Comment Monday on Snowmobiles in National Forsts

Skinning up a ridge near Blewett Pass in WA, on the side of Blewett Pass closed to snowmobiles

Now is the time to let the Forest Service know what is important to you as they make rules about where snowmobiles can go in the National Forest.  Comment period open through Monday, August 4th.

More info available here from the Winter Wildlands Alliance

This is very important for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and other users as it will shape how our wild places are used for years and maybe decades to come.

As it stands, all areas of the national forest will be open to snowmobiles unless specifically closed.  I think it makes more sense to close the national forest to snowmobiles unless an area is specifically open to them.  There is room in the forest for multiple user groups, and especially as snowmobiles become more powerful and capable of reaching remote & wild locations it is important to assess their impact to other users as well as wildlife and the ecosystem on each location.

More Info

Winter Wildlands Alliance
Montana Backcountry Alliance
Regulations.gov