TO:  INTERESTED SNOWMOBILERS

 

FROM:  CHRISTINE JOURDAIN, American Council of Snowmobile Associations

 

DATE:  May 5, 2006

 

 

KUDOS TO SNOWMOBILERS!!  When the snowmobilers were in Washington, DC for the FLY-IN, one of the most important issues that we discussed with our legislators was the budget for the Forest Service.  The Forest Service was looking at a $19 million reduction in their trails budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

In addition to the personal visits -- which happened to be timed perfectly -- many phone calls were made.  Our requests were granted yesterday.

 

The House subcommittee on Interior Appropriations approved a fiscal year 2007 Interior and related agencies appropriations bill on May 4th.  The subcommittee did the following:

 

     *  approved $262 Million for Forest Service recreation ($11 Million more than the President's request);

     *  approved $73.4 Million for Forest trails ($13 Million more than the President's request);

     *  approved a $41 Million increase in base National Park Service operations spending;

     *  did not include an administration proposal to sell Forest Service and BLM lands;

     *  approved no money for new federal land acquisitions;

     *  approved no money for the state side of LWCF (compared to $30 Million in fiscal 2006)

 

Way to go snowmobilers!!  You traveled to Washington, DC, you spoke -- and they listened!!  You really are the movers and shakers in the motorized recreation community!!

 

Twenty states participated in the April Fly-In.  Over 200 legislative offices were visited.  We had speakers from the Forest Service, the Park Service, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior, the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee and many other legislators, legislative staff and related organizations.

 

It was no secret that the snowmobilers were in town for their annual visit.  The Fly-In has really changed the minds and attitudes in DC because of the efforts the snowmobilers make by traveling to Washington every spring.

 

THANK YOU SNOWMOBILERS and THANK YOU SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS for your support!!

 

Mark your calendars now for the 2007 Fly-In, April 14-18.

 

TREES ARE AVAILABLE:  Through the partnership we have with the Forest Service, there are approximately 20,000 seedlings available to snowmobile associations and clubs.  If you have any snowmobile areas, river restorations, or other projects where these trees would be appropriate, please contact the ACSA office.

 

2006 CONGRESS:  June is rapidly approaching....which means the 38th Annual International Snowmobile Congress is around the corner. 

 

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers has put together a fabulous schedule.  If you have not yet made your arrangements, plan to do so now.  The event will kick off on Wednesday evening with a cruise that promises to delight everyone, so make your travel arrangements to allow you to participate in this.

 

2006 GRAND RAFFLE:  The winners for the 2006 Grand Raffle will be drawn on Friday, June 2nd.  Remember, there are Four (4) High Performance Snowmobiles that will be given away.  Only 1,000 tickets were printed, less than 500 will probably be sold.  Cost is $100  --  and is tax-deductible because ACSA is a charitable organization.

 

If you have not yet bought your tickets, contact your State Snowmobile Association or the ACSA office.

 

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us.