aFINAL 10-2010 supertrax.pub

New York Snowmobiler Special Edition
New York State
Snowmobile Association
PO Box 612
Long Lake, NY 12847-0612
Phone: 888-624-3849
Fax: 888-317-2441
E-mail:
[email protected]
Dedicated
to
Improving Our Sport.
October, 2010
Welcome New York Snowmobiler!
We hope you enjoy
our Special Edition!
~ NYSSA
It’s Good to See You Again!
By Gary J. Broderick, President, NYSSA
It’s been a long time! Several years ago, we ceased production of the New
York Snowmobiler print magazine due to soaring costs. We have been producing the New York Snowmobiler Online every month since then. You can
find the issues at www.nysnowmobiler.com/nyssa-magazines. There’s also
lots of other information on the NYSSA website and members-only message forums.
While the Online magazine is a wonderful medium, we know that we’re not adequately
communicating with all NYSSA Members. We have been working with the folks at
Supertrax for the last year and a half to bring you a printed magazine. I hope you enjoy
this magazine, and I hope we can find ways to bring this to you on a recurring basis!
2010 Officers
President
Gary Broderick
Vice President
Jason Kowalczyk
Secretary
Ginny Ivison
Treasurer
Roger McCabe
NYSSA Staff
Executive Director
& Trails Coordinator
Dave Perkins
General Manager
Anne O’Dell
When you check out the Online Magazine, please take a look at our Membership
Discount Pages. We’ve worked with many companies, large and small, to bring discounted goods
and services to you, our members. These pages
are also at www.nysnowobiler.com - click on
Membership Benefits and follow the links to Membership Discounts.
Did you know that we send out alerts, calls to action and other information via e-mail? Rest
assured, we never give your e-mail address to
anyone. Due to volume, we use a service called
‘Constant Contact,’ a ‘trusted’ e-mail forwarding
company that does not divulge or sell your e-mail
information. We would be labeled as a ‘Spammer’
if we did not use a company who has been designated as a ‘Trusted Agent.’
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2
(Continued from page 1)
As we start the annual ‘spin-up’ for the season, there are several shows coming up, including the Big East
Powersports Show at the OnCenter in Syracuse and the Western New York Extreme Powersports Show at the
Agri-Center, Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY. NYSSA is a sponsor for these shows. Discount admission
coupons are in the Online Magazines for August and September. NYSSA and our Safety Trailers will be at Club
events and shows throughout the state this season. I hope to see you at one of them!
We have many issues we continue to work - many we need your assistance on. With your help:
 We’ve averted another attempted sweep of the Snowmobile Trail Fund this budget year;
 We’re actively involved with the Unit Management Plans (UMPs) public input, approval and fielding
process throughout the Adirondack Park and the entire State;
 We’re working with National Grid to ensure continued access for trails on their property throughout NY;
 We’re working with the Canal Corporation to allow snowmobile trails on their property;
and many more. If you are active in your club, thank you. If you aren’t, please consider stepping forward and
helping out. It is people like you – working together - that keep trails open for the next generation to ride someday.
Everyone is getting busy, closing down and putting away the summer toys, prepping the fall and winter toys, kids are
back to school, older kids are off to college, and everyone is just a little bit busier than usual. Please take the time
to think about safety. Though we may not have talked with you lately, we like having you as a member! Please stay
safe and keep the rubber side down! ●
The Trail Scene
by Dave Perkins,
NYSSA Executive Director & Trail Coordinator
NYSSA has been extremely active in trail and political issues lately. Nothing is more important than watch-dogging
the snowmobile trails fund. Each year it becomes a target to balance the state budget. Our very strong grass-roots
effort has helped keep our funds where they belong.
Register Early to Protect the Trail Fund
Speaking of the trails fund, when do you register your snowmobile? If you wait until the snow flies, then you may
actually be playing into the hands of those in Albany looking for unencumbered funds. Snowmobile registration
money received by the State in the fall becomes part of trail grants to clubs for that winter season. Registration
money received later sits in Albany. It may get used to pay the 30% portion of trails fund grants or it may sit until the
next year. Money that sits in Albany is a target for a budget sweep. Do you want your trails fund money going to
trails? Then register this fall – don’t wait.
Access and Trail Protection
Finally, after many years of delays and frustrations, community connector trails in the Adirondacks are finally being
planned and made ready for construction. Perennially unsafe trail conditions can finally be addressed. A new trail
connecting Indian Lake with Newcomb is finally being opened for this season.
Trail access along the State’s Canal system is being developed. During this past year two clubs received permits
from Canal Corp to maintain a snowmobile trail along the Erie Canalway Trail. There is growing interest in other parts
of the canal system for canalway access for snowmobiles.
Better, More Consistent Trail Signage
Would you like to be part of the effort to see better and consistent trail signage on the trails you and your family ride?
Consider volunteering to be part of the Safe Trails Education Program (STEP) by becoming a Safe Trails Advisor. The
training is not difficult, focusing on learning state signing guidelines and how to serve as an Advisor. You would then
be partnered with a club near you to ride their trails and provide feedback on how their signage compares with the
guidelines. Watch the NYSSA website for details by clicking on Trail Programs (on the members only menu). The
menu that appears lists current STEP activities, including the 2010 – 2011 Safe Trails Advisor class schedule. ●
Page 3
The Choice is YOURS
From time to time, NYSSA 
is approached by sponsors
with product offers or promotions that may be of
interest or value to NYSSA
members. Sponsors may
request the use of our
postal mailing list in order 
to provide information directly to our members, at
the sponsor’s expense.
When requests are made,
the NYSSA Board of Directors must vote on and approve the request. Once
approved, NYSSA enters
into a contract and confidentiality agreement with
the sponsor, barring any
use or sharing of member
information other than
what was specifically requested and approved.
The National Income
Life Insurance Company (NILICO) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
benefit.
NYSSA understands that
some of our members may
not want to receive future
product solicitation offers or
promotions from our sponsors.
We respect your
decision and
therefore have
provided the
ability for each
member to “opt
Opting out will NOT
 This issue
out” of receiving
affect official NYSSA
of Superany NYSSA
Communications to its
trax MagaSponsor non
Members, such as
zine.
benefit
newsletters, NYSSA/
(solicitation)
Requests that
mailings. This
Club
Membership
would not be
Cards, or actual NYSSA feature is now
considered
available on our
actual member
Benefits.
Online Memberbenefits have
ship
System.
not been approved in the
Insurance
discounts,
provided
by Nationwide.
past. Going forward, the
NYSSA Board of Directors
The only requests that
will have to decide if a rehave been approved to
date are for member bene- quest is truly a member
benefit, or a solicitation.
fits such as:
The choice is YOURS.
Opting out will not affect
official NYSSA communications to its members such
as NYSSA newsletters,
NYSSA/Club membership
cards, or actual NYSSA
member benefits.
There are three ways for
you to indicate your choice.
1) You may login to the
secure Online Membership System, click on
'edit', scroll down, and
un-check the box
marked 'Use of My Personal Information'.
2) You may contact your
club membership administrator and ask
them to do this on your
behalf.
3) You may contact the
NYSSA Office and ask
us to do this on your
behalf.
NYSSA hopes that each
and every member wishes
to receive future product
offers and promotions, but the choice is YOURS! ●
NYSSA
wishes
you
SAFE
and
HAPPY
Trails!!
Photo by Dan Coffman
Page 4
How to Join a Snowmobile Club Online!
If you want to get your sled registered before Holiday expenses crop up, here’s a reminder about how to join a Club
online, and obtain your 2010-11 NYSSA Membership Voucher.
1) Go to www.nysnowmobiler.com and click on the big green button. This will take
you to our secure Online Membership System,
https://membership.nyssnowassoc.org
2) Login with your six-digit NYSSA Member ID# and password. Your Member ID# is on your membership card, and
also on your previous season’s voucher. Hint: your password is made up of letters, and must contain at least
one number.
3) If you don’t remember your NYSSA ID number, contact your Club’s Membership Administrator. Club contacts
are listed at http://www.nysnowmobiler.com/local-clubs-2 . You may also email
[email protected] or call the NYSSA Office, 888-624-3849 x103.
Reset password can be used to obtain a new password, however users on AOL and Netscape may never
receive the message, as these systems seem to mark these messages as spam. Please call or email for
assistance. ●
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Did you know - nearly every county in New York
is represented by a NYSSA District Director? He
or she is your go-to person if you have questions
about snowmobiling in New York State. Contact
information for Directors, Officers, and NYSSA
Staff is available on our website,
www.nysnowmobiler.com.
Page 5
Safety Courses Offered Throughout New York
New York is a leader in snowmobile education and offers an operator training
course for snowmobilers of all ages beginning at age 10. This course provides
fundamental information which all snowmobilers should possess in order to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users. Successful completion of this
course results in the award of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate.
Courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to
make the sport safer and more enjoyable. They are usually sponsored by snowmobile clubs and are available in fall and early winter. As of March 31, 2010, over
200 courses were taught and over 4,700 students were certified for the 20092010 season.
Who must take the Safety Course?
Youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of
New York. If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have
completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by
(within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on
lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian.
A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or country and is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety
certificate issued by that state or country shall be considered the same as the holder of a New York State Safety
Certificate.
A list of safety courses is available from the NY State Parks Website, at http://nysparks.state.ny.us/recreation/
snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx. This list is updated weekly during the snowmobile season. ●
YOU are Snowmobile Trail Watch
After the events of September 11, 2001, the vision of security in the United
States changed dramatically for all Americans. In recognition of the threats our
country continues to face, and with the realization that we must all be vigilant,
the US Government has established a Citizens Volunteer Service as part of
Homeland Security.
Everyone who uses the state’s trail system has a vested interest in protecting this
resource and the areas through which it passes. YOU can be the additional “eyes
and ears” for those protecting our nation. RIDE AWARE and be ready to call the
New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline, 1-866-SAFE-NYS.
When on the trail, look for suspicious activity near power lines, power stations,
pipe lines (gas, oil, water), dams, public water supplies, military installations and
any other sensitive facilities. DO NOT TRY TO INTERVENE. Even if you are not put
at risk, your actions may interfere with law enforcement. Call 911 in an
emergency, but to report suspicious activity, call 1-866-SAFE-NYS. ●
New York State
Terrorism Tips Hotline
1-866-SAFE-NYS
Page 6
Snowmobiling in New York - Your Questions ANSWERED!
This information was reproduced in part from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation’s Snowmobile Unit 2009-2010 Season Report, available online at www.nysparks.com.
Where do my Registration Dollars go?
Possibly the most frequent question! Funding for NY's snowmobile trails is obtained through
state snowmobile registration fees. All but ten ($10) dollars of the $45 or $100 registration
fee collected is dedicated to support snowmobiling in New York State. Ten dollars is allocated to the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) to cover the cost of staff printing, mailing and two-year record retention associated with processing registrations The balance of
the registration fee is deposited into a State Special Revenue Snowmobile Account.
Agency Building One
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-0446
How Much Money? How Many Miles?
In the 2009-2010 season, $5,523,835 was collected in revenue and $4,296,570 was
budgeted to provide financial support for the maintenance and development of the statewide trail system, which comprised approximately 10,423 miles. This revenue is returned to
local areas as grants-in-aid for snowmobile trail development and maintenance.
How many Registered Snowmobiles?
Snowmobile registrations for the 2009-2010 season totaled 131,664, reflecting a decrease from the 2008-2009 season, which had 136,471 registrations.
Where are the Trails?
The Statewide Trail System traverses 47 counties and is maintained by approximately 200
“Trail Maintaining Entities” - mostly snowmobile clubs and volunteer labor - funded through
55 municipal sponsors. This vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction
of OPRHP, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”), New
York State Canal Corporation, local governments and many private landowners. Private
landowners have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling, with the protection of
insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.
(Continued on page 7)
Where can I get Trail Maps?
A statewide Corridor Trail Map is produced by NYS OPRHP. You may obtain a copy at no
cost by calling or writing the address above. In addition, much more detailed local maps
are often available from local clubs. Many clubs sell these maps as a fundraiser for their
trail efforts. Contact clubs in the areas you intend to ride prior to your trip. A list of clubs
by county is available on our website, www.nysnowmobiler.com.
Who are the Landowners?
OPRHP currently funds 10,423 miles of trails. There is a total of 10,517 miles of snowmobile trails in the NYS Snowmobile Trail System, with the additional 94 miles of trails maintained directly by OPRHP and DEC for the public. The single largest participating landowner is the State of New York, with over 40% of trails crossing public lands. This represents a significant increase from the past when only 20% of trails existed on public lands.
The generosity of private landowners accounts for 60% of our trail system. Please ride
with courtesy!
What is the Primary Cause of Snowmobile Accidents?
Unsafe speed is the primary cause of snowmobile accidents. Most accidents continue to
involve collisions with fixed objects, such as trees. While OPRHP believes that all fatal
accidents and most injury accidents are reported, it is possible that some accidents go
unreported.
Is Law Enforcement a Priority?
OPRHP is the lead agency conducting the Snowmobile Law Enforcement Development
School (“SLEDS”) training program for law enforcement officers. The course covers snowmobile law, patrol procedure, accident investigation, field operations, and basic ice rescue
training. A special class has been presented at the annual conference of magistrates,
with fifty counties represented. Other classes have been held in Lewis, Oneida, Allegany,
Madison, Franklin, St. Lawrence, and Cortland counties. There has been a very positive
response including an increase in the appropriate processing of those who violate the
laws and rules regulating snowmobile operation. ●
Page 7
The generosity
of
private
landowners
accounts for
60%
of our
trail system.
Please ride
with courtesy!
NYSSA’s Annual Meeting & Forum - Save the Date!
Each year in April, NYSSA
holds its Annual Meeting and
Educational Forum. Planning
for the 2011 Forum is well
underway. This years’ event
will be held at the Holiday
Inn, Liverpool, NY, on April 16
-18, 2011.
Educational Courses
Typically about a dozen
courses are offered each
year, covering topics such as
Insurance, Lobbying and Legislation, GPS Training,
Groomer Operator Safety
Training, and Law Enforcement.
Vendor Expo
Our Vendor Expo is usually
jam-packed with booths.
Come and learn about new
products and get some real
deals on the items you need.
Social Event
This is our state’s premier
social event for the movers
and shakers, the real leadership of snowmobiling in New
York. Come and rub shoulders
with the best, and offer your
input along with those who
are dedicated to improving
our sport.
Antique Snowmobile Show
For the first time, in 2010 we
held an Antique Snowmobile
Show in conjunction with the
Forum. What a sight it was, to
see sleds from our past! Come
and enjoy the memories with
your fellow sledders. ●
Photo by Jane Chaddock
2011 Forum:
April 16-18, 2011
Holiday Inn
Liverpool, New York
Online Registration begins
February 1, 2011
www.nysnowmobiler.com