A topic that we were asked to cover this winter-and it's a timely one with this winter's conditions and snowfall-is snowmobile safety and regulations. Our county has seen a significant amount of snowmobile traffic with the great riding conditions; reportedly, the most snowmobilers in the area in many years. In fact, the Minnesota United Snowmobiler's Association just closed their Winter Rendezvous at Cragun's Resort and they enjoyed some of the best trails that Cass County has to offer.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and DNR Enforcement-Safety/Education offer some good reminders.
Watch the weather and check trail conditions before riding. Almost all snowmobile clubs have an updated website or social media site that offers up-to-date reports on trail conditions, hazards, closed trails, and sections to be aware of, including plowed areas for logging, etc. Don't ride in adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip and check the trails you'll be riding prior to departure. Check trail conditions and trail maps. ( https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html )
Don't drink alcohol and ride. Alcohol is a factor in over 70 percent of all fatal accidents in Minnesota, as well as many non-deadly snowmobile accidents. Alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on the driver's vision, balance, coordination and reaction time. Minnesota is part of a larger coalition of snowmobiling states that support "Zero Alcohol" consumption before or during your ride.
Never ride alone. Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. This way if one machine is disabled, you have another to get help.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dress for safety and survival. Always wear a quality DOT helmet and facemask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. Snowmobile suits, bibs, jackets, gloves and mittens should cut the wind, repel water and keep you ventilated.
Slow down. Excessive speed is a major factor in many accidents, especially at night. To help avoid accidents, keep your nighttime speed under 40 mph.
Stay to the right. Almost every trail is a "two-way" trail; stay to the far right of the trail, especially on hills and corners. Obey all trail signs and cross roadways with extreme caution.
Stay on the trail or stay home. Trespassing is a major complaint about snowmobilers and can result in trail closure. Always stay on designated snowmobile trails. Venturing off trails can result in accidents. Only ride private property when you have landowner's permission. We respond to several complaints of snowmobilers trespassing each year. If you are following other's tracks and don't have permission to be where you are, don't ride there! There are miles and miles of public trails for you to enjoy and not trespass on private property. Several of our trail systems are made possible by private landowners allowing access to cross their property. Staying on the trail ensures that they will continue to allow access.
Riding on ice - lakes and rivers. It is safest to avoid riding on lakes and rivers. If you must ride on ice, wear a life jacket over your outer clothing. Stay on the marked trail and stay off any ice that has moving water (current) near or under it; ice in these areas may be thin and weak.
We are often asked about snowmobile registration procedures. State of Minnesota requires only a current registration on snowmobiles. At this time, you do not need a certificate of title for your snowmobile.
Other snowmobile information includes:
- A snowmobile may now be registered for trail use or non-trail use.
- The trail use registration fee is $113.50 for 3 years and includes unlimited use of Minnesota's 22,000 miles of state and grant-in-aid trails.
- The non-trail use registration fee is $53.50 for 3 years and is not transferable. A snowmobile that is registered for non-trail use may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid trail including a grant-in-aid trail in a road right-of-way.
- A non-trail use registration requires a new registration number to be affixed to the snowmobile.
- A state trail sticker is not valid for use on a non-trail use registered snowmobile.
- If an individual wants to use a non-trail use registered snowmobile on a state or grant-in-aid trail, the snowmobile will need to be re-registered for trail use and a new registration number will be assigned.
- A non-trail use registration decal will be yellow in color.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office receives a DNR grant each year to assist in trail monitoring, education and enforcement. Our Recreation Division is out patrolling trails and enforcing laws, as well as checking hazards and ensuring that grooming operations and trail signage are adequate. We encourage you to take advantage of what this winter has given us and enjoy our local trails safely and politely.
If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods: by email at
tom.burch@co.cass.mn.us
; by phone at 218-547-1424 or 800-450-2677; or by mail or in person at the Cass County Sheriff's Office, 303 Minnesota Ave. W, P.O. Box 1119, Walker, MN, 56484.
ADVERTISEMENT
