allows grant sponsors to get out of their investment what
they put into it. Also, it allows them to get their entire original
investment back, not the depreciated value. If they paid 40 percent
in a cost-share agreement, they get that entire 40 percent back,
not 40 percent of what the equipment is worth now. We are confident
that this agreement will help make sure our grant sponsors stay
solvent, and trails in their areas are groomed to the best of their
abilities.
Getting their cost-share back will allow grant
sponsors to pay off loans, invest those funds in their areas and
recoup club funds put into the program.
Also, clubs wanting to keep that older piece of
equipment will be allowed to do so. They do not have to trade that
equipment in. Because of the way some trails are groomed
(logistics), some grant sponsors have asked to keep and maintain
older equipment, for use when needed.
Grant Sponsors — the Backbone of Our Trails
System
Trail grooming wouldn’t be possible without the
volunteer services of our grant sponsor clubs. They are all very
passionate about making Michigan’s trails the best in the country.
Each one of the 67 grant sponsors in Michigan works hard to make
their trails the best they can be. They go out day after day and
work the trails. Last year, those grant sponsors groomed more than
352,048 trail miles — during a season with poor snowfall; now that’s
dedication to snowmobiling. They do what they do because they love
it.
I think it’s also important to point out that
Michigan’s trails, the Grant Sponsor Handbook and the 100 percent
equipment funded program all began at the ground level — with our
grant sponsors. It was their passion that led to the need for more
equipment and a better program.
New Program 100 percent Program Funded
Please keep in mind that this entire issue
involved equipment purchased before the implementation of our new
100 percent program funded program. Beginning this year, new
equipment purchases will be funded 100 percent through the
snowmobile program.
Grooming clubs will no longer be forced to take
out loans for equipment because future equipment will be purchased
through the program. This is how we have always intended the program
to work. The snowmobile program is funded entirely by you, the
snowmobiler, through trail permits, registrations and gas tax
dollars.
Equipment purchased 100 percent by the program
must be traded in when new equipment is purchased. All partners
involved agreed on that issue from the very beginning of this
process.
Getting Back to a Partnership
MSA and its grant sponsors are grateful to the
NRC for their intervention on this issue. We plan to continue
conversations with the DNR to work on ways to make us true partners,
instead of the adversary role that has developed between us. We
intend to work harder at better partnering with the DNR, and make
sure the snowmobile program is more of a “we” instead of an “us” and
“them.” Discussions will continue, and we feel this compromise was
the first step in getting back to a true partnership.
|
November
8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2007
Snowmobile
Industry Avoids
Trail Shutdown for ’07-’08 Season
by Bill Manson
|
|
DNR & Trail Volunteers
Poised to Sign Agreements to Open Trails Dec. 1
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Today the Michigan
Snowmobile Association (MSA) announced that
trail grooming clubs, known as grant
sponsors, reached an agreement with the
Department of
Natural Resources to avoid a shutdown of
Michigan’s snowmobile trails this winter. A
prior
disagreement regarding ownership rights of
grooming equipment threatened to cripple the
industry.
“The grant sponsors had very serious
equipment ownership concerns that were
addressed under
the handbook agreement. We were at a
critical stage where it could have gone
either way, so I
am relieved that the industry and the
businesses that rely upon it will thrive
this winter,” said Bill
Manson, Executive Director.
The handbook agreement means that
sixty-seven grant sponsors will sign this
year’s “Grant
Sponsor Handbook” with the DNR. The handbook
establishes a binding financial agreement to
administer the trail grooming snowmobile
program. Trail grooming is absolutely
essential to the
snowmobiling industry. Trails must be
groomed, have visible signage, and be free
of debris for
safe riding. Moreover, it is mandatory for
access to many remote trail networks
throughout the
state.
The grooming program is funded entirely by
snowmobile trail users, and not from tax
dollars.
User fees are administered by the DNR so the
grooming clubs must get reimbursed for
purchasing tractors and other equipment. The
equipment is very expensive requiring many
of
the non-profit groups to obtain personal
bank loans for purchase and maintenance.
The trail grooming program still would not
be possible without the volunteer services
of the
grant sponsor clubs, which are very
passionate about making Michigan’s trails
the best in the
country. The clubs keep 6,400 miles of trail
network operational; last year the grant
sponsors
groomed over 352,048 trail miles, during a
season with poor snowfall.
The trail grooming agreement was facilitated
by members of the Natural Resources
Commission.
Chairman Keith Charters and Commissioner
Frank Wheatlake played a key role in
resolving the
dispute.
“The MSA is thankful for their leadership on
this very important issue, and we applaud
their
service to the public. We would also like to
acknowledge the commitment on the part of
the
DNR to reach this agreement,” said Manson.
Acting on behalf of the DNR was Mindy Koch,
Lynn Boyd, and Jim Radabaugh.
Snowmobiling is a crucial segment of
Michigan’s tourism economy. It generates
over $1 billion
annually for the state’s economy through
purchase of related goods and services like
snowmobiles, equipment, food, lodging, and
gasoline. Over 7,000 direct jobs are
supported by
the state’s snowmobile industry.
“Snowmobiling is absolutely essential to our
winter tourism season. We look forward to a
successful snowmobiling season that will
benefit the entire tourism industry,” said
Manson.
The trail grooming sponsors are comprised of
snowmobile clubs, business groups, or a
combination of both.
Snowmobile trails in Michigan are open from
December 1st through March 31st. |
|
November 1, 2007
To Groom or Not to Groom?
That’s a Good Question ...
by Bill Manson
Over the past couple of months, I’ve discussed an ongoing
issue that our grant sponsors have with the 2007-08 Grant Sponsor
Handbook. Last month I asked, “Will we have groomed trails this
season?” Well, here we are a month later and that question remains
unanswered.
Since last month’s writing, there has been another meeting between
the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC), the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) State Trails Coordinator Jim Radabaugh and DNR
Trails Unit Manager Steve DeBrabander. Some of the issues grant
sponsors have with the Handbook have been resolved, while others
remain unsettled. We were promised another addendum (the second)
would be released on Wednesday, Oct. 10. As of this writing, we
haven’t received it. We thought we were making progress, but to date
haven’t seen anything in writing.
Remember, our grant sponsors’ biggest issues involved aspects of
equipment funding outlined in the Handbook.
Some Movement
in the Right Direction
One of their biggest concerns was whether the grant program was
truly 100 percent funded if the DNR was allowed to put a cap on
equipment purchases. We feel we have worked out this issue and now
have a truly 100 percent program funded equipment purchase program
in place. We have agreed that there won’t be caps on purchases and
that the program will be more tailored to meet the needs of a
specific snow area.
The DNR has agreed to work with grant sponsors to tailor the
program, which will allow the purchase of pieces of equipment that
have been developed for high snow areas. That equipment will be paid
for out of the snowmobile program, 100 percent. There will no longer
be a $150,000 cap. Clubs will no longer have to go to the bank and
borrow money or raise funds to offset the cost.
With that said, understand that someone in a lower snow area may not
meet the requirements for the purchase of the same piece of
equipment being purchased for the higher snow area.
The entire idea of 100 percent program funded equipment was to make
it so grant sponsors didn’t have to borrow money. The entire intent
of the 100 percent program funded equipment was to offset costs and
make it easier on the volunteers who maintain and groom our trails
to maintain and groom our trails, not raise funds.
The issue grant sponsors had regarding emergency repairs, required
paper work and signed approval, has also been resolved. We feel we
have come up with language that is suitable to our grant sponsors.
It will allow them to get emergency equipment repaired, chase the
paper work after the repair and still get that repair paid for
through the snowmobile program. This is the way we had always
intended this part of the program to be. Equipment needs to be
repaired and out on the trail when it is needed, not only after
approvals are secured and paper work completed.
Previously Purchased Equipment Still an Issue
The issue that remains a sticking point with our grant sponsors
involves previously purchased equipment and previously cost-shared
equipment.
Many grant sponsors still owe money on previously purchased
equipment; some even owe more than the equipment is worth. Other
grant sponsors have paid off this equipment through fundraisers.
As written, the Handbook limits uses of state cost-shared funds
when that equipment is traded in. Limits would not allow them to pay
off loans with cost-shared funds. Grant sponsors would also have to
provide written documentation on use of those cost-shared funds —
funds that in most cases were matched by funds paid out of the grant
sponsors’ own pockets (loans and fundraisers).
Grant sponsors have been told, on more than one occasion, that
equipment five years or older belonged to them. We agreed three
years ago (when this entire process started), that our grant
sponsors needed to get something for their “sweat equity,” the work
they put into the equipment and the fundraisers held to purchase the
equipment.
We believe, and thought we had an agreement with the DNR, that we
should put any trade-in funds back into our grant sponsors’ hands.
I think it’s important to point out that Michigan’s trails, the
Grant Sponsor Handbook and the 100 percent equipment funded program
all began at the ground level — with our grant sponsors, the people
out there working on our trail system. It is through their passion
and hard work that Michigan can boast of the best trails in the
nation. It was that passion that led to the need for more equipment
and a better program.
Each one of the 65 grant sponsors in Michigan works hard to make
their trails the best they can be. They are going out day after day
and working the trails. At the very least, the program, which
snowmobilers fund, should clean up the debt taken on for the
equipment used to do that. Grant sponsors should get some of their
investment back.
If Things Weren’t
Bad Enough
Yet another problem in the mix is the lack of an approved state
budget. As we all know, we still don’t have an approved state budget
in place. In a letter from Jim Wood of DNR Grants Management, dated
Oct. 10, 2007, it states, “At this time, we are operating under a
one-month continuation budget ... The continuation budget does not
include funding for issuing new grants. Until the state legislature
appropriates sufficient funding for the 2007-08 fiscal year, the
grants will remain on hold.”
With all of this seemingly bad news, as a snowmobiler, you’re
probably asking, “What now?” Well, presently, MSA is asking every
one of our grant sponsors in the state if the remaining issues,
regarding old equipment and new equipment are not resolved, will
they sign their grant sponsor’s contract this year?
What do I think? I think most of our Northern-lower Michigan and
Eastern Upper Peninsula grant holders will not sign their new
contracts as written. Those contracts ask the grant sponsors to give
up the right to get any money on previously purchased equipment
back. Many would be left with no way to recoup funds they have
already put toward loans taken out on that equipment.
After speaking with the grant sponsors, MSA intends on asking
Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Chairman Keith J. Charters for a
meeting and intervention on this matter.
Worse Case/Best Case
The worse case scenario as I see it is Michigan will not have 100
percent of our snowmobile trails signed and groomed during the
2007-08 season. If nothing changes, several of our state’s grant
sponsors will not sign their contracts and will not be signing and
grooming trails. Trails you ride and have ridden for years will not
be signed, maintained or groomed.
The best case scenario would be for the NRC to step in and ask the
director of the DNR to fix this issue. If that doesn’t happen soon,
MSA is prepared to ask all snowmobilers to call Gov. Jennifer
Granholm’s office, as well as their state legislators’ offices,
asking for action.
The last thing Michigan needs right now is to lose a billion dollar
industry because of what seems to be a game of semantics.
This is not state money we’re talking about. This is snowmobilers’
money — your money that is merely administered by the DNR.
October 1, 2007
Will
We Have Groomed Trails This Season?
by Bill Manson
Last month, I explained an ongoing issue that
our grant sponsors had with the
2007-08 Grant Sponsor
Handbook. I explained that after two meetings with the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we were waiting on an
addendum to address some of the issues of concern.
Since then, the DNR has published an addendum to the
2007-08 Grant Sponsor
Handbook. It is a mere six pages long and came out
Sept.7, just four days before my first (previously scheduled) annual
meeting with grant sponsors. Let me first say, the DNR did not get
the addendum out in a timely fashion, as promised during our two
previous meetings.
With the six page document in hand, I began meeting
with grant sponsors on Sept. 11 and I can tell you, I’m not getting
a “warm and fuzzy feeling” from any of those volunteers who put long
hours into maintaining and grooming over 6,000 miles of trails in
Michigan.
Simply put, grant sponsors are still not happy. I’m
hearing that they just don’t like the addendum. While the DNR
addressed the issues grant sponsors had with the original
Handbook, they
didn’t solve any of the problems associated with them. Many feel
that all their feedback, ideas and discussions were not even taken
into account within the addendum.
They are telling me it looks like the DNR said okay
this is the best we can do; now you have to compromise. If that’s
the best they can do, will the grant sponsors sign grant
applications? Will we have groomed trails this winter?
To date, I have
held three meetings with those dedicated volunteers, and every
meeting got longer and more and more questions were asked. The
bottom line is I think they will sign, but there still needs to be a
lot of work — both changes in the
Handbook and in the
relationship between grant sponsors and the DNR. There needs to be
some healing in an already strained relationship.
By putting some of the stuff in the
Handbook that
they did, the DNR has made an already restless crowd even more
worried about trust issues. The future really is uncertain.
Grant sponsors biggest concerns involved aspects of
equipment funding outlined in the
Handbook.
Is It Truly 100 Percent Program Funded?
What the DNR is
calling 100 percent snowmobile program funded equipment is still one
of the biggest issues grant sponsors have. The DNR calls the
purchase of equipment 100 percent program funded, yet they are
placing a cap on the maximum amount of money that can be spent on
that equipment. The addendum reads, “The Department will establish a
maximum reimbursement amount for equipment.” Last year’s equipment
cap was set at $150,000. They haven’t set the cap this year, but I
don’t see it being any higher.
Grant sponsors
are pointing out that some equipment purchased for use in heavy snow
areas has come in above that cap. They are saying if equipment
ranges from $150,000 to $165,000, and they purchase something over
the cap, then equipment is not 100 percent program funded. When
there is a cap, and the equipment costs more, it means the grant
sponsors are still going back to the bank and borrowing money to
make up for the shortfall. Also, when the equipment is traded in
after five years (as outlined in the
Handbook), the grant sponsors will not be reimbursed for the portion they paid
for.
The entire idea
of 100 percent program funded equipment was to make it so grant
sponsors didn’t have to borrow money. The entire intent of the 100
percent program funded equipment was to offset costs and make it
easier on the volunteers who maintain and groom our trails to
maintain and groom our trails, not raise funds.
What Is a Grant Supported Item?
Another issue, causing some heartburn with our grant
sponsors, involves previously purchased equipment five years old or
older. In the past, the DNR has said that after five years equipment
belongs to the grant sponsor. If sold or traded in, the funds belong
to the grant sponsor. Now the
Handbook states
that if equipment is sold the amount that was “cost-shared” can only
be spent a certain way.
During both
meetings held with the DNR, grant sponsors were told that after five
years equipment would be theirs. Now the DNR is changing the rules.
The Handbook now states that if the equipment was purchased through
a cost-share, the grant sponsor has to justify (in writing, with
supported documentation) what they are going to do with the
cost-share portion. For example, if the equipment was purchased
under a 60 percent cost-share, the grant sponsor now has to explain
what is being done with 60 percent of the value of that equipment
when sold.
Here’s the kicker, those cost-shared funds can only
be spent on “grant supported items.” Grant supported items include
trail grooming, repair and other maintenance. These are things that
grant sponsors are already reimbursed for.
As it reads, they can’t pay off loans, buy a chain
saw or trailer for signing and brushing or even build a pole barn
with those cost-shared funds.
What Happens When
Equipment Breaks Down?
After literally four hours of arguing about major
repair issues, someone finally said, if you have to get emergency
repairs, get them done and we will chase the paper work later.
Everyone thought, finally, a smart move. We thought we had the major
repair issue satisfied, but that’s not what was written in the DNR’s
addendum.
In the past,
grant sponsors couldn’t touch their equipment until they had a
signed grant addendum in hand. Consider this, equipment breaks down
on a Friday night the DNR field contact isn’t going to be in the
office until Monday. When the grant sponsor finally gets a hold of
that contact the required paper work
starts. It has to go through
Lansing and then goes to the Grants Division. Finally approved, the
grant sponsor can now get the equipment fixed. The best case
scenario, it’s a whole week before they can start working on it.
Meanwhile, the equipment is not on the trails, doing what it was
purchased for. Know this; grant sponsors have been denied funds for
major equipment repairs because this process
wasn’t followed.
The addendum was supposed to address this issue and
give grant sponsors the latitude to get the equipment fixed, and
chase the paper work later.
Well, the addendum addresses the issue by defining
an “emergency” major repair.
As written, an
emergency is, “A sudden and unexpected situation beyond the control
of the department, agency or agent that requires immediate action to
protect the health, welfare or safety of individuals; to protect
public property from damage or loss; or to prevent or minimize
serious disruption in government services.” I ask you, where in that
statement does it say anything about grooming, the task of our grant
sponsors? Also, in bold print it states repairs completed without
prior DNR approval are at the grant sponsor’s own risk. They must
meet with DNR approval before any reimbursement is made. That
statement puts us right back where we started.
What’s Next?
At the time of this writing, I don’t know if changes
will be made and issues addressed. It’s now up to the grant sponsors
to decide among themselves if they can live with it or if they will
demand more changes. Two years ago, all those involved in the
snowmobile program agreed (including the DNR), the program in
Michigan is big enough that it should pay for expenses that occur.
Grant sponsors shouldn’t have to raise funds or take out loans. I
don’t really think the
Handbook or the addendum is going to make that happen. We
are still not at that 100-percent funding level.
Perhaps even more
important for all MSA members and riders in Michigan to know, is
that this snow year is especially going to be a tough one
financially — all three of the snowmobile program’s funding sources
were down last year.
• Trail permits were down 30,000.
• Registrations were down 20 percent.
• Gas tax funds were down because the cost of gas is
so high, people aren’t traveling as much.
This all means
there is less money coming into the snowmobile program, and because
of this, we didn’t purchase $1.5 million worth of equipment during
the program’s last fiscal year (Oct. 1 through Sept. 30). We
forcibly put that money into this year’s program, knowing that
because our three funding sources were down, we would need it to
maintain the program. We wanted a fully-funded program in 2008. What
will the 2009 fiscal year look like for the snowmobile program?
That’s a great question; maybe the DNR can answer that one.
e
September 1, 2007
Snowmobile Advisory Committee Acting as Mediator
Between Grant Sponsors and Department of Natural Resources
by Bill Manson
The
Michigan Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) has been acting as a
mediator between the state’s grant sponsors, the people who maintain
and groom our trails, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
the state agency that administers the snowmobile program. It is our
hope that by the time you read this article, problems between the
two parties involving the 2008 Grant Sponsor Handbook
will have been resolved and trail maintenance is set to begin.
However, MSA feels it is important that you the snowmobiler, the
person paying the user fee to maintain the trails, should be aware
of what it going on. If the problem is not resolved, we may be
asking you to contact your legislator. The 2007-08 snowmobile season
depends on the problem being resolved; the grant sponsors (those
volunteers who maintain the trails) have made that very clear. Many
of them have gone on record saying that if they are forced to adhere
to the 2008 Handbook, they will not be grooming trails this season.
The
issue between the two began early this summer when the 2008 Grant
Sponsor Handbook was released. The Handbook included many
issues that the grant sponsors didn’t agree with, and the SAC was
asked to mediate between the two and address the issues. It should
be noted that MSA and SAC suggested changes to the 2008 Grant
Sponsor Handbook before it was released. One sentence in the
book was changed before grant sponsors received it.
Specific Issues of Concern
Major
issues of concern by the grant sponsors were changes in the
snowmobile grooming equipment grant, requiring the purchase of John
Deere equipment and a 45-day delayed payment to the grant sponsors.
1.
Changes in the snowmobile grooming equipment grant
Issues
of great concern to grant sponsors were the cost share and program
percentage recovery, trade in value of equipment, equipment status after five years from purchase, a
definition of base equipment specification, establishing a level of
cost share for new equipment and defining equipment replacement
criteria and schedules.
As
of this writing, the group has agreed that 100-percent funded
equipment must be traded-in when a new grant is issued to replace
this piece of equipment.
Major
equipment repair will continue to be funded at 75 percent DNR, 25
percent grant sponsor with the grant sponsor paying the first $1,000
We are
also providing base equipment specifications for new equipment.
These specifications will provide details on the variables of
vehicles with tracks or wheels and with or without drags. Grant
sponsors want a base price for reimbursement.
Any
equipment enhancements added by the grant sponsor that are above the
base equipment specifications will be paid for by the grant sponsor
and be considered part of the value of the equipment at the time of
trade–in/sale and will go toward the purchase of the next groomer.
Some items that are removable and are paid for by the grant sponsor
may be removed prior to trade-in/sale.
2. The
John Deere issue
As
written, grant sponsors would be required to consider John Deere
equipment when making new equipment purchases.
In
response, SAC presented the DNR with a five-page document as to why
John Deere may not work in a certain area. Currently, 21 grant
sponsors use John Deere equipment. We have been told that this
requirement was made because the state has a contract with the
company and they must be considered in all bids when state funds are
being used. The Attorney General’s office has said that because
there is a caveat to opt out of this, it is legal. Grant sponsors
maintain the wording can be interrupted to mean that a quote is
needed from John Deere adding another issue that sponsors have to
address when purchasing. The DNR has proposed that a check box be
added to the form that when checked says that the sponsor has
considered John Deere, but can’t use them based on reasons such as
too much snow, too small of bridges, weight, etc.
3.
The 45-day payment delay
As
written there would be a 45-day delay in reimbursement to grant
sponsors.
In
response, the DNR explained that this was a requirement of the
Executive Directives and current contract agreements are subject to
this requirement. Grant sponsors have been told that when the
Grants Office writes the snowmobile grants for fiscal year 2008,
language will be added for a 30-day payment requirement to alleviate
this concern.
Some of
the other issues being looked at include, requiring trail
inspections with both grant sponsor and field contact, listing
landowners as additional insurers, reimbursement for grooming done
after March 31, grant sponsor administration costs, trail proposals
and tracking and the appeal process for the grant sponsors.
Trying
to Work it Out
Meetings were held between the two parties in both June and July. As
of the writing of this column another meeting was scheduled in
August. It has been made clear to us that the Natural Resources
commission and top officials with the DNR want to make sure that the
grant sponsors are happy.
At
this time, MSA is very confident that the SAC can work with the two
parties and get these issues worked out. MSA has advised all state
grant sponsors to sign grant applications for the 2007-08 season.
The
number one goal of the SAC and MSA during this mediation has been to
make sure grant sponsors are happy -- happy grant sponsors mean
great trails!
September 1, 2007
Sound
Legislation Expected to be Approved
by Bill Manson
Before
any snowmobiler hits the trails in Michigan on Dec. 1, MSA would
like them to check their exhaust. Approval was expected this summer
on legislation that would put the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Stationary Snowmobile Sound Test procedure, SAE J-2567 into affect
this snowmobile season. SAE J-2567, the Stationary Snowmobile Sound
Test procedure, limits sound emission from a stationary snowmobile
to 88-db.
Today’s sleds will pass SAEJ-2567. However, those sleds whose
riders insist on using after-market products that increase the noise
will not. Those not adhering to these levels will be ticketed by law
enforcement officials. Make no mistake, the procedure to check sleds
out on the trails is in place and those not adhering to the 88-db
will receive a ticket.
SAE
J-2567, the Stationary Snowmobile Sound Test procedure, was
developed in response to a request to develop a stationary sound
test for snowmobiles for enforcement purposes. This test was
designed to test snowmobile noise emitted from the exhaust and
engine system only. It is a stationary test, it does not test track
noise. The stationary test does not correlate to any pass-by test.
The test was designed to remove excessively loud snowmobiles from
the trail, in particular those that have modified exhaust
This
test has been accepted by SAE and can be used on a national and
international level. Wisconsin has already approved the 88-db limit
and many other states are actively seeking legislation.
MSA
has taken the stand that loud exhausts are a problem our recreation
can no longer tolerate. Problems with excessive noise levels occur
when snowmobilers modify the snowmobile exhaust system or substitute
the factory system with an after-market racing exhaust.
Manufacturers continue to work at a “cleaner and quieter” sled. Some
riders out there are destroying the work that has been done by
“piping” up their sleds. This is not good for the overall perception
of our recreation, and is affecting our ability to get landowners to
allow us to use there property.
MSA
as well as the International Manufactures Association (ISMA)
continues to back an 88db noise level on new machines. It is a level
the industry can live with and something that all associations
should be pushing. The manufacturers, along with suppliers and
others have conducted hundreds of sound test on various age
snowmobiles to determine the 88-dB limit. Additional tests recently
conducted in Houghton; show that using SAE J-2567 – 88db level –
will remove excessively loud snowmobiles from riding areas and
trails in Michigan.
DNR Director’s Approval of Mullett Lake Trail
Access Comes with Restrictions
by Bill Manson
Heeding concerns
voiced by a few landowners with homes on Mullett Lake, the DNR
decided to restrict all snowmobile traffic from midnight to 8 a.m.,
making the 12-mile tract Michigan’s only trail area not opened 24
hours per day.
MSA would like to take this opportunity to applaud
the Thursday, Sept. 7 order from Rebecca A. Humphries, director of
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that provides
final state approval for snowmobiling near Mullett Lake. The trail
opening does address MSA’s decade-long effort to re-connect the
Gaylord-to-Cheboygan Trail. The director’s order followed months of
study and public input that resulted in a restriction of hours and a
35-mph speed limit along the 12-mile stretch.
For more than 10 years, we have tried to find a
solution to this problem. We commend the DNR for providing relief to
snowmobilers, and Jennifer Granholm’s administration for supporting
Michigan’s economy. The DNR’s action to establish a contiguous trail
system is supported by business chambers and hundreds of small
business owners in that area.
Trail Opening Comes
With Restrictions
However, everyone must still address the fundamental
issue of safety due to the restriction of hours that were tied to
that order. Heeding concerns voiced by few
landowners with homes on Mullett Lake, the DNR decided to restrict
all snowmobile traffic from midnight to 8 a.m. making the 12-mile
tract Michigan’s only trail area not
opened 24 hours per day.
Those riders not past Mullett Lake by midnight will
have two dangerous paths from which to choose — the lake or the
highway. Unknown freezing conditions and traffic on Highway 27 make
either route very dangerous, especially at night. Lack of a feasible
alternative route is what necessitated opening the trail.
We have no problem with the speed limit, but we are
very concerned about the traffic restriction from midnight to 8 a.m.
The DNR tried to appease 26 landowners who are apparently going to
file a lawsuit anyway. We believe this was the wrong move because it
could force riders to take a dangerous path while riding at night.
We May
Not Like It, But We Must Follow It
When Michigan’s
snowmobile season officially begins statewide Dec. 1, DNR law
enforcement officials will be looking for the snowmobilers driving
this trail to comply with the posted speed limit and restrictions on
the hours of operation. They will be coordinating enforcement
efforts in the area with local law enforcement agencies. Citations
will be written to those not following those restrictions.
As MSA members and snowmobilers, we all need to make
sure that we are good stewards of the land and trail. We have to
adhere to these restrictions and make sure all snowmobilers adhere
to them. Do we agree with them? NO! But they are now a fact of life
on that section of trail, and we have to abide by them. I can
guarantee that law enforcement will be out in full force on that
trail, and tickets will be written to those who don’t follow these
restrictions.
Also, remember there are some homeowners in that
area who still strongly oppose any motorized use of that public
land. Rest assured they will be out there, more than likely taking
notes and pictures for future stands against
our use of that public land.
The DNR plans to evaluate
the use of snowmobiles on this segment of trail, including
compliance with these restrictions, in 2008, following two full
seasons of snowmobile use. We don’t need landowners, who are already
in opposition of this, to denote every infraction we make.
For Their Efforts
Over the past several
months, MSA has met privately with Governor Granholm’s staff to
discuss the importance of snowmobiling in this state. Those
discussions led to larger meetings with NRC officials and DNR staff
that outlined the negative effects of having no available trail in
this area, broken promises resulting in a failed policy from
previous years, and stalled efforts to bring recreational and
economic benefits to northern Michigan. We recognized that the
Governor inherited this problem, and it took some time to educate
and inform the administration about it’s history. Over time, MSA
coordinated communication from a multitude of business owners and
snowmobilers, and the administration ultimately acknowledged there
was merit to our case.
Regarding the DNR’s order
to allow snowmobilers on that section of trail, Governor Granholm
said, “Snowmobiling brings a huge economic boost to the small
businesses in northern Michigan each winter. Michigan is a Mecca for
outdoor recreation and tourism, and this trail will add a key link
in this region of the state to help tourism grow there.”
There were also some key State legislators on both
sides of aisle who provided critical support to the MSA in getting
this done, and we would like to thank them for their efforts and
continued support. On the Democratic side of the aisle, MSA would
like to thank Matthew Gillard-Alpena and Gary McDowell-Rudyard.
On the Republican side of the aisle, MSA would like
to thank Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer-Bellaire, Sen. Tony Stamas- Midland
and Sen. Jason Allen-Traverse City. Without the efforts of these
community leaders, this would not have been possible.
A
Brief History
Problems with
this trail began in 1997 when the DNR purchased a railroad grade
from Gaylord to Cheboygan. This purchase was done through
negotiations with snowmobilers regarding the snowmobile trail that
would run along the grade. There are homes along Mullet Lake that
the trail would run close to, and the homeowners were not happy
about the trail. Remember, it is not
their property,
but state property, that we
are talking about. Well, those homeowners were threatening to sue
and hold up the purchase of the property so the DNR asked
snowmobilers to give up the right
to be on the 12 miles running along Mullet Lake, if the
department could give snowmobilers an alternative route.
We agreed on
one condition — they had to provide us with an alternative route.
The land was purchased and through the trust fund board, a
Director’s Order was placed on it banning motorized vehicles from
the 12 miles. The promise was made to find us an alternative trail.
Literally,
dozens of alternatives and reroutes have been looked at, considered
and either turned down by state officials or involve too many
stumbling blocks — like crossing multiple pieces of private property
where landowner permission would need to be secured. Snowmobilers
and clubs in that area have been met by the same issues since trying
to come up with an alternative back when the issue began in 1997.
The only sacrifices that have been made have been made on the part
of snowmobilers who can’t get from Gaylord to Cheboygan.
The DNR Director’s order was the final step of a
three-step process. In June 2006, the DNR’s Trust Fund Board voted
to rescind language banning motorized use of the trail, and then the
DNR held public hearings to gather testimony. Mullett Lake trail
access upholds the State’s promise made over 10 years ago to connect
the trail for snowmobile use.
Other
Concerns
MSA would like to go on record as being especially
concerned about the safety of approximately 100,000 out-of-state
riders who may not be aware of the restriction of hours near Mullett
Lake. It’s likely that riders will begin south of Mullett Lake
headed for an overnight stopping point in the northern Lower or
Upper Peninsula. Again, those riders not past Mullett Lake by
midnight will have two dangerous paths from which to choose — the
lake or the highway. Unknown freezing conditions and traffic on
Highway 27 make either route very dangerous, especially at night.
Lack of a feasible alternative route is what necessitated opening
the trail.
The small group of Mullett Lake homeowners
continues to threaten legal action against the state for opening the
trail to snowmobiles. Some of them have recently suggested their
property rights are being hindered because the DNR asked them to
remove personal property from the trail.
For
years the Mullett Lake homeowners have used the state-owned trail as
personal storage sites for docks, boat trailers and lawn furniture.
Some have even built permanent structures on the trail’s right of
way. It’s rather obvious why they don’t want us to use the trail.
Snowmobilers just want to use
state-owned land for riding.
Although we applaud the order to rescind, we fear
that the DNR has opened a Pandora’s Box. We don’t want to see speed
limits and hours of operation on any trails, and we are hoping that
they didn’t set a dangerous precedent by putting them on this
section of trail.
Finally, I can’t
stress enough how important it is that all snowmobilers adhere to
both the speed limit and hours of operation on that trail. We may
not agree with them. We may not like them, but we must follow them.
Don’t let those opposed to our use of this public land use our
actions against us. We need to continue to be good stewards of the
land and trail.
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