NYSSA Online Magazine - New York State Snowmobile Association
Transcription
NYSSA Online Magazine - New York State Snowmobile Association
New York November 2015 SNOWMOBILER Online The Official Publication of the New York State Snowmobile Association 2016 “Free” Snowmobile Weekends - find out when and where! ! p. 2 Did you Know? What’s Happening at NYSSA ~ p. 8 When Do Trails Open? ~ p. 18 Snow-shows continue...p. 4, 19 NYSSA Online Magazine Governor Cuomo Announces Winter Tourism Promotion The weekend of January 16-18, 2016 (Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend) will be a free snowmobiling weekend to encourage out-of-state and Canadian snowmobile enthusiasts to sled in New York State. State registration fees will be waived for properly registered and insured outof-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. Information on snowmobiling, including online registration for out-of-state snowmobilers is available here. Reciprocal Snowmobile Weekend - New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine January 29 - 31, 2016 Snowmobile enthusiasts can enjoy the trails in neighboring states during a special reciprocal weekend shared by New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. This three-day event will occur each year, provided that our neighboring states continue to participate. Following are the ground rules for the weekend: All snowmobiles legally registered in Maine will be able to operate on New Hampshire trails during the three-day open weekend. Please note that all other New Hampshire laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles must be adhered to, such as speed limits, youth operation standards, etc. All New Hampshire snowmobile trails shall be open to snowmobiles properly displaying, pursuant to Vermont law, a valid Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. trails maintenance assessment, also known as the trails pass. Please note that all other New Hampshire laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles must be adhered to, such as speed limits, youth operation standards, etc. All snowmobiles legally registered in New Hampshire will be able to operate in Vermont and Maine during the reciprocal weekend. All other Vermont and Maine snowmobile laws and rules must be complied with, including Vermont mandatory liability insurance, youth requirements, and safety card requirement for those born after July 1, 1983. For more information: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ohrv/recip-weekend.html Free access to FCMQ trails everywhere in Quebec Open House Event - February 6-7, 2016 The FCMQ and the thousands of volunteers from its 205 member snowmobile clubs invite you to discover the world's foremost snowmobile trail system free of charge (FREE TEMPORARY TRAIL PERMIT REQUIRED) for an entire weekend. During the entire weekend, you will have access to 32,000 kilometres (20,000 miles) of marked and groomed trails, securely maintained by our 4,500 volunteers. Best of all, no trail permit will be required. Get your free temporary trail permit Québec's trail network is renowned worldwide for its high maintenance standard, its accessibility and its regional interconnectedness. Come experience for yourself the product of the tireless devotion and commitment of our thousands of dedicated volunteers, and you too will become a believer! For more info, please see: https://www.chaudiereappalaches.com/en/activitiesattractions/snowmobile/snowmobile-open-house-event/ Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 2 NYSSA Online Magazine CONTENTS New York SNOWMOBILER Online Publisher: Editor: The New York State Snowmobile Association P. O. Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 Anne O’Dell [email protected] 888-624-3849 x101 “Free” Snowmobiling Weekend comes to NY! P. 2 President’s Message. ...Jim Elmore P. 4 From the Desk of the Executive Director ...D. Jacangelo P. 7 Did you Know? What’s Happening at NYSSA.. R. Warner P. 8 Officer Nomination Form P.13 Trail Coordinator Report ...Jim Rolf P. 15 When Do Trails Open? P. 18 Member Discounts.. Yours year round! P. 24 Time to Renew! P. 25 AD RATES 2015-16 Officers President Jim Elmore, 585-813-4610 [email protected] Vice President Craig LaPlante, 315-854-6719 [email protected] Secretary Rosanne Warner, 315-697-8130 [email protected] Treasurer John Occhino, 845-225-3140 [email protected] Staff Executive Director Dominic Jacangelo, 888-624-3849 x104 [email protected] Jim Rolf, 888-624-3849 x102 Trail Coordinator [email protected] General Manager Anne O’Dell, 888-624-3849 x101 [email protected] Membership 888-624-3849 x103 [email protected] Helpline Join or Renew Membership Online: Our Website: www.nysnowmobiler.com New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation’s Website www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles DMV, Register a Sled: NY Resident DMV, Register a Sled: Out of State Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 3 NYSSA Online Magazine President’s Message by Jim Elmore, NYSSA President 585-813-4610 [email protected] I consider November an important month of the snowmobile season. With no snow on the ground and the temperatures still above the freezing mark,this is a time where a majority of our clubs and volunteers are working on getting the trails ready for December. Clubs are holding fundraising activities and youth safety classes for our under 18 members. The strong fall winds have turned the gorgeous autumn colors of the woods and forests into bare trees. They are now ready to handle the large amounts of snow expected for this winter. Many snowmobilers are planning that long weekend trip to their special area they love to ride during the season. Rochester Snow Show Before we get too far into thinking about the upcoming season, I would like you to consider a quick trip to Rochester, New York this November. The Hilton Sno-Flyers will be hosting their annual snowmobile show on November 21st and 22nd . This great event is held at The Garden Factory on Buffalo Road (Rt31) off Interstate 490 just outside of Rochester in the town of Gates. This snowmobile show is just part of the other fun activities inside The Garden Factory. The Hilton Sno-Flyers snowmobile club will have several snowmobile dealers and outfitters at the event. Last year there were some great bargains for many items pertaining to snowmobiling or for the home and garden. The Monroe County clerk will have their mobile DMV satellite office set up to handle your registrations. Inside the middle of the building is a flatbed tractor trailer with a model railroad exhibit built on top of it. This display is a wonderful work of railroading with the landscape and trains running the rails. Everyone from the very young to our seasoned folks loves to stand and watch this large display of trains go by. This event is one of the best snowmobile shows in the State and well worth a couple hours drive to stop in and visit. If you want something to do with the kids or the grandkids or you still feel you are a kid at heart, please stop in and visit with Santa at his Christmas village. They also have a small amusement park inside the store for the young kids to enjoy. For the bigger kids, they have new snowmobiles or lawn tractors for you to try out. If you are looking for that unique gift for someone, the Garden Factory might just have it. The store is loaded with all types of merchandise for your home and garden. Homemade goodies to snack on and favorite items your pet will love. If you need any additional information please check the club`s webpage at http://www.hiltonsnoflyers.net/ or their Facebook page. Snowmobile Friends If you are a snowmobiler there is a good chance you have met others you would never have met before from the seat of your sled. It is always nice to meet new people on the trails or at some club event. NYSSA is a strong supporter of the International Snowmobile Congress. We just hosted the 2015 Congress this past June in Niagara Falls. Snowmobilers from North America and Russia meet for the week to talk about all the issues pertaining to our sport. There are other snowmobiling groups involved with the Congress that all have a vested interest in the continuous growth of snowmobiling. I have attended several Congresses and have met some great people and made new friends. Roger Lampitt. At this month’s NYSSA directors meeting we were informed of the passing of a dear friend and great ambassador of the sport of snowmobiling. Mr. Roger Lampitt of Tacoma, Washington (Continued on page 5) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 4 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 4) passed away on October 22, 2015 at the young age of 71. Roger had an extensive resume involving snowmobiling; from starting out as a local club president, to his induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in Wisconsin. He was also inducted into the Iron Dog Brigade and many other snowmobile organizations. He devoted his life to the sport and was always fighting to keep the government from shutting down open land out west. Roger had a great gift of communicating. He could tell a story and you would feel like you were there with him when the event happened. Roger donated his voice and time to all the ISC`s charity auctions during the week. He help raise a lot of money for the legal defense fund with his great voice. Roger told me he has been to every ISC except one; he even attended the 1980 ISC in Niagara Falls. He told me to make sure I get out to Yellowstone to ride before I regret it someday. He told me he has spent countless winters riding the park over his life span and enjoyed every mile of it. The next ISC and the others that follow will not be the same without him. Roger will be sadly missed by his wife and children and his snowmobile community friends. The snowmobile community across the Country lost a great advocate for the sport with the passing of Roger Lampitt. I would like to wish Happy Thanksgiving to all our members, please stay safe and we will see you on the trails soon. James Elmore, President SOUTHERN TUG HILL SNO-RIDERS EDUCATION DAY by Betty Haig On Saturday, November 14, approximately 30 members from area snowmobile clubs participated in a New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) trail signage course (STEP Program) and Groomer Operator Training course. The class was sponsored by Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders (STHSR) and the Lewis County Snowmobile Association with Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trail Coordinator as the instructor. The class was held at the Hideaway Restaurant in West Leyden where lunch was provided by STHSR. This also happened to be the day of the first sign of snowflakes falling so the anxiety is building to 'hit the trails'. Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 5 NYSSA Online Magazine Adirondack Powersports Appolson’s Bibben’s Sales Bob Weaver’s Motorsports Buck’s Motorsports Caprara’s Outdoor World Cycle Motion Cycle Shack Della Motorsports Don’s Polaris Edelmann Sales, Inc Excell Motorsports Fun Unlimited Gamble Distributors Griffin Motorsports Hermans Performance Ingles Performance Ithaca Recreation Jan-cen Automotive K&H Kawasaki Kubecka’s Polaris Leisure Time Maddie’s Matt’s Cycle Center Menneto Powersports Moody Polaris O’Neil Sales Pioneer Motorsports Polaris of Riverhead Powerhouse Motorsports Precision Power Preferred Powersports Schoff Polaris Sled Shop Racing Sportline Power Sports Unlimited T. Nelson Sales TC Sports Teixeira’s Polaris Waite Motorsports Zahm & Matson, Inc. Zambri Motorsports Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 6 NYSSA Online Magazine From the Desk of the Executive Director By Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director [email protected] 888-624-3849 x104 RTP: Good News! Thank you to everyone who sent a letter, note, or e-mail to their US House Member expressing the importance of the Recreational Trails Program in the Federal Highway Bill (“Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act”). The Act as passed in the House on Thursday, November 5th will cover a six-year authorization, but only funds the first three years. The bill authorizes spending up to $325 billion (yes, that is with a “b”) over the next six years on highways and mass transit. Congressman Richard Hanna (NY-22), who sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined the NYSSA Board of Directors at our monthly meeting in Canastota on November 7th to provide us with a few insights into the bill and the process which led to House passage. I had the opportunity to meet the Congressman a few years back when he met with a group of snowmobilers from his area in his district office in Utica on the same subject. The Congressman has become a real supporter of RTP and worked diligently to keep it in the Federal Highway bill; a fact which was confirmed by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations. From the Congressman’s perspective, this is money we pay in through the gasoline we put in our sleds. Why shouldn’t we get something in return? Two amendments were offered which would have impacted the Recreational Trails Program which returns the highway fuel taxes paid by motorized recreational vehicles to all types of trail projects around the country. In New York the program is particularly important to snowmobile Congressman Hanna. clubs since it is the only grant program which provides assistance for the purchase of a groomer and drag. One amendment would have killed the RTP program and the other would have only made motorized recreation eligible for funding. On the surface that second amendment sounds attractive until you realize that the program only exists in the first place because a coalition of many trail organization fought for the program 20 years ago. In my opinion this could very well have been a divide and conquer tactic. The House bill along with the Senate version will now be “conferenced” by the two Houses. The good news is that RTP is not likely to be touched by the conference committees since it appears in both versions and because of the way Congress works, there can be no amendments from the Floor to a conferenced bill. I am looking forward to some cold weather and some really good snow this winter. I guess all of us together can make a difference on what happens in Washington and Albany but we still can’t make it snow! I look forward to seeing you on the trail. Happy Thanksgiving! Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 7 NYSSA Online Magazine Did You Know?? What’s Been Happening at NYSSA. From the Desk of the New York State Snowmobile Association Secretary – November 2015 Edition By: Rosanne Warner, NYSSA Secretary, [email protected] The New York State Snowmobile Association is working to keep its members better informed of the issues that NYSSA faces on a daily basis. Hot off the presses here is a re-cap of what happened at the November 2015 NYSSA Board of Directors meeting. NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Schedule (All meetings begin at 1:00 pm) December 5, 2015 – Rusty Rail, Canastota NY May 21, 2016 - TBD January 9, 2016 – Byrncliff, Varysburg, NY June – No Meeting February 6 – Beeches, Rome, NY July 16, 2016 - TBD March 5 – Tailwater Lodge, Altmar, NY August – No Meeting April 2 – 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton, NY September 10, 2016 - TBD April 29-May 1, 2016 – FORUM/Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, NY (www.nyssaforum.com) October TBD - Big East weekend November 5, 2016 - TBD US Congressman Hanna Visits US Congressman Richard Hanna, who also sits on the transportation committee, attended the meeting. He spoke to the Board about his support of the RTP program, the Social Security system, gas tax, mass transit, the Keystone Pipeline, and the economic impact that snowmobiling has on municipalities within the Adirondack Park. Recreational Trail Program (RTP) The efforts to keep the RTP program in place were successful because people from all user groups gave their support. All trail users enlisted the help of lobby groups to assist in the fight to keep the program in place. RTP grants come from a small portion of the highway tax we all pay when we fill our sleds with gas. Since we do not use our snowmobiles on the highway, the RTP grant is a means to get some of those funds back for good use. Forest Preserve Advisory Committee Updates NYSSA has been in attendance at the Forest Preserve Advisory committee meetings. NYSSA has had to defend the right to keep snowmobile trails in the forest preserve and will continue to attend the meetings to assure that snowmobile uses are a continued use throughout the state. Insurance Request for Proposals (RFP) The newly drafted Insurance RFP has been places on the NYSSA website and responses from Insurance carriers are requested. The RFP can be viewed at: http://www.nysnowmobiler.com/ Policy Manual Updates NYSSA is working to update the Policy Manual. The new award for Youth Snowmobiler of the Year award and new Director Certification forms were not updated in policy when passed by the board. An updated Policy Manual is expected to be completed by the December Board of Directors meeting. Automated Trail Grant Program (AGTP) A notice to all clubs that the ATGP will institute a 60-day submission window went out to all grant administrators. The requirement will take effect officially January 1, 2016 but NYSSA is recommending to all clubs that they begin submissions now. A new feature has been added to the program that requires both Sponsors and Parks to complete a pop-up box when rejections to submissions are made. This pop-up will require they submit an explanation on why the rejection was made. An email will be sent to the Grant Administrator and Sponsor notifying them of the reason for rejection. (Continued on page 9) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 8 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 8) The grant user guide and tutorials located on the site will be updated soon. Once Parks has all of the system updates in place a Training Webinar will be scheduled for all Grant Administrators. Phase I reviews are complete and the last of them were returned in the first week of November 2015. Mileage tables have been returned to the Sponsors. There were 77 miles added to the system this year. Grant payout will are expected to be higher and $4.3 million dollars will be distributed from the fund which is more than a 5% increase from last year. Parks is waiting for the Division of Budget to approval the rates as proposed and 70% vouchers will be sent to sponsors once that it done. Parks hopes to begin sending the 70% vouchers out starting next week which would be the earliest they have ever gone out. Parks reported that there were sponsors who submitted incomplete Phase II packages. Once those Sponsors submit the information as required, the state will begin processing the payments. The most up-to-date (November 2015) State Trails Map will go to print next week. They are expected to be completed by the second week of December. Parks has reviewed and updated the Trail Sign Manual and a draft has been sent to the Communication Department for review. Once the draft is back, it will go to NYSSA for review. A revised complete Grant Guidance Document will be issued in late February/early March and will include all phases of the grant process. NYSSA is completing recommendations for revisions to the Groomer Classification section and will submit them to the state. NYSSA urges all clubs to SUBMIT ALL TRAIL RELATED EXPENSES to establish a true cost of trail maintenance throughout the state. Please do not stop recording expenses when your grant amount as we are trying to establish the true cost of our trail system. Proposed Reimbursement Rates Corridor A - $335/mile Secondary A - $335/mile Corridor B - $275/mile Secondary B - $275/ mile High Snow - $300/mile. (Slight Decrease) Adirondack Rail Trail A final determination was made on the Adirondack Rail Trail and the report is located on the Adirondack Park Agency’s (APA) website. http://apa.ny.gov NYSSA has concerns about date changes that were proposed by the Department of Transportation. This suggested date change to the permit would prevent club activity and snowmobile use on the rails until January instead of December. NYSSA caught this change and enlisted the help of its lobby firm, Capitol Group, Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi to pressure the state and got the date changed back to the original permit date of December. The determination also calls for a State implemented curfew and speed limit from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid. The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will review the issue at their next meeting and can either accept the plan as written or it reserves the right to make changes. The updates must go out for public comment and NYSSA expects that comment period to last 30 days. Once the public comment period is opened, NYSSA will issue a list of bullet points to include in comments back to the APA. Junction Signs Link Junction sign numbers have been updated again and the junction sign map can be viewed at: http://nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/maps.aspx (Google Earth will be needed to view the map) Unfunded trail junctions are not assigned by Parks or NYSSA. They are assigned by the local Sponsor or Trail Coordinator. (Continued on page 10) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 9 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 9) Madison, Broome and Hamilton County signs were picked up by those County Directors at the meeting. Any club that needs to order Funded Trails junction signs can do so themselves and submit the expense into the AGTP submission for reimbursement in Phase III of the grant program. NYSSA Membership Updates As of November 7, 2015, NYSSA/Club memberships surpassed 20,000 members. NYSSA notes that more riders are renewing their memberships earlier this year than in past seasons. Internal Audits Completed Internal audits were completed for both NYSSA and SLEDNY. A Management Agreement between NYSSA and SLEDNY will be drafted to include rates to be paid to NYSSA by SLEDNY. NYSSA will need to develop a rate that includes reimbursement of the time that NYSSA employees spend on SLEDNY issues. A guidance document will be developed for the payment of budgetary expenses. Government Affairs Capitol Group presented a report on work currently being done by NYSSA on the following issues: Trail fund increases derived from more of the DMV registration going directly into the fund Youth Special Events Legislative Proposal Failure to Register Legislative Proposal Erie Canal Use – Lockport to Amherst Rt. 12 Alder Creek Crossing Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor UMP Real Property Tax Abatement for Landowners Snowmobiles for Emergency Use Take a Friend Snowmobiling NYSSA’s Response to the Remsen-Lake Placid UMP NYSSA purchased some helmets for the Take a Friend Snowmobiling events. NYSSA will reach out to clothing distributors about donations of additional gear including gloves and boots for youth participants. NYSSA recommends that clubs pass a resolution stating that “if called upon in an emergency that all related activities shall be considered club business”. NYSSA is working with authorities (NYS Troopers) to clarify communication in the event of an emergency. Landowners Relations NYSSA has been working to provide agricultural landowners, who allow snowmobile trails on their private property, some tax relief. A bill has been drafted that proposes a tax credit for landowners who are zoned agricultural and allow snowmobile trail use. NYSSA has had conversations with the Farm Bureau about the proposed legislation and they are in support of the bill. NYSSA is working with Senator DeFrancisco in an effort to get it to the Senate for passage. Work is still in progress to present it to the Assembly. Safety & Education NYSSA is working to retool the STEP advisor report form. Development of a bookmark checklist on basic signage, emergency tools and spares to carry is in the draft stages. NYSSA has also been reviewing possible online training courses for possible use down the road. A STEP training class will be hosted by the Shawnee Snow Chiefs in Niagara County and will be taught by NYSSA Trail Coordinator, Jim Rolf. Contact the club to reserve a seat. (Continued on page 12) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 10 NYSSA Online Magazine Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 11 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 10) Events & Promotions NYSSA has been attending events all over New York and parts of Pennsylvania. Riders are inquiring about places to stay and where to drop. NYSSA will research the possibility of including more tourism information on the new website. 2016 Forum – Lake Placid NYSSA is in the planning stages of the 2016 Forum and Annual meeting that will be held in Lake Placid. New classes and sessions will be added to the event this year. The Vintage Show will continue this year and be held on the 1932 indoor ice arena. NYSSA is currently working on the Attendee Registration packets and not only hope to have them out to clubs earlier this year. NYSSA is working to significantly reduce the cost of the registration fees for all attendees. Membership Vouchers NYSSA is asking clubs to make sure that they enter membership names as they are seen on the member’s sled registration and/or driver’s license. The DMV’s are requiring that the names on the license and registration match the voucher exactly. To update member names, please email member id, old name, new name to: [email protected]. Main NYSSA Website - http://www.nysnowmobiler.com With the hard work of General Manager, Anne O’Dell, NYSSA is working to replace the main website. The new website is in development and NYSSA will have it up and running as soon as possible. Membership Website - https://membership.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA has adopted a strategy regarding the membership website and recognize the need to improve the membership system within the confines of the budget available. Bylaws Change Proposals To date, three Bylaw changes have been submitted to NYSSA for review. Nomination of Officers Officer Nomination forms will be included in future issues of the online magazines and are also available in the Members Only section of the website. (see next page!) Hall of Famer Passing The former President of the Iron Dog Brigade, Hall of Famer and Friend to NYSSA, Roger Lampitt of Yakima, Washington passed away of stage 4 cancer on October 22nd. Roger was well known in the International Snowmobiling community and will be missed by all. In his memory, NYSSA will make a $100 donation to the Snowmobile International Hall of Fame. Attention students and parents! Application Deadline for NYSSA Scholarships is February 29, 2016! 2016 NYSSA Application and Instructions: PDF MS Word Each year, NYSSA awards two $500 scholarships: Norris Brusoe NYSSA Scholarship Joan & Digger Vriessen NYSSA Scholarship Only members of NYS Snowmobile Clubs as of January 1, 2016 will be eligible for these Scholarships. Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 12 NYSSA Online Magazine Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 13 NYSSA Online Magazine Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 14 NYSSA Online Magazine Trail Coordinator Report by Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trail Coordinator 888-624-3849 x 102 [email protected] Lake effect snow squalls blanketed the ground in places this past Saturday, hopefully giving us all a slight hint at what’s to come this winter! It was too early anyhow, as the snowmobile trails don’t officially open until the NYS DEC Big Game Hunting Seasons close (see below and page 16). Trail Signing and Groomer Operator Classes NYSSA helps to teach these classes to club volunteers each year. I myself have taught 5 such classes so far this year, and other volunteer Snow at The Tug Hill Hideaway on Sat, where I taught both the STEP classes and Groomer instructors have taught more than Operator classes to over 30 attendees. that across the State, with more scheduled. These such classes offer education on the specific signing guidelines that NYS Parks has in place along with experienced input to have clubs better understand signing trails. The Groomer Operator Safety Courses are based on an international program to certify potential new groomer drivers having attended such a safety course, which is required within many State land permits with clubs. Contact me if your club or County-wide association of federation is interested in scheduling these classes local to you. Adirondack Rail Trail proposal… Well, the DEC and DOT finally came to their agreement on the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (UMP), sending it to the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) for their review last week. The APA approved it and now they are accepting public input for one more final 30-day comment period in regards to the UMP adhering to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. The APA feels it does, so any comments should specifically address that official policy standard. NYSSA will comment on the UMP to the APA in hopes of having one small item corrected within the document. The UMP text appears to mandate the proposed restrictions on snowmobile use near populated areas. NYSSA feels that while snowmobiles have been using the Corridor for many years, only the Tupper Lake municipality has so far enacted a slight time restriction on the Corridor within the Village limits. With the rails removed, snowmobile use is expected to increase dramatically and there is the potential for issues to develop that may need to be dealt with at that time. However, the paragraph within the UMP final document should be changed to the effect that, "Nothing in this document prevents local government for enacting regulations regarding speed and hours of operation....". Otherwise, NYSSA generally supports the other provisions the State has proposed and looks forward to the fourseason, multi-use trail that will remain open to snowmobile use to finally begin to be built. This will certainly help the Tri-Lakes region and the whole Adirondacks as a whole with a much-needed economic boost from tourists that walk, hike, bike, run, jog, ride horses, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and any other allowed recreational activity that one can do on such a trail. The long-standing controversy over the final designated use is over and the process has (Continued on page 16) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 15 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 15) to go through this one final step. Thank you to all that have taken the opportunities to provide input, opinions, and comments to get the UMP reopened and then to have it reviewed for the partial conversion to a trail that will help the ADKs with authorized snowmobile use. The UMP can be viewed here: http://apa.ny.gov/ , in the “headline news section”. The Press Release can be found here: http://apa.ny.gov/Press/pressrelease.cfm?PressReleaseID=536 . Public comments of support with the one issue noted above to be better looked at need to be sent here, by December 18th, 2015 to: [email protected]. Submitting positive public comments do indeed help our causes and partnerships with State agencies, and are appreciated by the entire snowmobiling community. Points to include in your comments can be similar to the following: A multi-use trail between Big Moose and Lake Placid will result in much more economic revenue to the communities along and near the Corridor, with much more use by residents and tourists The proposal does not require significant modification of the Corridor's designation on the National Register of Historic Places. While the rails and ties are listed as one of the historic structures, the integrity of the Travel Corridor along with its other structures (bridges and stations) will be preserved. Removal of the rails in Segment 2 will permit increased year-round public use of the corridor. Appropriate interpretive signs can then be installed a;erting many more people of the Corridor's place in the history of the Adirondacks. The FINAL plan conforms to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and should be implemented as soon as practically possible I believe that the language under "Snowmobile use within the Corridor, Segment 2" on page 49 should be modified. Snowmobile restrictions within the Corridor regarding time and speed regulations should be left to the municipalities to develop, not included within the UMP itself Opportunities to develop trails for snowmobile use between the Old Forge and Tupper Lake are not feasible. Land management issues, environmental roadblocks, and lawsuits would end that plan Essex Chain of Lakes UMP finally approved The Essex Chain of Lakes UMP plans are finally approved! The Press Release for that can be seen here: http://apa.ny.gov/Press/pressrelease.cfm?PressReleaseID=537 . Thank you all again for submitting public comments on these plans, as we need to keep the grassroots campaigns going to have our voices heard! (Continued on page 17) Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 16 NYSSA Online Magazine (Continued from page 16) Trail Opening Dates Each year we like to put out the dates when most landowners require clubs to delay opening the trails, mostly due to hunting but also due to livestock still being in the fields and crops possibly needed to be harvested. The Northern Zone gun firearms season ends Dec. 6th, but in some areas the late bow season runs until the 13th. The Southern Zone regular firearms season ends on Dec. 13th, but the late muzzleloader and bow seasons end on 22nd. Here is a link to the NYS 2015 hunting seasons: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons15.pdf . Please be aware that clubs many times have land use agreements with their landowners outlining specific dates the trails must remain closed until. If in doubt, contact the club(s) in the area that you want to ride IF there is sufficient snow cover to allow riding before the date above. Please don’t jeopardize land access because you want to ride before our season begins. Yes, it is a short season for us, but landowners are the ones who generously allow for the snowmobile trails to be allowed in the first place. It’s about RESPECT! Trail Safety When the trails do officially open and the snow depth is sufficient to ride, please be safe out there! Stay right on the marked trails and think about everyone else on the trails. It’s about riding and getting home each time…not about getting to your destination as fast as you can, out of control. And remember to DIM your high beam headlights to ALL oncoming traffic all winter, please! THINK! You are an ambassador of this sport. Support Our National Organization and WIN!! ACSA Cash Calendars Are Now Available The 2016 ACSA Cash Calendars are now available for purchase. The proceeds from the Cash Calendar sales are a fundraiser for ACSA and the State Snowmobile Associations. Place your calendar order today, celebrate our 20th anniversary and get 12 months of snowmobile events and activities. In addition, there are 365 prizes awarded throughout the year!! Calendars are available for a tax-deductible $20 contribution. There are drawings all year long! Your $20 contribution will not only get your 2016 ACSA Cash Calendar, but it will also support our work to help connect and defend snowmobile trails across the country, and $5 of it comes back to NYSSA. These calendars also make great gifts….especially when the recipient receives a check in the mail for their winnings! Make sure you don’t miss out—order yours today! Mail your $20 check (made payable to ACSA) to NYSSA, PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566. We’ll get your calendar to you by return mail. The American Council of Snowmobile Associations is our voice on national snowmobile issues. ACSA provides national leadership and coordination to advance the efforts of all organizations who promote responsible snowmobiling across the U.S. Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 17 NYSSA Online Magazine When Do Trails Open? Each year we like to put out the dates when most landowners require clubs to delay opening the trails, mostly due to hunting but also due to livestock still being in the fields and crops possibly needed to be harvested. The Northern Zone gun firearms season ends Dec. 6th, but in some areas the late bow season runs until the 13th. The Southern Zone regular firearms season ends on Dec. 13th, but the late muzzleloader and bow seasons end on 22nd. Here is a link to the NYS 2015 hunting seasons: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons15.pdf . Please check with the club(s) in the area you intend to ride for the date their trails will be open. Club contact info can be found at https://membership.nysnowmobiler.com/club/statemap. Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 18 NYSSA Online Magazine Hiltebrant Recreation Center Pavilion Old Forge, NY * 2016 Snowmobile Models * * Vintage Snowmobile Show * * Kitty-Cat/120cc Races * * Vendors & Raffles * Free Admission, Free Parking & Shuttle Bus. http://visitmyadirondacks.com/snodeo/index.html 39th ANNUAL SNODEO HOURS: Friday, 12/11 3pm - 7pm Saturday, 12/12 9am - 5pm Sunday, 12/13 10am - 2pm Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 19 NYSSA Online Magazine Club Spotlight: Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club By Christine Powers-Gross American Industrialist Henry Kaiser said: “As I understand it sport is hard work for which you do not get paid”. The volunteers of the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club (PBSC) know it takes hard work to maintain its 95 miles of snowmobile trails and the equipment to make the trails safe and smooth. This area is in the “snowbelt” which is characterized by heavy amounts of lake affect snow = heavy snow accumulations. The snowmobile trails of the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club are diverse in elevation, at 279 feet along the Lake Ontario (Selkirk) shoreline to 1480 feet of the Tug Hill Plateau (Little John Forest). Experience the wildlife, smell of pines and spectacular sunsets at Selkirk Shores State Park, then ride east over rolling farm lands through Altmar and Chateaugay State Forests, to a favorite photo opportunity at the Salmon River Falls. Or ride the abandon railroad beds on your way to deep snow forest trails and seasonal roads in the Winona & Little John State Forests. Volunteers sometimes work harder in the Summer than in the Winter grooming, as the club takes on necessary projects that reflect the perseverance and attitude of the club. Over 1000+ orange posts were added to the trails for easier navigation and map kiosks for directions as you enter our trails from other neighboring club trails – Mexico, Kasoag, Redfield, Barnes Corners This Spring the Club joined forces with the Oswego County ATV Club to reroute a trail (S52D) for snowmobiles and ATVs to access services along Route 13 in the Village of Pulaski. The nearly 1- mile trail had been previously closed by the landowner, for which Charlie Caprara purchased the land adjoining the closed trail and opened it for snowmobile and ATV use. The shared resources of the 2 clubs made the new trail happen, with over 600 yards of gravel hauled in and 100s of hours in donated labor by members of both clubs. Generous donations from local businesses – FX Caprara, Parker's Excavating, and Ponderosa Steakhouse helped to ease the project's financial burden to the clubs. Coffins Sand & Gravel and North Country Contracting donated machinery to open the first part of trail. The trail was open to ATVs this past summer, and this winter when the snow arrives it will be groomed and opened to snowmobiles. At PBSC we have a wonderful mix of volunteers with various talents and skills that go beyond the call of duty – mechanics, welders, heavy equipment operators, cooks - all working together for the good of the club. Four members repaired 4 groomers in the shop for a total of 600+ work hours using a shop rate of $80, saving the club well over $40,000 in labor, and rebuilding parts instead of buying new saved the club thousands of dollars. Bridges are often built in the garage and then transported to a site. During the salmon fishing season this Fall the “BBQ Team” hosted 6 Chicken BBQs that provides funds for operating expenses. PBSC continues to improve their trail system, but it is impossible to do without new and younger members to carry on the work. Join our club, make new friends, and help make a difference. Join us for the “Take A Friend Snowmobiling” event, January 31st at Selkirk Shores State Park. FACEBOOK! FIND US! LIKE US! Follow current trail conditions, work day/event announcements, and view photos. We also assist many out of town snowmobilers with area accommodation and restaurant information. SLOW DOWN, BE SAFE and ENJOY our beautiful 95 miles of trail system in New York State. www.pulaski-boylstonsnow.com Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 20 NYSSA Online Magazine Identification # 31-215-850-08920 Raffle License # 15328 Sponsored by ONONDAGA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE ASSOC. INC. In support of N.Y.S. SNOWMOBILE TRAILS NYS Arctic Cat Dealers NYS Polaris Dealers NYS Ski-Doo Dealers 2016 ARCTIC CAT or ZR 4000 LXR SLED 2016 Polaris or Indy 550 144 ES SLED 2016 Skidoo MXZ Sport 600 SLED or $5,000 Cash courtesy of NYSSA - www.nysnowmobiler.com WINNER’S CHOICE! The 1st Prize Winner will select one of the four prizes above; 2nd will choose next; 3rd will choose next; and the 4th prize winner gets the remaining prize. 5th Prize: 2-day Snowmobile Rental for 2 & $100 GC to Melody Lodge - Village Motorsports, Speculator, NY 6th Prize: $1,000 Cash donated by Fisk Distributing, Lyndonville, NY 7th Prize: $1,000 Cash donated by the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County, NY 9 Two 8-hour Sled Rentals - Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Services 23 $250 Cash - Northern Erie Sno-Seekers 10 $500 Cash - Columbia County Sno-drifters 24 2 nights Lodging & Hot Breakfast - Tailwater Lodge 11 $500 Cash - Onondaga County Snowmobile Assn 25 Gift Certificate for Overnight Stay - 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel 12 1-night stay for 2, Honeymoon Suite & Breakfast - Inn at The Beeches 13 $400 Cash - Seven Valley Snow Goers Inc 14 2-night stay, Jacuzzi Suite, off peak - The Edge Hotel 26 $200 Gift Certificate - Arctic Adventures 27 $200 Gift Certificate - Bibbens Sales & Service 15 $300 Cash - Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs 28 1 Weekday Nite Lodging & Golf & Cart for 2 - Byrncliff Resort 16 The Ride Lite Classic Combo 2 pack - Quad County Snowmobile Club 29 $200 toward Automotive Collision Repair - Carubba Collision 17 $250 Gift Certificate - Delaware Sport Center 30 2-night stay at Charlie's Inn & Dinner for 2 -Charlie's Inn 18 $250 Gift Certificate - Milton Cat 31 $200 Gift Certificate - DDS Motorsports 19 $250 Cash - Delaware Valley Ridge Riders 32 $200 Gift Certificate toward Polaris Helmet - Edelmann Sales 20 $250 Cash - Rock Tavern Sno Riders 33 $200 Gift Certificate - Hamburg Honda 21 $250 Cash - Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club 34 $200 toward Dental Procedures - Hartnett Dental 22 $250 Cash - Snowrats Snowmobile Club 35 $200 Gift Certificate - Quaker Boy Inc. 36 $200 Cash - Cattaraugus County Director, NYSSA 37 $200 Cash - Cattaraugus County Federation 38 $200 Cash - Cranberry Lake Moun- taineers Contact your local Club for tickets! Drawing: April 30, 2016. Winners announced at the SLEDNY Educational Forum, Lake Placid Conference Center, Lake Placid, NY Donation: $5.00 per ticket - Ticket holders do not need to be Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 21 NYSSA Online Magazine New Business Members !! Online Driver Ed.. 3918 Lyell Rd, Rochester NY 14606 (585) 247-5218 www.brodner.com Just $22 264 NH Route 106 Gilmanton, NH 03237 603-267-7840 www.prinoth.com Join us! 4818 Route 430 Bemus Point, NY 14712 716-386-1171 Business Membership is just $100 Application Here! Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 22 NYSSA Online Magazine Planning Ahead? The Pink Ribbon Riders 2016 New York Snow Run February 19-20, 2016 ~ Old Forge, NY http://www.pinkribbonriders.com/wp/snow-run-tour-usa Safety Question: Q: What is the best way to dress for colder weather? Answer: B A) Wear wool everything B) Layer your clothing C) Wear a scuba diver’s wet suit for underwear Note: we don’t make these questions up - they’re right out of the Safety Program workbook! Safety Courses are listed at http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx -- find one in a County near you! Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 23 NYSSA Online Magazine Check out the local lodging available too, and many more discounts! Byrncliff Old Forge Camping Resort Charlie’s Inn Rocky Acres Inn Country Inn & Suites Tumble Inn Junction Campground Water’s Edge Inn Available all year long at: http://www.nysnowmobiler.com/memberdiscounts Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 24 NYSSA Online Magazine It’s TIME to RENEW your CLUB MEMBERSHIP! How to Renew Online and Print your Voucher 1. Go to www.nysnowmobiler.com and click on the Big Green Button at the upper left. 2. Enter your Member ID and password. Don’t know your Member ID? Use the “Forgot” link: Don’t know your Password? Use the “Reset Password” button. 3. Once you are logged in, you may renew your membership with your existing Club, or join a different club, or join several clubs. Be sure to select the “Individual” or “Family” membership type as appropriate. 4. Fill in your credit card info and press PAY NOW! 5. Once the transaction is completed, return to the home page. To the right of the Club Name is the word ‘Voucher’. Click on that to view and print your Voucher. Still need assistance? Email us at [email protected], or call the Membership Help Desk at 888-624-3849 x 103. Turn the page to learn how to register your sled(s) online with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles! --> Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 25 NYSSA Online Magazine How to register your sled(s) online with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles 1. Let’s get you to the right place: If you are a New York State Resident, go to this website: https://transact.dmv.ny.gov/RegistrationRenew/index.cfm If you are Out of State, go to this website: https://transact.dmv.ny.gov/SnowmobileOutofState/ 2. Follow the on-screen instructions (they are different for NY Residents and Out of State, so we can’t reproduce them here). 3. Remember to enter your 12-digit NYSSA Voucher ID (located above the barcode on your 2015-16 Voucher) with no dashes or spaces. XX-XXXX-XXXXXX 4. Print your Temporary Registration - your permanent registration and stickers for your sled will be mailed to you by NYS DMV within ten days. You are now… READY TO RIDE! Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 * EMAIL - [email protected] TOLL FREE: (888) 624-3849 * FAX: (888) 317-2441 * www.nysnowmobiler.com November 2015 - Page 26 As the unified voice for NY Snowmobiling, NYSSA works year-round to promote the sport and protect the trails needed for winter enjoyment. NYSSA is recognized and accepted in Albany, across the state, and nationally as the organization that represents the rights and needs of New York’s snowmobilers. Season 2015-16 NY Snowmobiler Publication Dates: NEW YORK STATE S N O W M OB I L E A S S O C I A T I O N (11 days after each BOD Meeting). April 13, 2016 December 16, 2015 May 12, 2016 January 21, 2016 February 18, 2016 AD RATES March 16, 2016 PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 888-624-3849 / Fax 888-317-2441 E-mail: [email protected] www.nysnowmobiler.com NYSSA Calendar of Events December 5, 2015 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. The Rusty Rail, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota, NY January 9, 2016 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. Byrncliff, 2357 Humphrey Road, Varysburg, NY January 10, 2016 Take a Friend Snowmobiling Event Location TBD (Western NY) February 6, 2016 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. The Beeches, 7900 Turin Road, Rome, NY March 5, 2016 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. Tailwater Lodge, 52 Pulaski St Altmar, NY April 2, 2016 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive, Clayton NY April 29, 30, and May 1, 2016 SLEDNY Educational Forum and NYSSA Annual Meeting Lake Placid Conference Center Main Street, Lake Placid, NY May 21, 2016 NYSSA Board of Directors Meeting Committees meet at 10 am. Board meeting at 1 pm. Location TBD Club Events are listed on our website: www.nysnowmobiler.com Safety Courses are listed at http://www.nysparks.com/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx
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