Environment DEC
From the November 2003 issue
Snowmobile Trails Agreement Reached
Governor Pataki announced that the state has reached an agreement with the New York State Snowmobile Association to secure insurance coverage for the snowmobile organizations whose members provide regular maintenance on the 9,000-mile, state-designated trail system. The agreement provides a long-term solution for liability coverage.
Trail Coverage Restored
Last year, coverage was jeopardized and trails temporarily closed when the insurance policies for trail groups were cancelled or not renewed. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the New York State Insurance Department, the Office of General Services and DEC staff, along with the New York State Snowmobile Association and representatives from the insurance industry quickly worked out a short-term solution to provide coverage and reopen the trails for the duration of last season. Under terms of the new agreement for the upcoming season, NYSSA will secure and administer a blanket policy through the COOL Insuring Agency, Inc., funded by state trail grant monies supported by snowmobile registration.
A SUNY Potsdam study of the economic contribution of snowmobiling estimated that the sport now contributes more than $500 million annually to the state's economy. With more than 172,000 snowmobile registrations, New York State ranks fourth in the nation and is among the leaders in state-sponsored trail mileage.
Blood Alcohol Threshold Lowered
Governor Pataki also announced that he signed into law legislation to lower the threshold of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from .10 percent to .08 percent for snowmobilers. This brings the BAC for snowmobile operation in line with the new stronger standard for driving and boating. The new .08 law became effective November 1, 2003.
As recently as 2001, data reported to OPRHP indicated that alcohol consumption by snowmobile operators contributed to at least 10 percent of all accidents and was a factor in 55 percent of all incidents that resulted in fatalities.
