From the Tuesday, January 25, 2005 issue of the Missoulian . . .
The Flathead National Forest is beefing up patrols and getting tougher on snowmobilers who venture into areas where they're not supposed to.
Forest officials say snowmobile trespassing into designated wildernesses and other areas where motor vehicles are forbidden is becoming an increasing problem in the region.
"Last year, we had a significant amount of snowmobile trespass in the Mission Mountain Wilderness and the Jewel Basin and some other closure areas," said Steve Brady, ranger of the Flathead forest's Swan Lake District. The problem appears to be continuing this season and is one "that we need to address with more observation and enforcement," he said.
Forest Service officers plan stepped up patrols from the ground and by air to catch snowmobilers who cross boundaries, and there will be stiffer punishment for those who are caught, Brady said.
The Forest Service will pursue mandatory court appearances, as opposed to issuing citations at the scene, in most cases. Past fines have averaged about $200, but Brady said the agency will seek higher fines -- up to $500 -- and snowmobiles may be impounded until a case is resolved or the fine is paid, Brady said.
Read the entire article . . .
Posted by nfpa at January 25, 2005 06:09 PM