New Snowmobiler’s Prepare for the Upcoming Season

October 23, 2008
Contact: Darren Marsh, County Snowmobile Program Coordinator 224-3766 Sponsored by: Dane County Parks Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs – Paul Statz, President (608) 849-7535 Dane County Sheriff’s Marine and Trails Enforcement Bureau – Sergeant Dave Ritter (608) 284-6878
Land & Water Resources

Last winter’s record snowfalls provided some of the Midwest’s best snowmobiling right here in south central Wisconsin. “Early predictions are calling for another bumper snow season which is generating a surge in new interest for snowmobiling,” stated Paul Statz, President of the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs. Statz, a long time snowmobiler and ambassador for the sport, likes what he sees; more families and first-time snowmobilers becoming involved with the sport. However, he’d like to see all these new patrons sign-up for snowmobile safety class this fall and join their local Snowmobile Club as they prepare for the upcoming season. According to Statz, it’s important for new snowmobilers to get involved at the local level. Volunteer members work with landowners to help insure there are well-maintained trails to ride each winter. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people with similar interests and learn about organized rides and events. To locate a Club in your area, visit the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Trails Website at http://danecountycouncilsnowmobileclubs.com/ and go to Snowmobile Clubs for contact information. Sergeant Dave Ritter, Dane County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine and Trail Enforcement Bureau echoes Statz’s observations and comments. “New snowmobilers should consider participating in a Recreational Safety Class, and now is the time to sign up for Fall and Winter classes,” said Ritter. “Any person who is at least 12 years old and who is born on or after January 1, 1985 must have a valid snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile on public trails, lands or frozen waters, “stated Ritter. The safety courses are geared towards all new riders young or old. It’s essential that new snowmobilers have the proper training before they start riding. Not only will they receive the best training in operating snowmobiles, they will also learn trail rules and riding etiquette as well as discovering what the entire Snowmobile Recreation Program has to offer. To locate a Snowmobile Training Classes in your area, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Website at https://hfwolf.centraltechnology.net/wdnr/laam.nsf/publicHSClasses?OpenForm or go to WDNR home page and select Recreational Safety Training Classes - Snowmobile. For additional information on the County Snowmobile Program and lake safety information, visit the following websites: · http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/ · http://www.awsc.org/ · http://www.travelwisconsin.com/ · http://www.danesheriff.com/ ###