View From the Top
Enjoying the Mt. Baker Area
 

by Linda Nathan
 

Snowmobiling—A Hot Topic for Cold Areas

Thinkin’ snow....
    A lot of people are thinkin’ snow these days. Skiiers, sledders, snowmobilers... environmentalists ... the National Park Service ... the President....
From the Far North to the Rockies and points farther out, snowmobiling is taking the earth by storm. And a storm it has become, as the control of national parks and public lands is being battled at all levels. More than four million snowmobilers are now part of this $10 billion worldwide industry, with about 180,000 cruising approximately 130,121 miles of groomed trails in 30 parks in the lower 48 states. Snow machines have been around since the 1890s, ranging from today’s sleek sleds to early models powered by sawblades, propellers, steam and even a huge screw. As part of President Clinton’s “eco-legacy”, plans are now underway for a “National Landscape Monuments” network to more tightly control the use of public lands. Clinton has already declared four such monuments, and Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has another dozen targeted.

    But America’s 2.5 million snowmobile owners want access to the millions of acres of public land inaccessible any other way. The BlueRibbon Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group representing over 5,800 individuals and 550 businesses and organizations nationwide, champions responsible multiple-use recreation on public lands.

    Facing off are more than 60 environmental groups, led by the San Francisco-based Bluewater Network, a project of Earth Island Institute. These groups recently petitioned the National Park Service to prohibit snowmobiles in the National Park System. They say that snowmobiles pollute land and water, disturb vulnerable animals and violate the National Park Service’s duty to preserve parks. Hot spots in this cold war include Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Denali National Parks, where, despite its widespread popularity and utility, snowmobiling is under fierce fire. Current proposed regulations and trends lead many to believe that the National Park Service will ban the machines in these areas.

    Snowmobile CO levels are more than 500-1,000 times higher than modern cars, but public demand is moving the “Big 4”—Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat and Ski Doo—toward more development of four-stroke engines.

    The good news for the Mt. Baker area is that both sides are harmonious.  Bellingham businessman Ken Dickinson sells nearly new, used snowmobiles and accessories in his store, General Chain Saw Supply at 2100 James, and has hit the snowmobile trails since 1969. Ken is the State Outrider Coordinator for the Whatcom County Snowgoers (360-733-4256), whose many statewide chapters belong to the Washington State Snowmobile Association—part of the BlueRibbon Coalition.

    “We’ve got a pretty unique area here,” Ken says. “We get Washington’s first rideable snow, and it carries over until about June. We go to the most popular snow park, just a couple of miles past Glacier on the Mt. Baker Highway at Canyon Creek Road. What’s changed the sport more than anything is the state trail grooming program for Whatcom County, because now families can ride.” Skagit and Whatcom Counties and the state have created snow parks groomed for both snowmobile and nonmotorized use for a $20 yearly fee.

    “Snowmobiling is really growing here in Whatcom County, and regulations are just now coming in because of the snow parks,” Ken says. “But everybody’s getting along well.”

    This positive view is seconded by Eli Warren, District Information Assistant for the Mt. Baker Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Since 93 percent is wilderness, and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest’s mandated use includes recreation, he says it’s not much of an issue here. “Our utilization is not as extensive, except maybe on Mt. Baker’s south side. I haven’t had anyone talk of any problems.”

    What’s ahead? We’ll find out as the rubber hits the snow.  State snowmobile grooming reports, links, trail maps, clubs, etc.: http://www.skagitcounty.net/offices/parks/index.htm
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Linda Nathan has served Whatcom County since 1992 with her writing, editing and desktop publishing business, Logos Word Designs. She has been editor of Northwest Events & Lifestyle Review since 1995.