Finally!  Conflict on trail use between skiers and snowmobilers has been addressed with a new US Forest Service (USFS) rule: the Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Travel Management Rule Revision.  10 years in the making, the final OSV Rule revisions were published in the Federal Register on January 28, 2015.  Also included in this notice are summary responses to some of the 20,000 comments received during the public comment period.

The original Travel Management Rule directed management of wheeled vehicles on Forest Service lands, but exempted snowmobiles.  With this new ruling snow-mobiles are also included in the “prohibited unless allowed” approach of the original rule.   The Forest Service  final rule requires its forests across the nation to decide which routes and areas will be open to snowmobiles and other over-snow vehicles, and which will be reserved for non-motorized use only.

The OSV Rule provides a framework within which USFS personnel can work with local communities and interest groups to designate specific trails, roads and areas for OSV use.  The rule effectively provides for a system of zoning of forest areas for motorized and non-motorized use.  Designated areas are recorded on an OSV map, and OSV use is prohibited elsewhere.

Advocacy on the part of the backcountry winter recreation community was critical to achievement of this revised Rule, and will be essential in working locally with the Forest Service in establishing local designations and maps.  Potential loopholes in the rule (e.g. grandfathering-in old and ill-advised designations) must be addressed locally.  Hut owners are pleased with the outcome and prepared to continue their work to ensure safe and quiet trails for skiers.

[Note: It is not clear to me whether this rule affects over snow fat tire biking on National Forest lands. I have heard that there are occasional trail conflicts between skiers and bikers.  I’d like to hear from someone knowledgeable in this area.]

— Sam Demas, h2h Editor