Help us save our right to access historical riding areas used by
Montana Snowmobilers.
MSSA to help fight the closure of the "Great Burn" area.
The Idaho State Snowmobile Association (ISSA) has sued the Clearwater National Forest (CNF) in an attempt to unwind the CNF Travel
Plan. Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC) has signed on as a co-plaintiff. The guts of the lawsuit is to challenge the current
Region One policy to manage Recommended Wilderness as de facto wilderness without congressional approval.
The association adapted the following position statement in December, 2011.
The Missoula Snowgoers Snowmobile Association supports and advocates responsible multiple use of public lands, with emphasis on winter multiple use. We define multiple use as sharing trails and areas between varied recreational (motorized and non-motorized) users and resource based industries where appropriate. Any restrictions on multiple use must be based on unbiased scientific analysis, public input, and the specific needs of the locality.
Snowmobiling and Montana's Economy
"Snowmobiling is a popular, revenue-generating winter recreation for Montana. It is popular with a solid share of households in the state, and increasingly popular with nonresident tourists." Read the study conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana-Missoula, by clicking here.
All Evidence of Snowmobile Operation Disappears When the Snow Melts
A snowmobile with a rider exerts one-tenth the pressure on the earth compared to a hiker. The U.S. Department of Interior stated: "...Snowmobiles operated on an adequate snow cover have little effect on soils ...". Read the full report here
MSSA Supports H.R. 1581
The Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act (H.R.1581) would release wilderness study areas administered by the Bureau of Land Management that are not suitable for wilderness designation from continued management as defacto wilderness areas. H.R. 1581 would ensure that over 40 million acres of public lands that have been determined to be unsuitable as wilderness areas are managed for the benefit of all people, rather than being restricted so the American public cannot use or enjoy them.
Read our letter to Congressman Rehberg.
Clearwater National Forest Travel Plan
The Clearwater National Forest has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) for the Travel Planning project. It does not look good for snowmobiling.
You can read the FEIS and the ROD online by clicking here.
Our Public Lands Director has invested a great deal of time investigating the decision and has documented issues found in FEIS. Please read those comments by clicking here.
It is critical that you read the 36 CFR 215 rules so your appeal follows the rules set within it. The process is not complicated but you must adhere to the rules or it will be thrown out if you miss a key point. An emailed appeal needs to include scanned signature to be validated.
MSSA's Letter to Congressman Rehberg
MSSA is asking for Congressman Rehberg's help concerning the Clearwater National Forest Travel Plan. Read the letter we sent by clicking here.
Important Links:
Montana Snowmobile Association
Snowmobile Alliance of Western States
Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
Mountain States Legal Foundation
American Council of Snowmobile Association
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
