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Editor, Iowa Snowmobiler
This winter, Iowa will join the list of Snow Belt states which require a
trail permit for out-of-state riders. Approved by the Iowa Legislature last
spring, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will be
assessing a $15 fee for non-residents who wish to ride the trails in Iowa.
Effective Dec. 15, the passes will be available electronically at any depot
where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The money generated will be
earmarked for groomer purchases and other snowmobile trail
improvements, according to David Downing, snowmobile program
coordinator for the IDNR.
Downing said he really doesn’t feel it will hurt tourism, as was the
argument four years ago when snowmobilers and business owners
successfully lobbied for the repeal of the snowmobile flag law. In fact,
he's been advocate of a permit system since he took over the program
three years ago.
“The idea that an out-of-state snowmobiler isn’t going to come here and
buy a pass because we don’t have anything is hooey,” he said at the 31st
Annual ISSA Convention in November of 2004. “We go there, we buy a
pass. All these states are doing away with reciprocity. We need to as
well. When they come here, they should be paying.”
For continued reading, see the September 2005 issue of the Iowa Snowmobiler.
This winter, Iowa will join the list of Snow Belt states which require a
trail permit for out-of-state riders. Approved by the Iowa Legislature last
spring, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will be
assessing a $15 fee for non-residents who wish to ride the trails in Iowa.
Effective Dec. 15, the passes will be available electronically at any depot
where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The money generated will be
earmarked for groomer purchases and other snowmobile trail
improvements, according to David Downing, snowmobile program
coordinator for the IDNR.
Downing said he really doesn’t feel it will hurt tourism, as was the
argument four years ago when snowmobilers and business owners
successfully lobbied for the repeal of the snowmobile flag law. In fact,
he's been advocate of a permit system since he took over the program
three years ago.
“The idea that an out-of-state snowmobiler isn’t going to come here and
buy a pass because we don’t have anything is hooey,” he said at the 31st
Annual ISSA Convention in November of 2004. “We go there, we buy a
pass. All these states are doing away with reciprocity. We need to as
well. When they come here, they should be paying.”
For continued reading, see the September 2005 issue of the Iowa Snowmobiler.