As many of you are aware there are two lawsuits being heard and decided in Idaho that have the potential to severely affect snowmobiling in the west as we know it. One lawsuit filed by the Winter Wildlands Alliance against the United State Forest Service contends that the Travel Management Rule has a loophole that should be closed as it relates to snowmobiles and cross country travel, i.e., force travel management to restrict snowmobiles to trails and roads, disallowing cross country travel on public lands. The Idaho State Snowmobile Association intervened on behalf of the Forest Service. The second lawsuit filed by the Idaho State Snowmobile Association against the United States Forest Service disputing the management protocol dictating that Recommended Wilderness Areas be managed as designated Wilderness (a direct violation of the Wilderness Act of 1964).
A group of enthusiasts created a group named SLED WARRIORS for the sole purpose of getting the word out about these and other threats to the sport and help collect funding for these precedent setting legal battles.
The Colorado Snowmobile Association has already sent financial support to the cause and has a link on our website to the SLED WARRIORS website where you can donate and buy merchandise to support the cause individually. Now another opportunity for our clubs and members to participate in donating to this very worthy cause has been offered up.
The Routt Powder Riders in Steamboat Springs has already set aside $1,000 of their club funds to send to SLED WARRIORS and they have challenged the rest of the clubs in the state to raise additional donations. They have generously agreed to match up to another $5,000 donated to the cause by the clubs in the states and their members. The challenge will be active until April 1. What an exciting opportunity – sending $11,000 plus from Colorado snowmobilers to our neighbors who are gallantly waging this all important battle.
If you are a club member and want to donate to this very important cause please give your money to your local club and designate that you want it to to to the SLED WARRIOR CLUB CHALLENGE. If you are not a club member but are interested in helping out please send your donation to CSA (designate SLED WARRIOR CLUB CHALLENGE on your check) at 325 River Rock Drive, Johnstown, CO 80534.
We have many reasons to believe that Colorado could be next on the target list if this threat is not thwarted now. Please give a little to help this very worthy battle.