November 2009 Message
December 16th, 2009
The nights are starting to dip below the freezing mark, the first flurries of the year have been spotted and before you know it, the brown landscape will be covered with a soft, deep blanket of white gold. White Gold, you ask? That’s right. It wasn’t too many years ago that most up north resorts, lodges and restaurants would close their doors after deer season or even Labor Day because they couldn’t afford to stay open all winter for only a handful of local customers. Nowadays, many northern destinations see their business increase during the winter due to the influx of snowmobilers who flock to the snow belts to enjoy their favorite winter activity. When it snows snowmobilers go to the snow and spend lots of cash. Hence, snow equals white gold.
Several of your fellow Snomads recently attended the MSA Annual Convention in Lansing where we were the host club (which you’ll read about later). We got to hear from a number of industry leaders about the status of the snowmobile industry. One of the featured speakers was Ed Klim, Executive Director of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). He always provides a great insider’s perspective and mesmerizes you with facts and figures along with stories of his snowmobiling exploits around the world.
According to ISMA the snowmobiling industry pumps more than $20 billion into the US economy with more than $1 billion in Michigan alone. Snowmobile registrations in Michigan remain around 350,000 despite the faltering economy. Even though new snowmobile sales are falling, the number of people keeping their old sleds and continuing to enjoy the sport remains extremely high. Snowmobiling continues to be the second largest recreational activity revenue generator in the state (behind golf).
So everything is rosy, right? Not exactly. The Governor recently abolished the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) and replaced it with a new Michigan Trails Advisory Council (MTAC). While the SAC had their disagreements about what was best for the snowmobiling community, at least they focused solely on snowmobiling issues. The MTAC will be a seven member board that will consist of representatives from various recreational groups including non motorized trail users. Only one snowmobile representative – and it may not even be somebody who rides a snowmobile – will be on the MTAC. This is bad news. Snowmobilers have been solely responsible for the development and financing of Michigan’s 6000 mile snowmobile trail system, which benefits many other outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year at no cost to them. To put the decision making process of our trail system in the hands of some folks who have stated their desire to abolish the use of snowmobiles on state land is outrageous. This would be like making laws to prohibit the use of snow machines in national parks due to their global warming CO2 production without considering the input of scientists who present evidence with a differing point of view. Wait, they’re doing that too. Never mind.
If you want more information you can visit our own message board or the MSA website at msasnow.org.
Enough of the bad news. We’ve got an exciting KOP coming up on November 21st, the trails open December first, and the Shakedown Ride starts December 11th. Don’t forget to submit your Ski-Doo club promotion form to get $10 for the Snomads. Hurry, it ends on November 15th. See you on the trails soon.
Bill Chatfield
President
SnomadS Snofari Club