Snowmobilers damaging snowless terrain

Rutted soil and vegetation damage from a snowmobile near the Mt. Rose Highway. Photo/U.S. Forest Service

Snowmobilers riding on dirt are causing problems on U.S. Forest Service land.

The feds are telling snowmobilers to avoid bare dirt and patchy snow, and to not ride across streams or over small trees or brush. Doing so creates ruts in the soil and crushes vegetation.

“We are asking snowmobilers for voluntary cooperation in moving their activities to suitable locations,” LTBMU acting Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais said in a statement. “Riding snowmobiles on too little snow not only causes resource damage, but can damage the machine as well.”

Causing resource damage can result in a citation punishable by a fine of $5,000 or more and/or six months in jail.

Tahoe Sierra Snowmobiling Club is supporting the USFS in its efforts.

Information on areas where snowmobiles are allowed is available in the online.