ACSA E-News

==== ACSA E-News ====

HAY DAYS

The SnoBarons would like to send a huge thank you to all our sponsors, vendors, dealers, swappers, volunteers and everyone who attended HayDays 2024! You all made The Official Start of Winter another successful and unforgettable event!

Please know that we are already hard at work planning HayDays 2025 and we can’t wait to see you again next year!

Here’s wishing everyone an incredible winter filled with abundant power, smooth trails and 100% safe miles!

Think Snow!

According to the Sno Barons.....

"Winter Fam....you have, and always will be,

the absolute best part of Hay Days!"

DC Silliness

It’s election season. And there's still no FY 2025 federal budget in place, which could cause a government shutdown on September 30th. That's a huge problem. DC has lots of important issues, hmmm…..like inflation, low prices for soybeans and corn, high grocery prices and on and on…..but no - Congress isn't tackling those issues!

Instead, they're dealing with silly issues. Two legislators, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R) from South Carolina and Congressman Matt Gaetz (R) from Florida, have drafted legislation called the "Snowmobiles Aren't Weapons Act." It relates to a Wyoming hunter/rancher who captured a wolf while riding a snowmobile (which is legal), and then paraded the live, muzzled wolf around town. Stupid? Yes, but using a snowmobile to hunt is not illegal in Wyoming and other western states - where wolves are classified as predators.

These legislators are trying to create 'snowmobiling' issues that are not really snowmobile issues – and are certainly not national issues! And being from Sunbelt States, they likely don't even know what a snowmobile really is or what it's used for. The Wyoming legislature and Department of Game & Fish are dealing with how to regulate the future treatment of 'captured' wildlife. That is their bailiwick. Clearly, this is not a 'snowmobile' issue, particularly when their bill actually addresses 'motor vehicles' versus specifically only snowmobiles, as its short title states. This is a commonsense issue – and you can’t legislate or enforce common sense!

We will keep you advised.

Attention Snowmobile Clubs!

Celebrate Snowmobile Day!

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has announced:

Snowmobile Day - October 26, 2024, and International Snowmobile Ride Day - February 8, 2025

ISMA will support a select number of Snowmobile Clubs participating in both events with a $500 grant program. Applications will be judged based on the application details and the scope of events.

In order to qualify for the grant, the snowmobile club must:

Partner with an OEM snowmobile dealer and host an October 26^th event at the dealership, and

Plan a ride event on February 8th, from an open house at a Clubhouse, Hot Chocolate at a trail intersection, or BBQ at the trailhead to celebrate this day.

If your snowmobile club would like to be considered for this offer, please contact your State Association or email Susan.Andrews@snowmobile.org for the application form and submit it no later than September 23, 2024.

International Snowmobile

Hall of Fame Inductions

On Saturday, September 21st, the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame will hold inductions for very deserving snowmobilers that have given so much to the sport of snowmobiling. Among those that will be recognized for their effots are:

Dave Newman from Wisconsin. Dave is currently the Vice President of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations. He has served as President of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Associations as well as Club President and County Director for many years.

Dave has promoted snowmobiling at the State Capitol as well as in Washington, DC many times. He has attended many International Snowmobile Congresses - and even hosted 2 in Green Bay recently.

Dave started riding on a 1972 John Deere when he was 16 year old -- and hasn't stopped. He still rides 2,500-3,000 miles a year, in addition to spending many hours volunteering in many snowmobile-related activities.

Thanks and Congratulations Dave!

Snowmobiling has been a part of Mike Heteen’s life since he was born. Growing up in the “Polaris family” helped him learn and experience the sport from its early beginnings.

Mike started working after school at his Dad's Polaris Distributorship preparing parts to ship to dealers. He then worked 36 years for Polaris, from District Sales Manager to Purchasing to Supplier Management, retiring in 2016.

While Polaris was a job - snowmobiling was a passion. He helped found the Roseau County Trailblazers and remains very involved today. Mike has always felt the continuing need to be involved in snowmobile organizations on a local, state, national and international level.

Thanks and Congratulations Mike!

Pete Leibee, owner of Rocky Mountain Powersports, has been supportive clubs across the state for over 20 years. His dealership is known to donate raffle items from hats to snowmobiles and side-by-sides and has helped to achieve fundraising goals in and outside the snowmobile industry such as hospitals, animal shelters and scholarships.

Pete was a visionary for trail side safety shelters. His participation was essential for 2 of the most widely used shelters in Wyoming.

Pete was also instrumental in installing avalanche beacon check points in Wyoming and in expanding parking areas.

Pete has attended numerous meetings with the U.S. Forest Service and stresses the importance for the future of snowmobiling. Rocky Mountain Powersports exemplifies innovative practices and a commitment to excellence.

Congratulations Pete

Keep Up the Good Work!

The Chute Pond Snowmobile Club is based in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where they maintain 120 miles of trails. A team of 12 groomer operators using 4 groomers and are backed by a 235 members.

The club promotes the snowmobiling year-round. They have events from parades to holiday parties to working school concession stands. Their primary fundraising event is an annual “Blast from the Past” a vintage ride and show, and a vintage sled raffle.

Snowmobiling safety is always a high priority for the Chute Pond Club. Safety courses are held every April and October. They regularly use local TV news for reminders on snow conditions. The club strives for positive impact on local businesses and maintaining the best snowmobile trails.

Congratulations and

thanks for your dedication!

Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado

Last December 4 wolves were reintroduced in Colorado, two have died, and one had 4 pups. Reintroducing the adults to the wild is a difficult task, including the complications with ranchers and livestock. The pups will be released into the wild in the future.

Colorado’s wolves are classified as an “experimental population” by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife officials began to relocate gray wolves into the state last year — part of a mandatory reintroduction effort dictated by a 2020 ballot measure — that will ultimately see 30 to 50 wolves released into the state in the coming years.

Moving forward decisions on the wolves relocation must consider all potential impacts of the wolves' next home.