State Parks follows the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association in pledging to protect natural areas
OLYMPIA – Nov. 16, 2021 – As the snow begins to build in the Washington Cascades range, the State Parks Winter Recreation Program joins members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and the snowmobile community nationwide in promoting responsible snowmobile etiquette. The national “Take the Pledge” campaign aims to protect riding areas and trail systems for current and future generations. The campaign also reminds motorized recreationists to respect the landowners who provide access to their properties.
Those who take the pledge agree to the following:
- I Pledge to ride off trail only where I know it’s legal and accepted.
- I Pledge to check before going off-trail if I don’t know.
- I Pledge to protect access for future generations by doing the right thing.
- I Pledge to protect access by encouraging those I ride with to take the Pledge also.
Washington snowmobilers enjoy over 3,800 miles of groomed trails statewide. The trails cross over between state, federal and private lands. They have been built and maintained by snowmobile clubs and volunteers for generations. Washington snowmobile clubs also build warming huts, assist with backcountry rescue operations and offer organized rides to veterans and children with disabilities. Snowmobilers are an important part of the winter recreation community.
The national initiative includes snowmobile dealers, lodges and chambers of commerce as snowmobiling contributes to the state’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy with particular benefit to rural areas.
The Pledge was created to raise awareness about the impacts of motorized winter recreation on landowners, pets and livestock. Increased use of winter recreation areas over the last several years calls for awareness of legal riding areas and responsible recreation principles.
The State Parks Winter Recreation Program and International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association invite all snowmobilers and their riders to take this pledge at www.snowmobilerspledge.com.
News media contacts:
Pamela McConkey, Winter Recreation Program Manager, (360)790-9239
Meryl Lassen, Communications Consultant (503) 490-8796
media@parks.wa.gov
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About the State Parks Winter Recreation Program
The Winter Recreation Program manages more than 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 811 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 120 Sno-Parks (plowed parking areas near snowmobile and cross-country ski trails) on public and private lands in Washington. The Winter Recreation Program is supported entirely by user fees, snowmobile registrations and a percentage of the state fuel tax. Follow the Winter Recreation Program on Twitter at @WaStatePks_WNTR.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 21-069