Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) officials recommend that snowmobilers exercise caution when operating on National Forest, and all lands, in Vermont this winter.
Weather permitting, snowmobile use is allowed on designated trails within the Green Mountain National Forest for the next four months through Friday, April 15, 2011.
“Given the significant number of injuries and fatalities that occurred last season, we are concerned about user safety. Patrols which are aimed at enforcing rules and regulations, monitoring trail conditions, and providing visitor information will occur throughout the Forest,” said Colleen Madrid, forest supervisor for the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests.
The GMNF will continue to work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies as well as the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) to make sure users of the trail system are respectful, responsible, law abiding, and safe.
The GMNF and VAST cooperate to maintain 472 miles of National Forest system trails that are part of the larger statewide snowmobile network. VAST is one of the only snowmobile associations in the United States that has a cooperative partnership agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
“All of these trails allow mixed uses, so people are snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing as well as using snowmobiles. Snowmobilers should travel responsibly and yield to other users,” said Madrid.
The maximum speed on state lands is 35 m.p.h. and Vermont has a tough Snowmobiling While Intoxicated Law that covers alcohol as well as drugs.
The Forest Service is also warning all snow travelers of the dangers in riding, hiking, and skiing on frozen water bodies. Trail users are encouraged to be mindful of fallen trees and other hazards they may encounter.
Operators must maintain control of their snowmobiles while riding, keep to the right at all times, and stay on designated trails only. All snowmobiles must be legally registered, have liability insurance, and operators must purchase a VAST Trails Maintenance Assessment decal. Helmet use is also required. Officials also encourage winter trail users to pack a flashlight, cell phone, food, and extra warm clothing in case of an emergency.
For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/index.htm or www.vtvast.org/VAST.html.