New York Snowmobilers Converge on Washington, DC
Press Release:
New York Snowmobilers Converge on Washington, DC
May 9, 2025
Members of the New York State Snowmobile Association along with other state snowmobile
associations participated in a DC Fly-in in Washington, DC this week to advocate to federal
legislators about the importance of snowmobiling in the United States. Forty-eight snowmobile
leaders across the country attended multiple meetings to discuss regional issues pertaining to the
economic impact of the sport and to promote full funding of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
Speakers included members the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, American
Chemical Council, Bureau of Land Management, the Motorcycle Industry Council, and the National
Forest Service.
“ISMA sees great value in bringing together state associations from across the country to represent
the snowmobile industry in DC. Conversations that take place this week help ensure that riders have
access to public lands and trail programs are well funded,” said Jaret Smith, President of the
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.
Bert Miller, President of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations said that “The DC Fly-
in is a fantastic opportunity for all of our state associations to meet with our legislative leaders and
seek their input on issues concerning snowmobiling throughout the United States. It is especially
important for all of our state’s associations to network together.” “It’s always great to have the
snowmobilers here in Washington, DC reminding our legislative leaders of the economic impacts of
snowmobiling in their states.” Said Christine Jordain, Executive Director of the American Council
of Snowmobile Association.
Members of the NYSSA Board of Directors visited numerous house and senate leader offices to
promote Senate bill number S811 which was introduced by Senator Amy Klobachar and would
secure full funding of the recreational trails program. If this bill passes the senate, it will ensure that
gas taxes collected from off road recreational users would be dedicated to recreational trail program
grants. Approximately 30% of these funds go towards motorized recreation including
snowmobiling.
At this time, there is no matching bill in the House of Representatives but both NYSSA and ACSA
are hopeful that members of Congress will sponsor it.
The New York State Snowmobile Association consists of 223 volunteer-based snowmobile clubs
which maintain over 10,600 miles of trails throughout New York State. The snowmobile program in
New York is completely self-funded through snowmobile registration fees collected from riders.
The New York State Snowmobile Association is the largest snowmobile association in the world
consisting of over 85,000 members.
