Red Arrow Club Updates

Good afternoon to all of our club members!

As a club we understood this email was sent to every AWSC member. We misunderstood and are providing you with a quick synopsis. More details can be found in the screenshots of the email.

The AWSC (Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs) President, Lori Heideman, is asking all snowmobilers to contact their state legislators and request that they co-sponsor a new Fee Increase Bill (LRB 4389). The organization says this legislation is necessary to keep Wisconsin’s snowmobile program strong and properly funded. She states that it is important that we all stand united to get this legislation passed. If you have any questions or do not understand the bill to please contact her or your County Rep to get the factual information.

A forwarded email from Sam Landes details the proposed fee increases received from Rep. Chanz Green and Sen. Cory Tomcyzk:

• Trail Pass with Club Membership (AWSC Club Pass): from $9.25 → $19.25

• Trail Pass without a Club Membership (DNR Pass): from $29.25 → $49.25

• Out-of-State Trail Pass: from $49.25 → $69.25

• Snowmobile Registration (3 years): from $30 →$45

Rep. Chanz Green and Sen. Cory Tomczyk, Legistlative Committee Members, state the increases are needed because:

• The last fee increase was in 2013 when the Trail Pass program was enacted. The program is self funded using no taxpayer dollars.

• The self funded program was nearly $4 million dollars short of the funding needed for infrastructure projects requested by clubs and alliances. According to DNR records, trail infrastructure projects have more than doubled in cost since 2014–15.

• Equipment and labor rate reimbursement from the DNR has only increased 30% since 2013. Costs associated with equipment have risen significantly. Tracked grooming units increased nearly 60%, tractors increased nearly 85% and drags have nearly doubled.

• Funding shortfalls prevent approval of new/unfunded trail projects (about 400 miles requested last year).

• At the current trail pass and registration fee pricing the trail grant program cannot sustain itself. The increase will help shore up this situation.

The AWSC urges snowmobilers to unite, support and share the message of this co-sponsored bill. The funding increase goes to the trail grant program which will trickle down to the clubs through project reimbursement and equipment & rate reimbursement.