Correction from report on 12/1....
While prices will be changing, registration fee's will not be going up. Fee's for registering a snowmobile will be 30 dollars for a 3-year pass not 30 dollars for a two year pass as reported on 12/1. The article below has been changed to represent the accurate information.
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Some major changes are happening this season in Wisconsin for those who snowmobile. The fee for snowmobile registration is changing and also all snowmobiles will now be required to have a Wisconsin trail pass on them. NBC26 shares what you should know and do, before hitting the trails.
You used to be able to register your sled for two years, for thirty bucks. Now it's changed to three years for the same price. On top of that, everyone has to buy a trail pass that today ranges from 10 to 30 dollars. So what's the money going towards? NBC26 found out today.
First things first we need some snow. But once that comes, everyone who wants to ride a snowmobile in the state will be responsible for purchasing a trail pass.
"Michigan has a trail pass, Minnesota has a trail pass. Wisconsin has premium trails and they thought it was time to upgrade," says Mike Tilleman the President of the Brown County Snowmobile Alliance.
All 22-thousand miles of Wisconsin trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs, but many clubs can't afford the upkeep. While funding has been provided through registration fees and trail passes, it just isn’t enough to maintain the upkeep.
"You're putting the trail system in, doing your brushing, your grooming, and your signing. That’s all done by club members. It's not done by the DNR it's all volunteer," adds Tilleman.
For 30 dollars you can get a trail pass, just as easy as that. Or you can join a local club and get a pass for just 10 bucks. Clubs across the state are hoping that more people choose the later.
"There are a lot of clubs that are struggling," says Bob VanDenHeuvel the Trail Boss of the West De Pere Snow Owls Snowmobile Club.
The idea behind it all is to help build membership in clubs. After all it’s the clubs that are willing to help maintain the trails for the general public, who use them.
"All the money that goes in for registration and this sticker will go into the snowmobile program providing the club with more money to do the maintenance on the trails," adds VanDenHeuvel.
Click here to find out more about local clubs in your region waiting for more members.
